NPI number for nurse practitioners

A new nurse practitioner needs the NPI before anything else happens: the DEA registration, Medicare enrollment, payer credentialing and the first prescription all reference it. Many NPs already have an NPI from their RN years and only need to add the NP taxonomy.

Short answer: nurse practitioners need an NPI when a payer, platform or employer puts them on a claim. The NPI is free, takes minutes, and lasts for life. SimpleNPI files it for you for free, usually within 10 minutes, or you can apply yourself at NPPES. Check the free lookup first in case you already have one.

Who asks nurse practitioners for an NPI

Medicare (PECOS) and Medicaid: Enrollment begins with the NPI.
DEA and state prescribing: E-prescribing networks and many state PDMP systems identify prescribers by NPI.
Employers and credentialing: Hospitals, clinics and CAQH all key on it.
Pharmacies and labs: Orders and prescriptions carry the ordering provider's NPI.

When you can skip it

Almost never; every practicing NP needs one.

Taxonomy code for a nurse practitioner

The taxonomy code tells CMS and every payer your profession. For most nurse practitioners it is 363L00000X, Nurse Practitioner. SimpleNPI enters it for you from your license type.

Also used	NUCC name	When
`363LF0000X`	Family Nurse Practitioner	Nurse Practitioner, Family: the usual choice for FNPs.
`363LP0808X`	Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner	Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health: for PMHNPs.
`363LA2200X`	Adult Health Nurse Practitioner	Nurse Practitioner, Adult Health.
`363LG0600X`	Gerontology Nurse Practitioner	Nurse Practitioner, Gerontology.
`363LP0200X`	Pediatric Nurse Practitioner	Nurse Practitioner, Pediatrics.
`363LW0102X`	Women's Health Nurse Practitioner	Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health.
`363LA2100X`	Acute Care Nurse Practitioner	Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care.

Your license on the application

Enter your APRN or NP license number and state exactly as the board of nursing lists it. Many NPs already have an NPI from working as an RN: look it up first and add the NP taxonomy in NPPES instead of applying again.

Before you are licensed

NP students who already hold an RN NPI keep it and add the NP taxonomy at graduation. Students without one can use 390200000X.

Two free ways to get it

Option 1 · Free · Easiest

SimpleNPI files it for you

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 files 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.

Usually within 10 minutes after the form is complete.

Start the free application

Option 2 · Free

Apply yourself at NPPES

Create an Identity & Access account at nppes.cms.hhs.gov.
Choose Apply for an NPI for myself, Individual (Type 1).
Enter identity, addresses, taxonomy code and license number, then certify and submit.

Usually a few business days; often minutes when the Social Security match passes.

Go to NPPES

What you need (either path)

Legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, date of birth, Social Security number, sex, and birth state or country
Email and mobile phone
Mailing address and practice address (home is fine)
Nurse Practitioner license number (NP, APRN, FNP, PMHNP) and the state that issued it

Questions nurse practitioners ask

What is the taxonomy code for a nurse practitioner?

363L00000X, Nurse Practitioner, or a specialization: 363LF0000X Family, 363LP0808X Psychiatric/Mental Health, 363LA2200X Adult Health, 363LG0600X Gerontology, 363LP0200X Pediatrics, 363LW0102X Women's Health, 363LA2100X Acute Care.

I had an NPI as an RN. Do I need a new one as an NP?

No. You keep the same NPI for life. Sign in to NPPES and add the Nurse Practitioner taxonomy and your APRN license, and make it primary.

Do I need the NPI before my DEA registration?

The DEA does not ask for an NPI on its application, but e-prescribing and PDMP systems identify you by NPI, so get it first.

Written by Ammon Hardin, LMT, who grew a massage practice to ten locations, built a veteran therapy network, and credentialed a large number of providers along the way. Updated Tue Oct 27, 2026. Free to read, free to use; SimpleNPI files NPI applications for free.