How do I find my NPI number?

Answer: Search the free CMS registry by your name at simplenpi.com/#lookup. If you ever had an NPI, from school, a previous job or a past application, it is there; CMS issues one per person for life and never deletes it. Never apply for a second one.

Look it up

Use the free NPI lookup: first name, last name and, optionally, state. The result shows the NPI, taxonomy, practice location and status. The registry is public, so no login is needed. If your name changed, search both names.

If you find one

That is your NPI. If the address or taxonomy is out of date, sign in at nppes.cms.hhs.gov (or create the Identity & Access account if you never had one) and update it. CMS asks for updates within 30 days of a change. See How to update NPI information.

If you do not find one

You do not have an NPI. SimpleNPI can file it for you for free, usually within 10 minutes, or apply yourself at NPPES. Either way, search first; a duplicate NPI creates a mess that CMS has to clean up by deactivating one of them.

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.