Getting a National Insurance number (NINO)

What are NINOs?

Under the UK’s National Insurance system, someone’s entitlement to contributory benefits is linked to their paying National Insurance contributions (NICs).  

NICs are charged on someone’s earnings from employment, paid both by the employee (primary Class 1 NICs), and their employer (secondary Class 1 NICs). The self-employed are charged a weekly flat rate Class 2 NIC and may be liable to pay a separate Class 4 profits-related contribution. Individuals may be entitled to pay voluntary Class 3 NICs, set at a weekly flat rate, to ensure that they qualify for the State Pension and bereavement benefits. 

Individual National Insurance numbers (NINOs) are used to track each person’s record in paying NICs. Everyone’s NINO is unique: they use the same number throughout their life. 

How does someone get a NINO?

Most people automatically receive a NINO as they approach age 16. Every new Child Benefit claim generates a Child Reference Number (CRN). When the child reaches 15 years 9 months, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will assign them with a NINO and send it to them. 

If someone doesn’t have a NINO, do they need to apply for one?

Anyone who doesn’t already have a NINO must apply for one if they are: 

• resident or present in Great Britain and over 16 

• employed or self-employed, or, wishes to pay voluntary (Class 3) National Insurance contributions. 

Further to this, someone making an application for a NINO must meet certain legislative criteria, as set out in HMRC’s National Insurance Manual. Individuals must be either: 

• working, about to start work or actively seeking employment, and have the right to work in the UK 

• be liable to UK Class 1 NICs 

• making a claim to benefit 

• be entitled to and wish to pay voluntary Class 3 NICs, or be entitled to other credits 

• be referred by the Student Loans Company. 

What is the process for making an application for a NINO?

HMRC set out details of the application process on gov.uk. Applications are made online. Applicants will be required to prove their identity. When making an application, if they have them, individuals can use: 

• a passport from any country 

• a national identity card from a country in the EU, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland. 

Individuals can still make an application if they don’t have any of these documents, but they may be required to attend an appointment to prove their identity. After someone submits their online application, they are sent an email with their application reference number. This will set out whether they need to provide more proof of their identity. HMRC advise that it can take up to 4 weeks for someone to get their NINO after they have proven their identity. 

Can someone start work before they receive a NINO?

Yes. As the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group advise: 

“You can start employed work in the UK without a NINO provided you can prove your right to work in the UK. You should tell your employer that you have applied for a NINO and then give it to them when you have received it. There is no time limit.”  

This was a question that MPs often asked in the context of delays to the NINO application process through the covid-19 pandemic. 

A NINO is not proof of identity and shouldn’t be relied on by employers as proof that someone has the right to work in the UK. 

If someone has lost their NINO, how can they find it?

NINOs appear on various official documents, such as payslips, tax returns and PAYE coding notices. 

HMRC has guidance about what to do if those documents aren’t available. Individuals can ring the NINO helpline, or send in a written request. In answering a request, HMRC will only confirm someone’s NINO in writing, and will not give it over the phone. 

Further information

The Commons Library briefing National Insurance numbers (NINOs) provides more information on the way that NINOs are allocated, their function as part of the National Insurance system, and past reforms to the application process. 

This page quotes information provided for Great Britain. The requirements to apply for a NINO, and the process for doing so, are similar in Northern Ireland. Full details are published by NIDirect.  

The Library briefing National Insurance contributions: an introduction provides further details on the National Insurance system. 

HMRC publishes details of the main rates and thresholds for income tax, NICs, and other direct taxes for 2024/25 and 2025/26.

About the author: Antony Seely is a researcher in the Business and Transport Section of the House of Commons Library. He specialises in taxation policy. 

Disclaimer

The Commons Library does not intend the information in this article to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual. We have published it to support the work of MPs. You should not rely upon it as legal or professional advice, or as a substitute for it. We do not accept any liability whatsoever for any errors, omissions or misstatements contained herein. You should consult a suitably qualified professional if you require specific advice or information. Read our briefing for information about sources of legal advice and help.