A National Insurance Number (NIN) is the equivalent of a social security number. You are issued one and it remains yours for life. Your taxes and pension are kept track of via this number, so you will need this as a resident for tax purposes and work.

Do I need a National Insurance Number?

If you already are allowed to work and living in the UK, you do NOT need a NIN to look for work or apply for work, but note that  you cannot look for work on a visitor visa. You must apply for a number as soon as you start work. One can also apply for a NIN before they look for work, though you will need to prove that you are looking, and already be resident in the UK.

If your family is applying for working tax credit or child tax credits, both partners will need to have a NIN, so make your appointment to apply for the NIN as soon as you know you’re applying for the tax credit, else it will cause delays in the processing of your tax credit.

Children are issued NIN automatically when they turn 16 years of age.

Applying for the National Insurance Number

It used to be that when you needed to apply for the National Insurance Number, you needed tons of documentation and a two hour interview. Now to Apply for your NIN, you can apply online. You’ll still need to prove your identity, so have any of these documents ready when you start your application, both if you have them. You can still apply if you do not have any of these documents, but you may need to attend an appointment in person to prove your identity. ¹ See NIN Interview below.

• a passport from any country
• a biometric residence permit (BRP)

If you have a BRP, you might have a National Insurance number already – it will be printed on the back of your BRP if you do. 

Online Application for NIN – Proving your Identity

During your online application, you will need to take photos of yourself holding documents, which you can upload. If you can’t do this, you can still apply online but it will take longer.

After applying you’ll get an email with your application reference number and any other instructions for proving your identity. It will typically take 4-6 weeks to receive your NIN card after your identity is proved.

Take good care of the NIN card, you will only be able to get ONE replacement for it or so they warn you. Keep it on file, there is no need to carry it with you.

If you need assistance, there are helplines available during weekday office hours:

National Insurance number application helpline (England, Scotland and Wales)
Telephone: 0800 141 2079
Textphone: 0800 141 2438
Mon – Fri, 8am – 5pm

National Insurance number application helpline (Northern Ireland)
Telephone: 0800 587 0024
Textphone: 0800 587 0194
Mon – Fri, 9am – 4pm

NIN Interview with DWP

If you need an interview to prove your identity for National Insurance Number, you can expect to spend up to 2 hours going over your application and documents. This is a very detailed interview, be well prepared.

Types of evidence and information

Here are some examples of the types of evidence and information necessary for your National Insurance Number interview. Refer to your confirmation letter or email for exact documents needed, and it doesn’t hurt to bring additional documents such as those below, which were part of the original interview list from a decade ago.

Original documents are required, NO PHOTOCOPIES.

General documents such as your:

• Passport or National Identity card
• birth certificate
• marriage certificate

Documents to do with employment, such as:

• Payslips
• A work permit
• A letter from your employer
• Your contract of employment
• Details of any employment agencies you are registered with.

Documents to do with self-employment, such as:

• Invoices
• Letters from your accountant
• Letters from your clients
• Your Schedule D tax form.

You must bring any travel documents you have. These are documents that give information about your travel between countries, such as your passport.

If you have any other documents that you think may help prove your identity, please bring them with you as well. If you do not have any documents you must still go to the interview. You may still be able to prove your identity with the information you give at the interview.

References

1. Apply for a National Insurance number. (2023). Retrieved 28 July 2023, from https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number/how-to-apply