Where to find your National Insurance number

What the number looks like

A National Insurance number is made up of 2 letters, 6 numbers and a final letter, for example QQ123456B. It stays the same for life.

If you live in the UK, you normally get a letter with your number shortly before your 16th birthday, sent to the address HMRC has for you. If you have lived or worked in the UK, you will usually already have a number even if you do not know it.

Where to look

HMRC cannot give you your National Insurance number over the phone or on webchat, so calling is not a shortcut.

Still cannot find it?

1. Open GOV.UK's "Check how to find your National Insurance number" tool from the Find your National Insurance number page.
2. Answer the questions about your situation. The tool shows where to look, or how to ask for the number.
3. Allow enough time: the tool times out if you stop for 15 minutes or more, and your answers are not saved.

Moved to the UK from abroad?

You may already have a number if you have worked or claimed benefits in the UK. If not, you may need to apply for one; GOV.UK has a separate apply service.

If you do not have a UK address and do not know your number, GOV.UK says to follow the guidance for finding a lost National Insurance number before trying to create a Government Gateway user ID.

Who needs your number

To help prevent identity fraud, do not share your number with anyone who does not need it. GOV.UK lists organisations that may need it, including:

• HMRC and your employer.
• The Department for Work and Pensions if you claim state benefits (in Northern Ireland, the Department for Social Development).
• Your local council if you claim Housing Benefit, or the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
• Electoral Registration Officers, to check your identity when you register to vote.
• The Student Loans Company, your pension provider and your ISA provider.

Common questions