Apply for a National Insurance number

How to apply

To get a National Insurance number you need to apply online and prove your identity.

Eligibility

You can apply for a National Insurance number if you 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 must be over the age of 16.

If you've lost your National Insurance number

If you already have a National Insurance number but have lost it then you can request a paper copy.

What you'll need

If you have the following documents, use them when you apply:

You can still apply if you do not have any of these documents but you may need to attend an appointment to prove your identity.