Moving to Norway involves a surprising amount of paperwork, and identification is one of the first things you need to understand. Many newcomers search for a Norwegian ID card as soon as they arrive, but the process depends on your citizenship and immigration status. Norway’s national identity card is primarily a document for Norwegian citizens. Foreign residents usually use a residence card, passport, or another accepted form of Norwegian identification instead.
This guide explains the difference between a national ID Norway card and other documents used in daily life. You will also find practical information about eligibility, applications, collection, costs, and what to do if you need identification before your permanent documents are ready.
What is the Norwegian national identity card?
The Norwegian national identity card, usually called a nasjonalt ID-kort, is an official identity document issued by the Norwegian police. It confirms the holder’s identity and Norwegian citizenship. It is a physical card with security features and an electronic chip, and it can be used for identification in many situations where a passport is not necessary.
For eligible Norwegian citizens, the card can also function as a travel document in certain countries. A Norwegian national ID card with a travel function is generally accepted for travel in the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. Travel rules can change, and airlines or border authorities may have their own requirements, so check the current advice before travelling.
The card is not the same as a residence permit card. It is also not the same as the identity number issued by the Norwegian Tax Administration. These are separate parts of the Norwegian identification system:
- National identity card: A physical ID document mainly issued to Norwegian citizens.
- Residence card: A card showing that a foreign national has the right to live in Norway under a residence permit or registration arrangement.
- Passport: A travel document that also proves identity and nationality.
- National identity number or D-number: A personal identification number used by public authorities, banks, employers and other organisations.
- BankID: An electronic identity and signing solution issued through participating Norwegian banks.
Who can apply for a Norwegian ID card?
Norwegian citizens can apply for a Norwegian national identity card through the police. You do not have to live permanently in Norway to be a Norwegian citizen, although you must apply through an approved application location and meet the identity verification requirements.
If you have recently moved to Norway but are not a Norwegian citizen, you normally cannot apply for the Norwegian national identity card. This is true even if you have a permanent residence permit, a Norwegian national identity number, or a long-term connection to the country.
Foreign nationals should instead use the document that matches their situation. Depending on your nationality and immigration status, that may be:
- Your valid passport from your country of citizenship.
- A Norwegian residence card issued by the police or the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration.
- An EU or EEA registration document together with a valid passport or national identity card from your home country.
- A refugee travel document or immigrant’s passport, if one has been issued to you.
- A Norwegian driving licence for situations where photo identification is accepted.
A driving licence is useful for everyday identification, but it does not replace a passport or residence card for immigration checks and international travel.
How to apply for a Norwegian national identity card
If you are a Norwegian citizen, the application is handled by the Norwegian police. You normally need to book an appointment at a police station that offers passport and national ID card services. Not every station handles these applications, so check the official police website before choosing a location.
1. Book an appointment
Appointments are usually booked online. Demand can be high during the spring and summer travel season, before school holidays, and around public holidays. If you need the card for a planned trip, arrange the appointment well in advance.
When booking, select the service for a passport and national identity card. Some police stations allow you to apply for both during the same appointment or in connected appointments. Check the instructions shown for your chosen location.
2. Bring the required documents
The police must be able to confirm your identity and citizenship. Bring your current passport or national ID card if you have one. If you do not have an existing Norwegian identity document, the police may ask for other evidence, and the process can take longer.
Typical requirements include:
- Your current Norwegian passport or national identity card, if applicable.
- Any previous passport or identity document requested by the police.
- Documentation connected to a change of name, if your name has changed.
- Additional identity or citizenship documents if the police cannot verify your details electronically.
- Documentation for a child and parental consent where the applicant is under 18.
Requirements can vary according to your personal circumstances. Do not assume that a residence card or Norwegian identity number alone proves Norwegian citizenship. If you are unsure which documents to bring, contact the police station before your appointment.
3. Attend the appointment
At the appointment, an officer checks your documents, confirms your identity, takes a photograph and records your signature. Biometric information may be collected according to the rules for the document. The application fee is normally paid during the application process. Fees can change, so check the current price before attending.
Children must normally attend in person as well. The police have special rules for applications involving children, parental responsibility and consent. Read the requirements carefully if you are applying on behalf of a child.
4. Wait for production and collect the card
The card is produced after the police approve your application. You will normally receive information about when and where to collect it. Collection is usually in person because the police need to make sure the document reaches the correct holder.
Do not book non-refundable travel based only on your application date. Processing and delivery times may vary, particularly during busy periods or if additional identity checks are required.
Can foreign residents get a national ID Norway card?
In most cases, no. The Norwegian national identity card is not a general resident card available to everyone who moves to Norway. It is linked to Norwegian citizenship, not simply residence.
This distinction is important for people who have moved to Norway for work, study, family reunification or other reasons. You may have a Norwegian fødselsnummer, pay tax in Norway and use Norwegian public services, but these facts do not by themselves make you eligible for the national identity card.
Some foreign residents can later become eligible if they acquire Norwegian citizenship. After citizenship is granted and registered, you can apply for a Norwegian passport and national identity card if you meet the normal requirements. Citizenship applications are handled by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration, while the passport and ID card application is handled by the police.
Until then, keep your passport and residence documentation valid. These are the documents most likely to be needed when travelling, dealing with immigration authorities, proving your right to work, or completing formal identity checks.
Residence cards for people moving to Norway
If you are a non-Norwegian citizen with a residence permit, your residence card is often the most important Norwegian identification document connected to your immigration status. It normally includes your photograph, personal details, card validity and information about the type of residence permission you hold.
A residence card does not replace your passport. You should generally carry both when travelling internationally. The residence card proves your right to live in Norway, while your passport proves your identity and nationality.
Residence card procedures depend on your immigration category. For example, a person with a residence permit may need to attend an appointment with the police after receiving a decision from the immigration authorities. EU and EEA citizens have different registration rules from people who need a residence permit. Family members may also follow a different process.
Check the instructions in your decision letter and use the official UDI and police websites for current information. If your card is lost, stolen, damaged or about to expire, report the issue and follow the replacement instructions promptly.
Getting identification before your documents arrive
New arrivals often need identification before they receive a residence card or Norwegian driving licence. There is no single replacement document that works everywhere, so the best option depends on what you are trying to do.
For registering with authorities
Bring your passport, immigration decision, employment contract, housing documents and any appointment confirmation you have. The Tax Administration, police and immigration authorities may each request different documents. A letter from an employer is not a substitute for a passport, but it can support an application or registration process.
For banks and financial services
Banks normally carry out strict customer identification checks. They may ask for your passport, residence card, Norwegian address, employment information and Norwegian identification number. Some banks will open an account before you have all Norwegian electronic services, while others require more documentation.
Ask the bank exactly which documents it accepts before attending. If you have a D-number rather than a national identity number, tell the bank when you apply. The available services may differ, especially for online banking and BankID.
For employers
An employer will normally need to verify your identity and right to work. Your passport and residence documentation are usually more relevant than a national identity card. You may also need to provide your Norwegian identification number or D-number for payroll and tax reporting.
For domestic travel and everyday purchases
What counts as acceptable Norwegian identification varies. A passport, Norwegian driving licence, bank card with a photograph, residence card or other official photo ID may be accepted in different situations. Hotels, pharmacies, parcel collection points, banks and age-restricted retailers can set their own procedures.
Keep your original documents secure. Avoid sending photographs of identity documents through unsecured channels, and do not leave your passport as a deposit unless you are dealing with an organisation that has a lawful reason to hold it.
Norwegian identification numbers and why they matter
Many people use the phrase Norwegian identification to mean their personal number, but a number is not the same as a photo ID card. The Tax Administration issues a national identity number to people who are registered as residents under the relevant rules. Some people who have a shorter connection to Norway receive a D-number instead.
Your number may be required for work, taxation, healthcare, banking and public services. It does not prove citizenship and cannot be used as a travel document. You may be asked to show a physical document alongside the number when an organisation needs to verify who you are.
Once you have a Norwegian identification number, you can often start setting up practical services. These may include a tax card, a bank account, a fastlege registration and digital access to public services. The exact sequence depends on your immigration status and whether you have a permanent or temporary connection to Norway.
BankID and digital identification in Norway
BankID is widely used in Norway to sign documents, log in to public services and confirm online payments. It is not the same as the physical Norwegian ID card. BankID is issued by participating banks after they complete their own identity checks.
A bank may ask for a valid passport, residence card, Norwegian identification number and other information before offering BankID. New arrivals may initially receive limited online banking access or another login method while their identity and residency details are being checked.
Never share your BankID password, one-time codes or approval requests with another person. Norwegian banks and public authorities will not ask you to approve an unexpected transaction simply to keep your account active. If something seems unusual, stop and contact the bank through its official telephone number or website.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing citizenship with residence: A residence permit does not normally make you eligible for a Norwegian national identity card.
- Using a personal number as photo identification: An identity number confirms a record in a system, not the person standing in front of an organisation.
- Letting your passport or residence card expire: Renew documents before expiry where possible, especially if you travel or need banking services.
- Waiting until the last minute: Police appointments and document production can take longer during busy periods.
- Relying on informal advice: Immigration and identification rules can change. Check the police, UDI and Tax Administration websites for the current requirements.
- Assuming every organisation accepts the same ID: Ask the specific bank, employer, hotel or service provider which documents it accepts.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a Norwegian ID card after moving to Norway?
You can apply if you are a Norwegian citizen and meet the police requirements. If you are a foreign national who has moved to Norway on a residence permit, you will normally need to use your passport and Norwegian residence card instead. A Norwegian identification number alone does not make you eligible for the national ID card.
Is a Norwegian residence card the same as a national identity card?
No. A residence card shows that a foreign national has permission or a right to live in Norway. The national identity card is an identity document mainly issued to Norwegian citizens. A residence card also does not usually replace your passport when you travel.
Can I travel with a Norwegian national identity card instead of a passport?
If your card has the travel function, it may be accepted for travel to countries that recognise it, including many EU and EEA destinations and Switzerland. Always check current entry rules, airline requirements and the destination country’s guidance before travelling.
Do I need a Norwegian ID card to open a bank account?
Not necessarily. Banks usually accept a valid passport and may also request a residence card, Norwegian address, employment information and a national identity number or D-number. Each bank has its own customer identification procedures, so confirm the requirements before your appointment.
What should I do if my Norwegian identification document is lost?
Report a lost or stolen passport, national ID card or residence card to the relevant authority and follow the replacement instructions. If the document was stolen, a police report may be required. Contact your bank immediately if payment cards or BankID credentials may also be compromised.