How much does an NPI number cost?

Answer: Nothing. CMS issues the NPI free of charge through NPPES, and SimpleNPI files applications for free. There is no renewal fee either; the NPI never expires. Anyone charging for the number itself is charging for the paperwork, not for the NPI.

Why it is free

The NPI is a HIPAA standard identifier funded by the federal government. CMS runs NPPES, the system that issues the numbers, and has never charged for an application, an update or a replacement.

What people pay for instead

Some services charge to fill out the NPPES application on your behalf. CMS allows that: a provider can authorize someone else to submit the application. SimpleNPI does the same thing for free, with your signed authorization, and sends the NPI by email and text with all the documentation. The number is still yours, and you can claim your own NPPES login afterward.

Ongoing costs

None. Updating your address, taxonomy or license in NPPES is free. Deactivating or reactivating an NPI is free. The only obligation is to keep the record current within 30 days of a change.

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.