How to get proof of national insurance number? National Insurance numbers (NINOs) are necessary to work or apply for benefits in the United Kingdom.
On this page, we explain what NINOs are, where they can be obtained, and what you should do if you lose or forget your NINO.
You need a NINO to work in the United Kingdom or Northern Ireland if you are 16 years of age or older.
If you do not have a NINO, you can look for work and start working without one, but you must apply for one as soon as possible.
What is a National Insurance number?
Before you turn 16, the government usually sends you a NINO. This is used to identify kids who have not applied for child benefits.
Read Also: How To Become An Insurance Agent From Home
If you have parents or guardians who haven’t claimed child benefit, they’ll need to apply for your NINO.
Your parents might need to come in for an interview. Or, if you’re a looked-after child, you’ll need to get a NINO from your social worker three months before you turn 16.
Your NINO is yours to use for life, but you can’t use anyone else’s. Everyone has their own NINO and everyone in your family should have one too.
The NINO is usually made up of two letters, six numbers, and a last letter, like QQ 1234 56 A. If you need to get a letter, you can get one from your PTA.
Read Also: How Many Insurance Claims Is Too Many?
Where do I get a National Insurance number from?
National Insurance numbers (NINOs) are issued by the DWP (Department of Work & Pensions) and the DDS (Department of Social Development).
In England, Scotland & Wales, NINOs are issued just before the age of 16. In Northern Ireland, they are issued by the Department of Social Development.
If you are coming to work in the UK from outside the UK, you will have to apply for an NINO. If you have a Biometric Residence Permit, you may already have been issued a NINO – see the back of your permit.
Read Also: Best Insurance Mutual Funds
You should apply online for an NINO in any of the English, Scottish, or Welsh regions. You will need to provide proof of your identity when you apply. It can take a few weeks for your NINO to be issued.
For more information about how to apply, and contact details to get help with your NINO application, go to:
You can apply online if you are a resident of Northern Ireland. You will need to provide proof of your identity.
Once you have submitted your application and provided proof of your identity, you can expect to receive your National Insurance number (NINO) within 16 weeks.
You can find more information about how to apply for your NINO, including contact details for assistance with your application on our indirect website.
Read Also: Income Protection Insurance For Contractors
We also provide information about how to obtain your National Insurance number under our migrants section below.
Who needs to know my National Insurance number?
Your NINO number can be used by the following people:
- HMRC
- Employers & pension providers
- DWP (Department of Work and Pensions)
- Local authority
- Government agencies managing student finance and student repayments
- Banks & building societies
- Other financial services providers (NS&I, providers of Individual Savings Accounts and other financial products)
This is not a complete list, so be sure not to pass your NINO on to anyone who doesn’t need it. Criminals may try to steal your NINO as well as your personal information, so it’s important to protect yourself.
Read Also: How Often Does Car Insurance Go Down
If you think your NINO has been stolen and someone is using it to commit identity fraud or steal other personal information, contact HMRC as soon as possible and let them know what you think happened.
What do I do if I lose or forget my National Insurance number?
If you have lost or forgotten your NINO, you may find it on an official document such as a payslip from work, your tax return, or a PAYE code notice.
You can request HMRC to confirm your NINO by:
Printing your letter from your tax account. You can find out more about personal tax accounts and how to set one up here.
Read Also: Top Best Insurance Companies In Malaysia
Form CA5403: Your National Insurance Number. Send this form to HMRC.
Contact the National Insurance Numbers Helpline (England, Scotland & Wales) or the National Insurance Registration Helpline (Northern Ireland).
If you go with the second or third above methods, HMRC will send you a letter confirming the NINO. HMRC will not send you the NINO via phone.
