Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Runs Universal Credit, State Pension, disability benefits and Jobcentre Plus, and issues National Insurance numbers.
Home » Work and tax » Apply for a National Insurance number
Apply for a National Insurance number
Your NI number records your tax and contributions. You can start work before you get it if you can prove your right to work.
Official links
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: apply for a National Insurance number www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number | Whole UK |
Who handles it
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
Collects taxes and National Insurance and pays Child Benefit. You deal with it for Income Tax, Self Assessment, PAYE and your tax code.
Step by step
- Apply online on GOV.UK. It is free.
- You may be asked to verify your identity.
- Give the number to your employer as soon as you have it.
Common mistakes
- Paying a third party for a free service.