National Insurance numbers
You will need a National Insurance Number if you live in the United Kingdom (UK), have the right to work in the UK and you’re working, looking for work, or have an offer to start work.
If you live in the UK you’ll normally receive a National Insurance number automatically at age 16 if a parent has filled in a Child Benefit claim form for you.
When you will need a National Insurance Number
You will need a National Insurance Number if you live in the UK, have the right to work in the UK and you are:
- working
- looking for work
- have an offer to start work
You can start work without a National Insurance number if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK.
You do not need a National Insurance number to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
When you may receive a National Insurance Number
Make sure you’re eligible before you apply for a National Insurance number. If you already have one you will not be sent a new one.
If you’re a UK resident aged 19 or under
You’ll normally be sent a National Insurance number automatically, in the 3 months before your 16th birthday, if both the following are true:
- you live in the UK
- a parent has filled in a Child Benefit claim form for you
If you are aged 16 to 19 and you did not get one, you should contact HM Revenue and Customs.
Apply for a National Insurance number online if your parent or guardian did not fill in a Child Benefit claim form for you.
If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
If you have a BRP, you might have a National Insurance number already - it will be printed on the back of your BRP if you do.
You can find out further information on Biometric residence permits
If you do not have a National Insurance number, you must apply for one if you plan to work. You can only apply when you are in the UK.
If you’re claiming benefits or applying for a student loan
You do not need a National Insurance number to apply for benefits or a student loan. You will receive one if your application for benefits or a student loan is successful.
If you have lost your National Insurance Number
If you have lost your National Insurance number you can check how to find a lost National Insurance number.
If you already have one you will not be sent a new one
Eligibility to apply for a National Insurance Number
If you do not already have a National Insurance number, you can apply for a National Insurance number if you live in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.
You must also be looking for work or have an offer to start work in the UK. If you have already started working you can still apply.
You’re not eligible to apply if you:
- have lost your National Insurance number
- have a biometric residence permit (BRP) which has a National Insurance number printed on it
- are only applying for a National Insurance number because you want to apply for benefits or a student loan
Living in Republic of Ireland and working in Northern Ireland
If you live in the Republic of Ireland and you’re working in Northern Ireland, you cannot apply for a National Insurance Number online.
Contact one of the Northern Ireland helpline telephone numbers below for advice on how to get a National Insurance Number.
How to apply
Make sure you’re eligible before you apply for a National Insurance number.
You can only apply for a National Insurance number if you live in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.
You need to prove your identity and apply online in order to get a National Insurance number.
What you need
If you have any of the following documents, you can use them when you apply:
- a passport from any country
- a biometric residence permit (BRP)
You can also use a national identity card from:
- a country in the EU
- Norway
- Liechtenstein
- Switzerland
You can still apply if you do not have any of these documents but you may need to go to an appointment to prove your identity.
Prove your identity
You may be able to prove your identity online by submitting digital photos of your identity documents and yourself.
If you cannot prove your identity online, then you may need to:
- post photocopies of your documents
- go to an appointment
Apply online
After you apply, you’ll get an email with your application reference number. The email will tell you if you need to provide more proof of your identity.
When you have proven your identity, it can take up to 16 working days to get your National Insurance number.
Apply for a National Insurance Number
Get help with your application
If you have queries or need help with your application, contact the National Insurance number application helpline (Northern Ireland)
Telephone: 0800 587 0024
Textphone: 0800 587 0194
Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 4.00 pm