Last updated: 16 October 2026
What is a National Insurance number?
Your National Insurance number (NINO) is your personal reference in the UK tax and benefits system. It looks like QQ 12 34 56 C: two letters, six numbers and a final letter from A to D. HMRC uses it to record your earnings, tax and National Insurance contributions, and the Department for Work and Pensions uses the same record to decide your State Pension and some benefits. You keep the same number for life, even if you change your name or leave the UK.
Who gets a NINO automatically?
Most people born and living in the UK do not need to apply. HMRC sends a letter with the number shortly before your 16th birthday, as long as your parent or guardian claimed Child Benefit for you. If you did not get the letter, you can find your number in your HMRC online account or the HMRC app.
How do I apply for a National Insurance number?
You need to apply if you have the right to work in the UK and have never had a number, for example if you moved to the UK from abroad. The steps are:
- Check you have the right to work or study in the UK.
2. Apply online on gov.uk. You will be asked to prove your identity, usually with a passport, biometric residence permit or eVisa share code.
3. HMRC may ask for more documents or an interview.
4. Your number arrives by letter, which can take several weeks.
Some people already have a NINO printed on their biometric residence permit or eVisa record, so check this before you apply.
Can I start work without a National Insurance number?
Yes. You can start work as soon as you can prove your right to work. Tell your employer you have applied. They will put you on the payroll and report your pay to HMRC through Real Time Information (RTI) without the number, using your full name, date of birth and address. Once your number arrives, give it to your employer so your contributions go on the right record.
Why your NINO matters
| Area | Why the number is needed |
| State Pension | You need 35 qualifying years for the full new State Pension (£241.30 a week in 2026/27) and at least 10 for any pension |
| Payroll | Your employer reports pay and deductions against it |
| Self Assessment | It links your tax return and Unique Taxpayer Reference to your record |
| Benefits | Universal Credit and other benefits use it to check entitlement |
What employers should check
Ask new starters for their NINO, but do not delay their start if they do not have one yet. Never use a made-up or “temporary” number, as this creates duplicate records and can leave gaps in the employee’s contribution record. If the employee later supplies a number, add it to the next Full Payment Submission.
Lost your National Insurance number?
You can find it in your personal tax account, the HMRC app, on payslips, a P60 or letters from HMRC or DWP. If you still cannot find it, you can ask HMRC to post it to you. HMRC will not tell you your number over the phone or by email.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to get a National Insurance number?
No. Applying is free. Ignore any website that charges a fee.
Can I have more than one NINO?
No. Each person has one number for life. If you think you have two, contact HMRC so the records can be merged.
Do I need a NINO to register as self-employed?
It helps, as HMRC uses it to link your records. If you are waiting for one, contact HMRC before the registration deadline of 5 October after the end of your first tax year.
Is my NINO the same as my UTR?
No. Your Unique Taxpayer Reference is a separate 10-digit number used for Self Assessment.
Related: what National Insurance is, new employees without a P45 and topping up your NI record.
Talk to Accotax
Want this handled for you? Our team at Accotax can help with employee onboarding and payroll set-up. See our small business accountants service, or contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
This page is general guidance based on HMRC rules for the 2026/27 tax year, checked against gov.uk on 16 October 2026. It is not personal advice, so speak to an accountant about your own situation.
