If you have forgotten your National Identification Number (NIN), you can retrieve your existing number without registering for another one. The main NIN retrieval option is the NIMC USSD service.
The NIN retrieval code is:
*346#NIMC currently directs people who cannot remember their NIN to use the *346# SMS phone service. The code is useful when you already have a NIN and simply need to retrieve the 11-digit number.
This guide explains how to check your NIN with your phone, what to do if *346# does not work, how NIN retrieval differs from NIN verification, how to access NIMC’s digital identity services, and what to do if your NIN slip is lost or your details need correction.
What Is a NIN?
The National Identification Number is an 11-digit number assigned to an individual after successful enrolment in Nigeria’s National Identity Database.
NIMC says the NIN is unique to the individual to whom it is assigned and is used to connect that person’s identity information in the National Identity Database. Once assigned, the NIN cannot be reassigned to another person.
The NIN is used for identity-related transactions and verification, including services connected with passports, bank accounts, driver’s licences, voter-related services, pensions, taxes and other government services.
Because your NIN is sensitive identity information, NIMC advises people to protect it and avoid unnecessarily disclosing it publicly.
What Is the NIN Retrieval Code?
The main NIN retrieval code is:
*346#NIMC’s current website specifically tells people who cannot remember their NIN to use the *346# SMS phone service or visit a NIMC office for assistance.
The code is for retrieving an existing NIN. It does not create a new NIN.
How to Check Your NIN With *346#
If you already have a NIN and want to retrieve the number, follow these steps:
- Open the dialer on your mobile phone.
- Dial
*346#. - Select the NIN retrieval option shown on the menu.
- Follow the instructions displayed on your screen.
- Confirm the request if the live service presents a charge or confirmation prompt.
- Wait for the response containing your NIN.
- Save the 11-digit number securely.
The exact menu wording can change as NIMC updates its USSD service, so follow the options displayed on your phone rather than relying on old screenshots or menu sequences published elsewhere.
Does the NIN Code Work on MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile?
The NIN retrieval service is provided through NIMC rather than being a separate code created by each mobile network.
If you are looking for the NIN retrieval code for MTN, Airtel, Glo or 9mobile, start with:
*346#Your ability to retrieve the number can depend on whether the phone number you are using is associated with your NIN record and whether the service is available on your line.
Do not search for a different NIN retrieval shortcode simply because you use another network.
What You Need Before Retrieving Your NIN
Before using *346#, make sure:
- You have already enrolled for a NIN.
- You have access to a phone number associated with your NIN record where required by the service.
- Your SIM is active.
- Your phone is connected to the mobile network.
- You have sufficient airtime if the live service displays a charge.
You do not need mobile internet to initiate a USSD request.
Can I Check My NIN Without a Smartphone?
Yes.
The USSD method is useful because it does not depend on having an Android phone or iPhone.
If you have a compatible basic mobile phone, you can open the dialer and use:
*346#You can therefore retrieve your NIN without installing an app or using Wi-Fi.
Can I Retrieve My NIN Without the NIN Slip?
Yes.
You do not need to have the physical NIN slip in your possession simply to retrieve your existing NIN.
If you cannot remember the number, NIMC directs users to the *346# SMS phone service or a NIMC office for assistance.
Losing the slip does not mean that your NIN has been cancelled. The NIN is the unique number stored against your identity record, while the slip is a document showing your identification information.
How to Check Your NIN Online
NIMC now provides several digital identity services, but it is important to distinguish checking your NIN number from using your digital identity for verification.
NIMC’s MWS Mobile ID provides a digital identity experience and can display information from your NIMC record. NIMC says the Mobile ID app can be used to display your ID and support QR-code-based identity verification.
NIMC also currently promotes NINAuth as part of its digital identity and authentication ecosystem.
If you simply forgot your NIN and need the number quickly, *346# remains the more straightforward retrieval option.
How to Use NIMC MWS Mobile ID
NIMC’s MWS Mobile ID app is designed to provide digital identity functionality.
According to NIMC, users can:
- Display their Mobile ID.
- Show selected identity information.
- Use a QR code for identity verification.
- Scan another Mobile ID QR code.
- View verification activity.
- Refresh their displayed information from NIMC.
NIMC says the improved NIN Slip with a QR code and Mobile ID are valid means of identification when verified using an approved resource such as the NIMC Mobile ID app. It also says the current NIN Slip and National e-ID remain valid means of identification.
Only download NIMC’s mobile application through official channels. NIMC specifically warns users not to download the app from dubious websites or social media accounts.
What Is NINAuth?
NINAuth is NIMC’s identity authentication service.
NIMC announced the launch of NINAuth in June 2026 as part of its digital identity infrastructure. The service is designed to support secure identity authentication and verification.
NINAuth is not simply another shortcode for checking your NIN.
If your immediate problem is that you have forgotten your 11-digit NIN, use the NIMC retrieval route beginning with:
*346#If you need identity authentication for a service, NINAuth or another authorised NIMC verification channel may be more appropriate.
How to Get or Reissue Your NIN Slip
Your NIN and your NIN slip are not the same thing.
The NIN is the unique 11-digit number assigned to you.
The NIN slip is a document that displays your NIN and associated identity information.
NIMC currently provides a process for re-issuing NIN slips in cases including:
- Loss
- Damage
- Theft
- Change or modification of record
NIMC’s current fee page lists N600 for re-issuance of a NIN slip because of loss, damage or theft, while its detailed re-issuance page currently contains older N500 payment instructions. Because the two official pages are not fully aligned, do not rely on a fixed fee quoted by an old blog post. Check the amount shown through the current official NIMC payment/service process before paying.
Is NIN Registration Free?
Yes.
NIMC’s current fee page lists NIN enrolment for both adults and minors as free.
This is different from fees that may apply to certain modification, verification or NIN slip re-issuance services.
If someone asks you to pay an unofficial fee simply to enrol for your NIN, use NIMC’s official service channels and report suspected extortion where appropriate.
What If *346# Is Not Working?
If the NIN retrieval code does not work, try these steps.
Check your mobile network
USSD does not require mobile internet, but your SIM still needs a usable network connection.
Move to an area with better signal and try again.
Make sure you have the correct line
If the service requires the phone number associated with your NIN, using a different number can prevent retrieval.
Try the number you used during NIN enrolment or the number currently associated with your record.
Check your airtime
If the live service displays a charge, make sure you have enough airtime before confirming the request.
Try again later
A temporary network or service problem can prevent a USSD request from completing.
Wait a few minutes and try again.
Visit a NIMC office
NIMC says people who cannot remember their NIN can visit a NIMC office for assistance.
If you cannot resolve the issue electronically, use an official NIMC enrolment centre rather than an unofficial agent.
Why Does NIN Retrieval Say My Number Is Not Registered?
If you receive an error indicating that your number is not associated with the NIN service, one possible reason is that you are using a different phone number from the one associated with your NIN record.
This can happen when you:
- Changed your phone number after NIN enrolment.
- Lost the SIM used during enrolment.
- Have several active SIM cards.
- Have not updated your phone information with NIMC.
Try the number associated with your NIN record.
If you no longer have access to that number, use an official NIMC service channel for assistance.
Can Someone Else Retrieve My NIN for Me?
Your NIN is personal identity information, so you should avoid giving your NIN, OTP, PIN or other credentials to strangers.
If you need assistance, use an official NIMC office or official NIMC digital service.
NIMC’s current guidance also warns users against dubious websites and unofficial app downloads.
Can I Retrieve My NIN Without My Registered Phone Number?
The *346# method may not work if you no longer have access to the phone number associated with your NIN.
In that situation, do not create another NIN.
Instead, use NIMC’s official digital identity services if you already have access to them or visit a NIMC office for assistance.
NIMC states that an individual is assigned a unique NIN and that the number cannot be reassigned to another person.
What If My NIN Details Are Wrong?
Retrieving your NIN does not automatically correct incorrect information on your NIMC record.
If your name, date of birth or another personal detail is wrong, you need to use NIMC’s modification process.
NIMC currently lists modification fees by service and data field, with date-of-birth modification carrying a separate fee.
Use the official NIMC modification process and prepare the supporting documents required for the particular change.
Do not create a second NIN to replace a record containing incorrect information.
How to Fix an Invalid NIN
If a bank, telecom company or another organisation tells you that your NIN is invalid, first make sure you are entering the correct 11-digit number.
If the correct number still fails verification:
- Ask the organisation to confirm the exact verification error.
- Check that your name and other identity details match where required.
- Contact NIMC through its official support channels if the problem appears to be with your NIMC record.
- Do not enrol for another NIN simply because verification failed.
NIMC’s current contact page provides its customer-care channels, including the toll-free line 08000616462, call centre 0700 2255 646, and official customer-care email.
NIN Retrieval vs NIN Verification
These are two different things.
NIN Retrieval
NIN retrieval means finding your existing 11-digit NIN because you have forgotten or misplaced it.
The main USSD route is:
*346#NIN Verification
NIN verification involves confirming identity information associated with a NIN.
Verification can involve authorised NIMC services such as NINAuth or other approved verification resources.
If a website, bank, telecom provider or government service asks you to verify your identity, follow the verification instructions provided by that organisation rather than assuming that NIN retrieval is the same process.
Is the NIN Code the Same as a SIM-NIN Linking Code?
No.
The NIN retrieval code is:
*346#SIM-NIN linking or subscriber-information processes are separate services.
If your goal is simply to remember your NIN, start with the retrieval service.
If you have a Glo line and need to connect your NIN after retrieving it, see our guide on How to Link NIN to Glo: USSD Code *996#.
For MTN subscribers, see How to Link NIN to MTN Using *996#.
If you are trying to link your NIN to another mobile line, follow the current instructions provided by the relevant network.
Can I Have More Than One NIN?
You should not have multiple NINs.
NIMC describes the NIN as a unique number assigned to an individual after enrolment and de-duplication. Once assigned, it cannot be reassigned to another individual.
If you believe you have duplicate records or were enrolled more than once, contact NIMC for assistance instead of attempting another enrolment.
How to Protect Your NIN
Your NIN is sensitive personal information.
NIMC advises people to guard it and not reveal it unnecessarily online or publicly.
After retrieving your NIN:
- Store it securely.
- Avoid posting the full number on social media.
- Do not send OTPs to strangers.
- Do not give your Mobile ID PIN to anyone.
- Avoid unofficial NIN websites.
- Download NIMC apps only through official channels.
- Be cautious of people offering to retrieve or modify your NIN for an unofficial fee.
If you need help with a NIN service, use NIMC’s official website, customer-care channels or an authorised enrolment centre.
NIN Retrieval Code for MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile
If you are searching for the NIN code for a particular Nigerian network, the retrieval service begins with the same NIMC shortcode:
| Network | NIN Retrieval Code |
|---|---|
| MTN | *346# |
| Airtel | *346# |
| Glo | *346# |
| 9mobile | *346# |
The service is provided through NIMC’s identity system rather than being a separate network-specific NIN code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the code to check my NIN?
Dial *346# and follow the NIN retrieval instructions. NIMC currently directs people who cannot remember their NIN to its *346# SMS phone service.
How do I retrieve my NIN without the slip?
Use *346# if you have access to the relevant phone number, or contact NIMC through its official channels if the USSD service does not work.
Does *346# work on MTN?
Yes. The NIN retrieval service is provided through NIMC rather than being an MTN-only code.
Does *346# work on Airtel?
Yes. Airtel subscribers can use the NIMC NIN retrieval service through *346#, subject to the service requirements.
Does *346# work on Glo?
Yes. Glo subscribers can use the NIN retrieval service through *346#.
Does *346# work on 9mobile?
Yes. 9mobile subscribers can use the NIN retrieval service through *346#.
Is NIN registration free?
Yes. NIMC’s current fee page lists adult and minor NIN enrolment as free.
Can I check my NIN online?
NIMC provides digital identity services, including MWS Mobile ID and NINAuth. If you simply forgot your NIN, however, *346# is the direct retrieval option identified by NIMC.
Can I retrieve my NIN without my old SIM?
The USSD route may not work if you no longer have access to the number associated with your NIN. In that situation, use an official NIMC digital service if available or visit a NIMC office for assistance.
Can I register another NIN if I forgot my old one?
No. Forgetting your NIN is not a reason to create another identity record. Try retrieving the existing NIN or contact NIMC.
What should I do if my NIN is invalid?
Confirm the 11-digit number first. If verification continues to fail, contact the organisation performing the verification and NIMC through its official support channels.
How much does it cost to replace a lost NIN slip?
NIMC’s current fees page lists N600 for re-issuance of a NIN slip because of loss, damage or theft. NIMC’s detailed re-issuance page currently contains N500 payment instructions, so check the current official payment channel before paying.
Related NIN Guides on EasyUSSDCode
If you have retrieved your NIN and your next step is to connect it to your mobile line, these related EasyUSSDCode guides can help:
These links are directly related to NIN retrieval and give readers a logical next step after finding their NIN.
The main NIN retrieval code to remember is:
*346#If the code does not work, use NIMC’s official support channels or visit an authorised NIMC centre rather than relying on unofficial agents.
