National Insurance Number

Some time ago, my child received her national insurance number. Rather than being in the usual format of QQ123456A, it arrived in a different format, for instance B3ZA12345 Does anyone know why this has happened? This is the number we’ve been giving out for job applications, housing applications, and other things. Have they recently changed the format? Do newly issued NI numbers look this way? Has something gone terribly wrong? I can’t find any information online.

Hi Leisha O’Flinn,

I can confirm that National Insurance Numbers all have the same format.  
I would suggest that your son/daughter gives us a call on 0300 200 3500 and we will be able to trace their correct National Insurance Number and sent them a letter to confirm this.  
If you would like to speak on their behalf may I ask that they are with you to give us their permission.  
Alternatively, they may complete and return our form Get your National Insurance number CA5403  .  
This will enable us to trace their correct Number and then send them a reply.

Thank you.

Is there any reason why this could’ve gone wrong? It’s written in the incorrect format from the actual letter from hmrc.