What is National Insurance ?

A reference number used by the government is called the National Insurance number. The National Insurance number can be tracked in an official document such as the pay-slip, National insurance card, or letter from the HMRC / Department of work and pensions.

Students can track their insurance number in their university registration documents or student loan application. Almost everyone in the United Kingdom has a National Insurance number. If an individual doesn’t have a National Insurance number, he / she will be required to explain the reason. The Electoral services team will contact and check for the proof of identity.

Just before the 16th birthday, an individual will receive a National Insurance (NI) number, which appears somewhat like AB123456C.

National Insurance Number Lost

In situations when you lost the National Insurance number or it cannot be found, the HMRC enquiry service can be contacted. Please note that the HMRC will not share the details regarding the National insurance number over the phone, rather the department will share it over a post. A written application can also be sent to the HMRC at:

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

National Insurance Contributions (NIC) & Employer Office National Insurance (NI) Registrations

Benton Park View, Newcastle upon Tyne

NE98 1ZZ

How to find lost National Insurance Number:

Though National Insurance Number is not used as an identity number, however, it is a mandatory number for residents of the UK, and for those who have shifted to UK for the purpose of work or education. In case you have lost National Insurance Number, HMRC has laid certain guidelines to get new one issued.

As per THE HMRC guidelines, NINO is mentioned and used in various documents so you can try looking for it in one of the following:

Pay-slips of employees University registration card and correspondence from bank regarding loan for students Any official letter from the government pertaining to taxes or any other benefits P60 form (End of Year Certificate) Personal tax account number

If you are not able to locate your NINO on any of the above documents, then you can use the HMRC Enquiry Service, or call National Insurance Registrations Helpline on 0300 200 3502.

If you have lost your National Insurance Number, then one of the below conditions will be applicable to you:-

You know/remember your NINO:- In case you do remember your NINO, or if you have noted it down somewhere, or have managed to find any relevant document/s with the NINO, then you need to go to the link / website . You can login with your government gateway credentials, which were received while creating your HMRC online account. Once you log in with the correct credentials, you are required to fill in the relevant information and answer a few questions for the HMRC to confirm your NINO. However, the HMRC never confirms NINO over the telephone, and confirms in black and white to the applicant. You don't know/remember your NINO:- In case you do not know/remember your NINO, then you have to fill in Form CA 5403. It is of utmost importance to fill in all the fields of CA 5403 form to be able to download it for print. You cannot fill in only half the details and save it for completion later. Once the form is filled, you shall be required to send a printed copy duly signed by you at the address – National Insurance Contributions & Employer Office

HM Revenue & Custom

BX9 1AN

Lost national insurance card – National Insurance number interview

In certain cases, you may be required to appear for an interview with the concerned authorities where you could be asked for the circumstances under which you lost your NINO.

An individual might be required to come for an interview, where he / she will be asked by the circumstances and the reason for applying for a NI number. The letter will also include details to the documents needed to prove the identity, example,

passport or identification card

permit of residence

certificate of birth or adoption

certificate of civil partnership or marriage

driving license

At the interview, the individual will be informed about the duration by with he / she will receive the National Insurance number.

Turning 16 and don’t have a NI number

It’s a normal procedure to automatically receive a National Insurance number before the 16th birthday. If an individual didn’t get one and the age is under 20, he / she must call the National Insurance numbers helpline. For people above 20 years, need to apply for a National Insurance number.

If you have lost your National Insurance number and somehow not able to locate it through documents such as your payslip, P60, or letters about tax, pensions and benefits or your personal tax account, you can either: fill in form CA5403 and send it to the address on the form or contact HMRC's National Insurance Helpine Number.

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