NPI application: how to fill it out, field by field

Where to apply

Online (fastest): NPPES (nppes.cms.hhs.gov)

Paper: CMS-10114 paper form (PDF). Mail the completed, signed form to CMS NPI Enumerator Services, Mail Stop DO-01-51, 7500 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21244. Paper takes longer than applying online.

What you need before you start

• An Identity & Access (I&A) account. NPPES logs you in through I&A, so create that account first.
• Your entity type. Type 1 is an individual provider (physician, nurse, therapist, pharmacist — including sole proprietors). Type 2 is an organization (hospital, group practice, pharmacy, lab). An individual gets only one NPI.
• Your SSN, or ITIN if you are not eligible for an SSN. Your name and date of birth must match Social Security records. Without either, you need 2 proofs of identity.
• Your 10-digit taxonomy code for your specialty, plus your state license number and issuing state.
• Your business mailing address and primary practice location. Do not use your home address unless it is also your business address.

Profile information (Type 1)

Legal nameRequired

Full legal first and last name. No initials or abbreviations. It must match SSA records if you give an SSN.

Other nameOptional

Former or professional names, such as a maiden name. Skip if you have only used one name.

SSN or ITINOptional

Optional, but strongly recommended. Without an SSN or ITIN you must send 2 proofs of identity and processing may be delayed. Use an ITIN only if you do not qualify for an SSN. Never enter an EIN here.

Date of birthRequired

If you give an SSN, your name and date of birth must match Social Security records, or the application can be held for review.

CredentialOptional

Letters like MD, DO, RN, LCSW, PT. You can list more than one.

Addresses

Mailing addressRequired

Where CMS can reach you about the application, with a phone number you actually answer.

Primary practice locationRequired

The address and phone of your main practice. This is public on the NPI Registry, so use a business address.

Secondary practice locationsOptional

Add other locations online. The paper form only takes one primary location.

Taxonomy and licenses

Taxonomy codeRequired

A 10-character code for your provider type and specialty, e.g. 363LF0000X for a family nurse practitioner. Pick one as primary. Search the NUCC taxonomy list rather than guessing.

License number and stateRequired

Required for licensed practitioners. The same license can cover several taxonomies. Residents without a license can use the student taxonomy code.

Other identifiersOptional

Existing health plan IDs such as a Medicaid number. Optional, and it helps payers match your records.

Endpoints (Health Information Exchange)

EndpointOptional

Optional. An endpoint is a secure address other providers use to send you health data — a Direct messaging address or a FHIR URL, usually issued by your EHR vendor. It is not your regular email. If you do not have one, leave it blank and add it later.

Endpoint type and locationOptional

Only if you add an endpoint: pick the type (Direct, FHIR, REST, SOAP, other) and the practice location it belongs to.

Contact person and certification

Contact personRequired

Who CMS should contact with questions. This person also receives the NPI notification. Often the provider, or an office manager or credentialing specialist.

CertificationRequired

You attest the information is true and agree to report changes within 30 days.

Step by step

1. Create an I&A account and log in to NPPES.
2. Choose to apply for a new NPI and select Type 1 (individual) or Type 2 (organization).
3. Fill the profile section: legal name, SSN or ITIN, date of birth.
4. Enter your mailing address and primary practice location.
5. Add your primary taxonomy code and license number with issuing state.
6. Add an endpoint if your EHR gave you one. Otherwise skip it.
7. Add a contact person, review everything, certify, and submit.
8. Watch your email. NPPES emails the NPI to the contact person you listed once it is assigned, and you can confirm it on the NPI Registry.

Common mistakes

• Name or date of birth that does not match Social Security records.
• Using a home address as the practice location. It becomes public.
• Choosing a taxonomy that describes your credential instead of your specialty.
• Entering a personal email as an endpoint. Endpoints are secure exchange addresses, not email.
• Applying twice. An individual gets one NPI for life. Update the existing record instead.
• Forgetting to update NPPES within 30 days of a move or license change.

FAQ

Sources

• CMS-10114 NPI Application/Update Form and instructions
• CMS: How to apply for an NPI
• CMS: there is no charge to get an NPI
• NUCC health care provider taxonomy code set
• NPI Registry

Filler is not affiliated with the organization that issues this form. Always check the official form for current requirements.

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