Do I need a new NPI if I move to another state?

Answer: No. The NPI is national and permanent. When you move, sign in to NPPES and update your practice location, mailing address and the new state license within 30 days. The number stays the same in every state and every job.

What to update

Practice location address, mailing address, phone, and the license section: add the new state license with its number and state, and remove or keep the old one depending on whether you still hold it. If you also changed your name, update Social Security first, then NPPES.

What does not change

The NPI, your taxonomy (unless your profession changed) and your NPPES login. Payers you were credentialed with in the old state will need a new application in the new state, but they key it to the same NPI.

Telehealth across state lines

One NPI covers every state where you are licensed. Licensing is the state's business; the NPI is not. Compact licenses (nursing, PT, counseling, psychology) still list the home state in NPPES.

Need an NPI?

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

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.