What happens when your NPI number stops working
Your National Provider Identifier (NPI) can become inactive for several reasons: it expires after two years if you don't renew it, you request deactivation yourself, or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) deactivates it due to inactivity or a compliance issue. When this happens, you cannot bill insurance companies or Medicare, and your records in the NPPES (National Plan and Provider Enumeration System) database show you as inactive.
Reactivating your NPI is not the same as getting a new one. CMS allows you to restore an inactive NPI rather than explore for a replacement, which keeps your billing history and provider records intact. The process depends on why your NPI went inactive and how long it has been inactive.
Key Takeaways
- An inactive NPI can be reactivated through the NPPES system if it has been inactive for fewer than five years.
- You will need your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number, your NPI number, and proof of your current license or credentials.
- Reactivation typically takes one to two weeks after CMS receives your request, though it can take longer if additional documentation is needed.
- If your NPI has been inactive for more than five years, you must request a new NPI instead of reactivating the old one.
Check whether your NPI can be reactivated
Before you start the reactivation process, confirm that your NPI is may be able to access to be restored. Go to the NPPES website at nppes.cms.hhs.gov and search for your NPI using your name and Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number. The search results will show your current status — either active, inactive, or deactivated.
If your NPI shows as inactive and has been that way for fewer than five years, you can reactivate it. If it has been inactive for five years or longer, CMS will not allow reactivation; you will need to request a new NPI instead. Write down your current NPI number and the deactivation date shown in NPPES, as you will need both for the next step.
Gather the documents you need
CMS requires specific paperwork before they will reactivate your NPI. Have these items ready before you contact them:
- Your NPI number and Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number
- A current, valid professional license or credential in your field (physician license, nursing license, therapist certification, etc.)
- Proof of your current mailing address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days
- If you are explore on behalf of an organization, a letter on company letterhead stating that you are authorized to request the reactivation
If your license has expired or been suspended since your NPI went inactive, you cannot reactivate your NPI until your license is current again. Renew your license first, then proceed with the reactivation request.
Submit your reactivation request to CMS
You have two options to request reactivation: online through NPPES or by mail. The online method is faster. Log into the NPPES system using your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number and your password. If you do not have an NPPES account, you will need to create one first at nppes.cms.hhs.gov.
Once logged in, select "Update NPI" and look for the option to reactivate. You will be asked to confirm your identity, verify your current license information, and provide your current address. Upload a copy of your valid license as proof. Submit the form and note the confirmation number CMS provides — you will need it to track your request.
If you prefer to mail your request, read the NPI Reactivation Form from the CMS website, complete it with your NPI number and current information, and mail it along with a copy of your valid license to the address listed on the form. Mail delivery typically takes longer than the online method, so expect a longer wait for processing.
What to expect while your request is being processed
After CMS receives your reactivation request, they will review your information and verify that your license is current and in good standing. This review usually takes one to two weeks. During this time, your NPI will remain inactive, and you cannot bill using it.
CMS may contact you by email or phone if they need additional information or clarification about your credentials. Respond to any requests from CMS as quickly as possible, as delays in providing documentation can extend the processing time. You can check the status of your request by logging back into NPPES and viewing your process history.
Once CMS approves your reactivation, your NPI status will change to active in the NPPES database. You will receive a confirmation email. Your NPI number itself does not change — it is the same number you had before. You can resume billing when ready after reactivation is complete.
If your NPI cannot be reactivated
If your NPI has been inactive for five years or longer, CMS will deny your reactivation request. In this case, you must request a new NPI number instead. The process for obtaining a new NPI is similar to the original process: you will need to complete the NPI process form, provide proof of your current license, and submit it through NPPES.
A new NPI is a different number from your old one, and your billing history will not transfer. However, you can request that CMS note in your old NPI record that you have been issued a new one, which helps insurance companies and other providers track the change. When you receive your new NPI, update it with all the insurance companies and billing systems you work with before you begin billing again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my NPI to become active again?
CMS typically processes reactivation requests within one to two weeks of receiving your complete process. If you submit additional documentation by mail, add one to two weeks for postal delivery. If CMS needs more information from you, the timeline extends until you provide it.
Can I bill while my reactivation request is pending?
No. Your NPI remains inactive until CMS approves your request and updates the NPPES database. Billing with an inactive NPI will result in claim denials. Wait for the confirmation email from CMS before you resume billing.
What if I do not remember my NPPES password?
Go to the NPPES login page and select "Forgot Password." CMS will send a password reset link to the email address on file for your account. If you cannot access that email, contact the NPPES help desk at 1-800-465-3203 for information.
Do I need to notify my insurance contracts that I am reactivating my NPI?
Yes. Once your NPI is active again, contact each insurance company and billing system you work with to confirm they have your current NPI on file. Some systems may have automatically removed your NPI when it went inactive, and you may need to re-register to resume billing with them.
What if my license has expired since my NPI went inactive?
You cannot reactivate your NPI until your license is current. Renew your license through your state licensing board first, then submit your reactivation request to CMS with proof of the renewed license.