Identification numbers in Norway

In this article, you can read about how identification numbers are issued and what rights and obligations they give you.

About identification numbers

In Norway, we use identification numbers to identify persons who have a connection to our country. Many public and private enterprises require that you have a Norwegian identification number to get access to their services. For example, you need a Norwegian identification number to open a bank account. There are two kinds of identification numbers in Norway: D numbers and national identity numbers.

  • A national identity number consists of 11 digits, of which the first six digits indicate the person's date of birth. Both Norwegian and foreign citizens can be issued a national identity number. All children born in Norway, and all Norwegian children born abroad who will receive a Norwegian passport, will be issued a national identity number. If you’re going to live in Norway for at least 6 months or more permanently, you’ll be issued a national identity number. 
  • A D number also consists of 11 digits. Only foreign citizens are issued D numbers.

Read more about the two types of identification numbers:

The following persons may be issued identification numbers

You cannot apply for a D number or a national identity number. These numbers are issued pursuant to the regulations relating to the National Population Register, and they are issued when someone meets the criteria set out in the regulations.

You may be issued an identification number if

  • you’re going to live in Norway and you’re registered as resident in Norway in the National Population Register
  • you’re getting a tax deduction card
  • you’re opening a bank account
  • you’re applying for protection in Norway
  • you’re registering as a role holder in the Register of Business Enterprises

 If you’re going to live in Norway for at least 6 months or more permanently, you’ll be issued a national identity number. All children born in Norway, and all Norwegian children born abroad who will receive a Norwegian passport, will also be issued a national identity number.

If you do not meet the conditions for receiving a national identity number, you may be assigned a D number. When you’re interacting with public agencies or enterprises regarding their services or to carry out a task, they may need you to have a Norwegian identification number. If you do not have a national identity number, some public agencies or enterprises can order a D number for you. For example, the Tax Administration will order a D number for you if you need a tax deduction card and you do not have a Norwegian identification number. The enterprise or authority that orders the D number for you determine whether you need to undergo an ID check with the Tax Administration.

The rights and obligations that come with an identification number

Your registration in the National Population Register may affect your rights and obligations in Norway. Which rights and obligations you have in Norway, may depend on

  • whether you have a D number or national identity number
  • the status you’re registered with in the National Population Register (for example, resident in Norway or emigrated)
  • whether or not you have undergone an ID check

Some Norwegian digital services require you to have a national identity number. However, there are many Norwegian digital services available to you if you have a D number, for example, creating an electronic ID.

Your status in the National Population Register must, among other things, show whether you live in Norway or not. If you’re moving to Norway, you must report your move. If your report of a move to Norway is approved, you’ll be assigned a national identity number. This also means that your status in the National Population Register will be «resident».

Users of information in the National Population Register

A number of public and private enterprises will make desicions on or in view of the information that is registered in the National Population Register.

The information is used by, for example: 

  • the tax authorities 
  • the election authorities 
  • the Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) 
  • the Directorate of Immigration (UDI) 
  • the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen) 
  • the Norwegian Public Roads Administration 
  • Statistics Norway (SSB) 
  • banks and insurance companies 
  • employers 
  • private organisations and individuals 

Tax liability in Norway

Please note that being registered as resident in Norway in the National Population Register is not the same as being considered tax resident in Norway.