How do I deactivate or reactivate an NPI?

Answer: A provider can deactivate their own NPI in NPPES (retirement, leaving health care, a duplicate) and reactivate it later the same way; CMS also deactivates NPIs on death or for fraud. Deactivation does not delete the number, and it is never reissued to anyone else. Do not deactivate when you move or change jobs; update the record instead.

Reasons to deactivate

Retiring from practice, leaving health care entirely, or discovering you were issued a duplicate NPI by mistake. For a duplicate, call the NPI Enumerator at 1-800-465-3203 and they deactivate the newer one.

Reasons not to

Moving, changing jobs, changing specialty, taking a break, or losing a license. In each case update NPPES or simply leave the record alone. Payers see Deactivated in the registry and will stop paying claims; reactivating takes time.

How to reactivate

Sign in to NPPES, select the deactivated NPI and submit a reactivation with a reason. CMS re-verifies your identity. The same number comes back; you never get a new one.

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.