Free bus pass applications and renewals are changing
From 23 February 2015 everyone applying for a concessionary bus pass or renewing a pass must provide their National Insurance number.
What you need to know
Your National Insurance (NI) number is unique to you. We are making it a requirement to supply an NI number in order to monitor fraud and deliver a more efficient concessionary fares scheme.
A NHS number is not a NI number. Your NI number will have a format of two letters, six digits and either A,B,C, or D. Each NHS Number is made up of 10 digits shown in a 3-3-4 format.
If you have lost your NI number you should contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). You can either complete an online form available on the HMRC website or call the helpline on 0300 200 3502 or Textphone on 0300 200 3519 (lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 9pm and Saturdays and Sunday 8am to 4pm).
You can find your NI number on your payslip, P60 or tax return. It will also be present on any of your benefits paperwork including: Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit and Job Seekers Allowance.
If you still can't find it, you can either:
- fill in form number CA5403 and send it to the address on the form
- phone the National Insurance numbers helpline and answer some questions (you'll need to fill in form CA5403 if you can't answer the questions).
HMRC will not tell you your NI number over the phone - they will post it to you. HMRC no longer send NI cards out.
Everybody over the age of 16 has an NI number. You will normally be sent an NI number just before your 16th birthday. Children under 16 who receive disabled benefits will be issued with a temporary NI number until they are 16.
If you do not have a NI number and wish to apply for a Bus Pass then please contact the Concessionary Fares Team via our contact centre.
Everybody that is looking to work or study in the UK, is required to apply for a NI number.
