National Insurance numbers
If you have lost or forgotten your National Insurance number you should try and locate the number on paperwork such as your tax return, payslip or P60. You can also login to your personal tax account to view, download, print, save or share a letter with your National Insurance number.
If you do not already have a National Insurance number then you will normally need to apply for one if you are planning to work in the UK, claim benefits, apply for a student loan or pay Class 3 voluntary National Insurance contributions.
However, HMRC’s guidance presently states that: You can currently only apply for a National Insurance number in England, Scotland and Wales if you have entered the UK on a visa. You cannot apply for a National Insurance number in Northern Ireland. This is due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) disruption.
You can, however, start work without a National Insurance number if you can prove you can work in the UK. You can also apply for benefits or a student loan without a National Insurance Number.
Teenagers should automatically be sent a letter just before their 16th birthday detailing their National Insurance number. These letters should be kept in a safe place. The old plastic National Insurance cards that some of our readers may remember are no longer available.
The old plastic National Insurance number cards have been replaced by a letter stating an individual’s National Insurance number. It is important that everyone keeps a record of their National Insurance number on file.
Individuals who have lost or forgotten their NI number might be able to locate the number on paperwork such as a P60, payslip or other official correspondence.
If an individual is still unable to find their NI number they should complete the HMRC form CA5403 to request written confirmation from HMRC. The form can also be used to notify HMRC of changes in personal details. The electronic version of the form has been temporarily withdrawn.
The form should not be used to request a new National Insurance number. New National Insurance numbers should be requested from JobCentre Plus.