How to get an NPI number
An NPI (National Provider Identifier) is the 10-digit number every US health care provider needs to bill insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, or work through a platform like Headway, Alma, Rula, Zeel or Talkspace. It is free, it is yours for life, and you only ever get one.
Short answer: the easiest free way is to fill out SimpleNPI's one short form and let us file it for you; the NPI usually arrives by email and text, with all the documentation, within 10 minutes. You can also apply yourself for free at nppes.cms.hhs.gov (create a CMS account, then a multi-page application). Either way, first check that you do not already have one.
Step 1: check whether you already have an NPI
Many people asking "how do I get an NPI" already have one from a previous job or school. CMS issues one NPI per person for life, so never apply twice. Search the free registry by name. If your name is there, that is your NPI.
Step 2: pick a path
Option 1 · Free · Easiest
SimpleNPI files it for you
- Fill out one short form: name, license, contact, address, identity, and an e-signed authorization. About 3 minutes, no CMS account to create.
- A person checks your license and address, then we file the application with CMS under your signed authorization.
- Your NPI arrives by email and text, with all the documentation, usually within 10 minutes. Filed after midnight Eastern? It issues around 6 am Eastern.
- We send all the documentation and the steps to claim your own CMS login so you can manage the number without us.
Usually within 10 minutes after the form is complete.
Start the free applicationOption 2 · Free
Apply yourself at NPPES
- Create an Identity & Access (I&A) account at nppes.cms.hhs.gov: email, security questions, multi-factor code.
- Sign in to NPPES and choose Apply for an NPI for myself, Individual (Type 1).
- Enter name, date of birth, Social Security number, sex, birth state or country, mailing address, practice location and phone.
- Pick your taxonomy code (table below) and enter your state license number.
- Add a contact person, certify, and submit.
Usually a few business days. Often minutes when the Social Security match passes; up to about 20 days if CMS holds it for a manual name check.
Go to NPPESWhat you need (either path)
- Legal name exactly as it appears on your license, date of birth, Social Security number, sex, and birth state or country
- Email and mobile phone
- Mailing address and practice address (home is fine if you do not have a practice address yet)
- Profession or license type, your state license number, and the state that issued it
Questions
How much does an NPI cost?
Nothing. CMS issues the NPI free of charge, and SimpleNPI files applications for free. SimpleNPI is a private filing service, not a government agency.
How long does it take to get an NPI?
With SimpleNPI, usually within 10 minutes after the form is complete; applications filed after midnight Eastern issue around 6 am Eastern. Applying directly at NPPES, CMS usually issues the number within a few business days, often minutes when the Social Security match passes. If CMS holds an application for a manual name check it can take up to about 20 days.
Type 1 or Type 2?
Type 1 is for an individual provider. Type 2 is for an organization such as a clinic, group practice or LLC that bills under its own name. A solo provider usually needs only Type 1. SimpleNPI files Type 1 applications; the free lookup covers both.
Can someone else file my application?
Yes. CMS lets a provider authorize someone to submit the application on their behalf. With SimpleNPI you sign that authorization on the last screen of the form, and the application is filed under it. The NPI is issued to you and belongs to you.
What happens to my Social Security number?
CMS requires it to issue an NPI. SimpleNPI encrypts it, uses it once to file, and deletes it as soon as the application is filed. Nothing is sold or shared with anyone except CMS.
Can an AI assistant get me an NPI?
An assistant connected to SimpleNPI (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot and others) can look up and verify NPIs for free and hand you a prefilled link to the free application. Your identity details and signature are always entered by you on simplenpi.com, never in the chat. See SimpleNPI for AI assistants.
Which taxonomy code do I use?
The taxonomy code tells CMS your profession. SimpleNPI picks it for you from your license type. If you apply yourself, these are the codes for the most common professions:
| Profession | Taxonomy code | NPPES description |
|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (LMT) | 225700000X | Massage Therapist |
| Mental Health Counselor (LPC / LMHC / LCPC) | 101YM0800X | Counselor, Mental Health |
| Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) | 106H00000X | Marriage & Family Therapist |
| Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | 1041C0700X | Social Worker, Clinical |
| Psychologist | 103T00000X | Psychologist |
| Nurse Practitioner | 363L00000X | Nurse Practitioner |
| Registered Nurse | 163W00000X | Registered Nurse |
| Chiropractor | 111N00000X | Chiropractor |
| Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) | 171100000X | Acupuncturist |
| Physical Therapist | 225100000X | Physical Therapist |
| Occupational Therapist | 225X00000X | Occupational Therapist |
| Dietitian / Nutritionist | 133V00000X | Dietitian, Registered |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | 235Z00000X | Speech-Language Pathologist |
| Physician Assistant | 363A00000X | Physician Assistant |
| Dentist | 122300000X | Dentist |
| Physician (MD / DO) | 208D00000X | General Practice |
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