Applying for a National Insurance number

There is a process of checks we need to go through when you apply for an NI number. Firstly, we make sure you need an NI number. Secondly, we make sure you haven’t already got an NI number. If you need an NI number and you haven’t already got one, we will write and ask you to come to an interview.
We use this interview to check your identity and, where applicable, your right to work – to make sure you are who you say you are, that you are entitled to work in the UK (where applicable) and to protect your NI and social security accounts.