apply for national insurance number

If you do not already have a National Insurance number, you only need to apply for one if you’re planning to:

work
claim benefits
apply for a student loan
pay Class 3 voluntary National Insurance contributions

Before you apply
Check how to find a lost National Insurance number.

If you’re a UK resident aged 19 or under
You’ll normally be sent a National Insurance number automatically, in the 3 months before your 16th birthday, if both the following are true:

you live in the UK
a parent has filled in a Child Benefit claim form for you
If you’re aged 16 to 19 and did not get one, call HM Revenue and Customs.

If you’re moving to the UK
If you have a biometric residence permit (BRP), you might have a National Insurance number already – it will be printed on the back of your BRP if you do.

If you do not have a National Insurance number, you must apply for one if you plan to work, apply for a student loan or claim benefits. You can only apply once you’re in the UK.

If you’re applying for benefits or a student loan
You can apply for a National Insurance number as part of your application for benefits or a student loan.