What is an NPI number?

Answer: An NPI (National Provider Identifier) is a 10-digit number that identifies a health care provider on claims, prescriptions and referrals in the United States. CMS issues it free through NPPES, it never expires, and every provider has exactly one for life.

What the number is for

HIPAA requires one standard identifier for every provider so a claim, a prescription or a referral means the same person to every payer. Before 2006 each insurer issued its own provider numbers; the NPI replaced all of them.

The number itself carries no meaning. It is not tied to a state, a specialty or an employer, which is why it follows you through every job and every move.

Type 1 and Type 2

A Type 1 NPI identifies an individual: a therapist, nurse, counselor, physician. A Type 2 NPI identifies an organization: a clinic, group practice, hospital or an LLC that bills under its own name. A solo provider usually needs only a Type 1. See Type 1 vs Type 2.

What is public

CMS publishes the NPI registry: your name, NPI, taxonomy (profession), practice address, phone and license number are searchable by anyone. Your Social Security number, date of birth and the identity details on the application are never published. See Is my NPI public?.

How to get one

Two free ways: SimpleNPI files it for you from one short form, usually within 10 minutes, or you apply yourself at nppes.cms.hhs.gov. The full walkthrough is at How to get an NPI number.

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.