1099-NEC creation

Hello, I have a question regarding individual tax payers being able to issue a 1099-NEC. I plan to hire an independent contractor this year. In order to report the compensation I give them, do I need to register as a sole proprietor / business? Or can I (as an individual tax payer) generate a 1099-NEC and e-file with IRS and give a copy to the contractor? TIA.