An NHS number is your unique 10-digit reference across the health service. In England, most newcomers get one automatically the first time they register with a GP. It is free, it stays with you for life, and you do not need to apply for it separately. This guide explains what it is for, how you get one, and how to find it.
What an NHS number is
Your NHS number is a personal 10-digit reference, usually shown in a 3-3-4 format such as 485 777 3456. It links all your NHS records, so hospitals, pharmacies and your GP can identify you correctly. It is not the same as the number on any card, and it does not change if you move, change your name, or leave and return to the UK.
How to get one
You do not fill in a separate application. In almost all cases, an NHS number is created for you when you register with a GP surgery for the first time. That is the main route for newcomers, and it is another reason to register early. You can be given urgent or emergency care before you have a number, so it never needs to delay treatment.
How to find your NHS number
Once you have one, you can find it in several places:
- In the NHS App or your account on the NHS website.
- On any prescription from your GP.
- On letters from your GP surgery or a hospital.
You do not need to memorise it, but it is useful to note it down when you first register.
What it is used for
- Identifying you correctly across GP, hospital and pharmacy records.
- Booking appointments and referrals.
- Collecting prescriptions.
- Keeping your medical history joined up as you move between services.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an NHS number to register with a GP?
No. You can register without one, and the registration process is usually what generates your number in the first place.
Is getting an NHS number free?
Yes. It is free, and there is no separate fee or application.
Does my NHS number ever change?
No. It stays the same for life, even if you move, change your name, or leave and return to the UK.
Can I be treated before I have an NHS number?
Yes. Urgent and emergency care is never delayed because you do not yet have a number.
For everything else about UK healthcare, see the NHS guide for newcomers.
