Get a National Insurance number

Getting a National Insurance number

    Call Jobcentre Plus to apply for a National Insurance number.

    You must have the right to work or study in the UK to get a National Insurance number.

    Jobcentre Plus may ask you to go to an interview to confirm your identity.

    Jobcentre Plus application line
    Telephone: 0845 600 0643
    Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

    Welsh language: 0845 602 1491
    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
    Find out about call charges

    National Insurance number interview

    Jobcentre Plus may write to you and ask you to come to an interview where you’ll be asked about your circumstances and why you need a National Insurance number.

    The letter will also tell you which documents to bring to prove your identity, eg:

    • passport/identity card
    • residence permit
    • birth/adoption certificate
    • marriage/civil partnership certificate
    • driving licence

    You turned 16 and didn’t get a number

    You should automatically get a National Insurance number just before your 16th birthday.

    Call the National Insurance Registrations Helpline if you didn’t get a number and you’re under 20.

    National Insurance Registrations Helpline
    Telephone: 0300 200 3502
    Textphone: 0300 200 3519
    Welsh language: 0300 200 1900
    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
    Find out about call charges