To check your Nigerian NIN from the UK, use NIMC's official NINAuth app or dial *346# from the Nigerian phone number linked to your NIN. A Nigerian NIN is an 11-digit number. If what you are looking for is a UK National Insurance number (two letters, six digits, one letter), that is a different number issued by the UK government.
First, make sure you mean the Nigerian NIN
"NIN number UK" searches often mix up two different numbers:
- Nigerian NIN – 11 digits, issued by Nigeria's National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
- UK National Insurance number – for example QQ 12 34 56 C, issued by the UK government for tax and benefits.
If you need the UK number, see GOV.UK. Our article Nigerian NIN vs UK National Insurance number explains the difference.
Ways to check your Nigerian NIN
NIMC's official app
NIMC's NINAuth app lets you view and verify your NIN and manage who can access your identity data. Only download the app published by NIMC.
USSD code *346#
From the Nigerian SIM card registered with your NIN, dial *346# and follow the retrieval option. A small network charge applies. It does not work from UK numbers.
Your enrolment slip
Once your NIN has been generated, it appears on your NIN slip. Check emails and photos from your enrolment.
How do I know my NIN is real?
If you got your NIN through a genuine enrolment (with your fingerprints captured), it will verify in NIMC's official app. Be wary of numbers sold online, "NIN slips" printed by people who never took your biometrics, or anyone who says they can create a NIN for you remotely.
Checking a child's NIN
A child's NIN is linked to a parent's record. Keep the child's enrolment slip safe. If you cannot find it and the child was enrolled at our centre, contact us.
Can't find your NIN at all?
See our step-by-step guide on how to retrieve your NIN in the UK, which covers lost phone numbers, NINs that never arrived and other situations.
NIN number format
A Nigerian NIN is always 11 digits, with no letters. If the number you have contains letters, it is not a Nigerian NIN; it may be a UK National Insurance number or a reference number from a form.
Do not confuse your NIN with:
- your transaction or tracking ID from the enrolment slip;
- your NPC digitised certificate number;
- your pre-enrolment reference;
- your BVN, which is also 11 digits but issued for banking (see BVN registration in the UK).
When people are asked for their NIN in the UK
Most requests come from Nigerian organisations: passport applications through the Nigeria High Commission, Nigerian banks and fintech apps, and Nigerian mobile networks. UK employers and HMRC ask for your UK National Insurance number, not your Nigerian NIN.
Checking your NIN: FAQs
How many digits is a Nigerian NIN?
11 digits.
Is my BVN the same as my NIN?
No. Both are 11 digits, but the BVN is a banking number and the NIN is your national identity number.
Does my UK employer need my Nigerian NIN?
No. UK employers need your UK National Insurance number.
Need a NIN, not just a check?
If you never registered, book NIN enrolment at our London centre.