Norwegian identification numbers
In Norway, there are two different identification numbers: a national identity number (often called a personal identity number) and a D number. You get a national identity number if you live or move to Norway, while a D number is a temporary identification number.
Who can be assigned a Norwegian national identity number?
Everyone who is born in Norway, or lives permanently in Norway, has a national identity number. This is an identification number of 11 digits, comprising the date of birth and a personal number. If you are a Norwegian citizen, but live abroad, and need a national identity number in order to get a passport, you can be assigned a national identity number from Norway.
How do you get a national identity number?
If you are to live in Norway for more than six months, you must register in the National Registry. You will then be assigned a Norwegian national identity number. To register, you must visit one of 42 selected tax offices in person, and present proof of identity and documentation.
If you live in Norway and have had a child here, the child will be assigned a national identity number after the Norwegian Tax Administration has received a birth certificate from the hospital.
If you later move from Norway to another country, you retain the national identity number assigned to you.
How do you get a D number?
Nordic citizens who are staying in Norway for less than six months do not generally need to report their move to Norway. They can be temporarily assigned a D number when they do not meet the conditions for a national identity number.
A D number may be needed, for example, to get a tax deduction card or to open a bank account in Norway. You can get a D number from, for example, tax offices, banks, or the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV).
To apply for a D number, you must be able to prove your identity with a passport or a driving licence, together with a printout from the population register in your home country. This document may not be older than three months, and must contain a stamp and signature from the population register in your home country.
Why do you need a national identity number or a D number?
You use the national identity number or the D number every time you come to Norway to work. You must also give your number when you ask for a new tax deduction card. If you are staying in Norway for more than six months, you must apply for a national identity number by notifying a move to Norway. If you are assigned a national identity number, but have previously been assigned a D number, you only use the national identity number from then on.
Public agencies use the national identity number to distinguish individuals from each other in a secure way. For example, the national identity number is used by businesses and organisations that must report income, debts, interest and other benefits to the Norwegian Tax Administration. Organisations using your national identity number include employers, NAV, tax offices, the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen), banks, insurance companies, housing associations and others that have obligations to exchange information. The tax authorities use the national identity number on paying-in forms for unpaid taxes to securely identify you as a taxpayer. Hospitals use the national identity number to ensure that treatment is given to the right person. Credit assessment agencies use the national identity number to ensure that are issuing a credit assessment of the right person.
Do you need more information?
Please fill in our contact form if you have any questions or if you have encountered an obstacle in another Nordic country.
NB! If you have questions regarding the processing of a specific case or application, or other personal matters, please contact the relevant authority directly.
