Incomplete National Insurance Number

Living abroad, never need it...until now. Checked it on my letter from 'The Pension Service', yet when I enter it on gov.uk, it says 'incomplete'! missing the final digit; What now? Do I really have to phone for hours kept on hold?

Hi Jan Huntley,
If you are missing your NI number suffix it dates to when contributions were recorded on cards which were returned annually, staggered throughout the tax year. “A” meant the card was to be returned in March; “B” in June; “C” in September; and “D” in December. Although contribution cards are no longer used, the suffix has remained an integral part of the NINO. You can try letters A,B,C and D.
A NINO is made up of 2 letters, 6 numbers and a final letter, which is always A, B, C, or D.
It looks something like this:  QQ 12 34 56 A
If you are short of an actual number for the NI number or for any other reason you can either call the NI registration helpline or send a CA5403 form to get confirmation of your National Insurance number once you have passed security.
Get your National Insurance number
Number - 0300 200 3500
Text Relay - 18001 0300 200 3500
Overseas - +44 191 203 7010
Fax - 191 2131262
Address
National Insurance Contributions and Employer Office
HM Revenue and Customs
BX9 1AN
Open - Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Web Address - www.hmrc.gov.uk/ni
Thank you.

I have been using my NI number in the format of 12A34567 for many years and it appeared on my pay slip, tax returns and everything. I understand it is not in the corrent format and some sites, e.g. DVLA, won't accept that number. So my questions are; 1. why is that my NI number is different? 2. How do I change it back to the right format?

Hi william so,
The NI number format you have detailed appears to be a temporary one.
If you have been given an actual NI number by HMRC officially you can contact the National Insurance helpline so they can help you locate it. Alternatively, if you have never applied for a national Insurance number you may need to apply for one and prove your identity.
National Insurance: general enquiries
Apply for a National Insurance number
Thank you.