How to get the National Insurance Number (NINo)

What is the National Insurance Number?
Your National Insurance number makes sure your National Insurance contributions and tax are only recorded against your name.
It’s made up of letters and numbers and never changes.

How do I get it? You must have the right to work or study in the UK to get a National Insurance number. Contact the Jobcentre Plus, that will send you an application form/, they may also 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

Usually, calling the Jobcentre and they give you an appointment to an interview where you will be asked about your circumstances and why you need a National Insurance number.

They  will also tell you which documents to bring to prove your identity, e.g.:

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

(You need the proof of your English address and no residence permit if you are an European citizen)

Everything is explained on the gov.uk site: gov.uk

How long does it takes?
You will receive your confirmation letter by one or two week, but in the meanwhile you’ll have a temporary NINo.