how to change incident number

[sparit3737]

Hi Team,

I would like to change the Incident number prefix from INC to XYZ.

For example:
Current Incident Number: INC0000012
Required Incident Number: XYZ0000012

Can anyone please guide me on how to configure this in ServiceNow?

Thanks.

[Srikanth_9]

Hi @sparit3737,

Follow below:

• Navigate to System Definition > Number Maintenance 
• Search > INC or Table > Incident
• Change the Prefix with your requirement

Note: It's not a best practice to change the OOTB Tables. 

If the provided solution is useful/working, please Accept as Solution and hit the Helpful. 

Thanks & Regards,

Srikanth Akula.

[NitinG948905439]

---

✅ How to Change Incident Prefix (INC → XYZ) in ServiceNow

In ServiceNow, the Incident number (e.g., INC0000012) is generated using the Auto-numbering configuration on the Incident table.

---

✅ Steps to change prefix

1. Navigate to:

System Definition → Tables

1. Search and open:

Incident [incident]

1. Go to the Controls tab

2. Locate the Prefix field

3. Update:

Prefix = XYZ

1. Click Update

---

✅ Reference Screenshot

Below is the exact location where you need to update the prefix:

👉 In the screenshot:

• The Prefix field (highlighted in red) currently shows INC
• You need to change it to XYZ

---

✅ Result

• New incidents will be generated like:

XYZ0000013
XYZ0000014

---

⚠️ Important Notes

• Existing records (e.g., INC0000012) will NOT change
• Only new incidents will use the updated prefix
• Test this change in lower environments first
• Ensure no integrations or reports depend on the INC prefix

---

✅ Quick Summary

Setting Value

Location	Incident Table → Controls tab
Field	Prefix
Change	INC → XYZ
Impact	Only new records

[nitin gupta1]

---

✅ How to Change Incident Prefix (INC → XYZ) in ServiceNow

In ServiceNow, the Incident number (e.g., INC0000012) is generated using the Auto-numbering configuration on the Incident table.

---

✅ Steps to change prefix

1. Navigate to:

System Definition → Tables

1. Search and open:

Incident [incident]

1. Go to the Controls tab

2. Locate the Prefix field

3. Update:

Prefix = XYZ

1. Click Update

---

✅ Reference Screenshot

Below is the exact location where you need to update the prefix:

👉 In the screenshot:

• The Prefix field (highlighted in red) currently shows INC
• You need to change it to XYZ

---

✅ Result

• New incidents will be generated like:

XYZ0000013
XYZ0000014

---

⚠️ Important Notes

• Existing records (e.g., INC0000012) will NOT change
• Only new incidents will use the updated prefix
• Test this change in lower environments first
• Ensure no integrations or reports depend on the INC prefix

---

✅ Quick Summary

Setting Value

Location	Incident Table → Controls tab
Field	Prefix
Change	INC → XYZ
Impact	Only new records