MinID is one of Norway’s standard electronic IDs that lets you log in to public services like Skatteetaten, NAV, Helsedirektoratet, and your municipality. If you plan to live, work, study, or own property here, getting MinID early saves time. In this guide I’ll walk you through who qualifies, the documents you need, how to order the activation letter, and how to use the MinID app once you are set up.
Short answer if you are in a rush: you need a Norwegian identification number either a national identity number or a D number. Once that is in place, order the MinID activation letter to your registered address, register online with the code from the letter, set a password, and optionally add the MinID app for one-tap codes. That is it for most people.
Let’s take a deeper dive into how MinID works and how you can get yours without headaches.
What MinID Is and Why You Need It
MinID is a personal electronic ID used through ID-porten, the national login gate to public services. It uses two factors to verify you: your password and a one-time code delivered by paper PINs, SMS, or the MinID app. It is widely accepted across state and municipal services, from changing your tax card to checking health reimbursements. For most newcomers, MinID is the simplest first step into Norway’s digital systems.
Local tip from daily life here: BankID is stronger and accepted by banks and many private companies, but it often takes longer to obtain because it is issued through banks. MinID is faster to start with, and you can add BankID later if you like.
Who Can Get MinID
To register for MinID you must be 13 years or older and have a Norwegian identification number. That can be an 11-digit national identity number if you are registered as resident, or a D number if you have a temporary connection to Norway such as short-term work. Both numbers work for MinID.
If you are coming for a short assignment and receive a D number from the Tax Administration, you can still order MinID once your D number and address are in the population or contact register. If your D number is registered with a foreign postal address, the activation letter can be sent abroad.
What You Need Before You Start
Have these ready:
- Your 11-digit ID number national number or D number.
- Your own mobile number and email address for contact and security notifications.
- A registered postal address in the National Population Register or a contact address if you have a D number. The activation letter is sent there.
If you do not have an ID number yet, your first stop is the Norwegian Tax Administration to get either a national identity number or a D number depending on your situation. Without that, you cannot register any electronic ID.
Step by Step: Ordering and Activating MinID
Here is the workflow most people follow. I have guided a lot of seasonal workers and new residents through this, and the sequence below keeps things simple.
- Order the activation letter
Go to the official ordering page and enter your ID number. The system sends a paper letter with an activation code to your registered address. Delivery is usually a few business days in Norway. If your registered address is abroad because you hold a D number, it will be sent there. Do not share this code with anyone. - Register online
Once the letter arrives, follow the link on the page or go to the MinID registration page. You will enter your ID number, create a strong password, and use the activation code from the letter to tie everything to you. That completes your MinID. - Add a one-time code method
After initial setup you can use PIN codes on paper, SMS one-time codes, or the MinID app. The app is the most convenient option and avoids carrying papers. I recommend setting up at least two methods so you have a backup.
Using the MinID App
The MinID app acts as your second factor for login. Download it from your app store, sign in with your ID number, and pair it by following the on-screen guide. If you have not created a MinID yet, you can scan the QR activation code printed in your letter inside the app to get started. Once paired, logins are a tap to approve. It is faster than waiting for SMS, and handy during peak tax season when SMS can lag.
If you prefer not to use the app, SMS codes and printed PIN letters are still available. The app can live alongside those methods, which is nice if you change phone numbers while traveling.
If You Are New to Norway and Only Have a D Number
Plenty of newcomers start life here with a D number. Once you have that number and a postal address on file, you can order the MinID activation letter. If you are not yet on a Norwegian address, the letter can be mailed to your foreign address registered with the authorities. Use your own phone and email when you register so you can reset things yourself later.
A practical rhythm I suggest: book your ID or tax card appointment, get your D number, then order the MinID activation letter the same day. By the time your first pay slip arrives, your MinID should be ready to use.
Where You Will Use MinID
You will meet MinID at ID-porten, the landing page that lets you choose a login method for public services. With MinID you can file your tax return, adjust your tax deduction card, check benefits in NAV, apply for school places through your municipality, and log in to many other public portals. Whenever you see the ID-porten screen, MinID is usually one of the standard buttons.
From experience, the most common first task is changing your tax card after your first Norwegian job contract. That is a good functional test to confirm MinID works.
Common Hiccups and How to Fix Them
You never received the activation letter
Check that your address is correctly registered. If you recently moved, update the National Population Register first, then reorder the letter. If your D number holds a foreign address, make sure that address is current because the letter goes there.
You cannot log in after creating a password
Two typical causes: mistyping the ID number or using an expired activation code. Reorder a new activation letter and try again. The system will not let you proceed with an expired code.
SMS one-time codes do not arrive
Switch to the MinID app or use the printed PIN codes, then update your mobile number under your MinID settings once you are logged in. The app avoids roaming issues if you are traveling.
You forgot your password
Use the password reset flow at login. You will confirm with an SMS code or the app. If you lose both, you may need a new activation letter to re-establish control. Set two factors now to save future hassle.
Security, Privacy, and Good Habits
MinID is personal. Never share your activation code, password, or one-time codes with an employer, landlord, or even family. Public authorities will not ask you for them by chat or email. If something feels off, stop and verify through official help channels.
A few routines I use and recommend:
- Create a unique, long password that you do not reuse elsewhere.
- Add the MinID app and keep your phone screen-locked.
- Keep your contact information phone and email up to date so resets are easy.
- If you move, update your registered address before you need new letters.
Alternatives to MinID and When They Make Sense
Norway recognizes several electronic IDs in ID-porten: MinID, BankID, Buypass, and Commfides. MinID is the easiest entry point and works for most public tasks. If you need banking and e-signatures for private services, BankID is the heavyweight but takes coordination with a bank. Buypass and Commfides are more common in workplaces with smart cards or USB tokens. Many locals eventually keep both MinID and BankID so one can serve as backup for the other.
How Long It Takes
Once your ID number and address are set, the only waiting is for the activation letter. In Norway that is typically a short postal delay. Registering online takes a few minutes, adding the app another minute or two. If you are on a tight deadline like tax season, order the letter as soon as your ID number arrives.
Insider Tips From Everyday Use
I have helped a lot of students and temporary staff through this, and a few habits keep things smooth. Order the activation letter before you actually need to log in so you are not rushing. Pair the MinID app even if you think you will rely on SMS; it is the most reliable during heavy traffic. If you are between addresses, set your contact info correctly in the registers first, then order the letter. And when you graduate to BankID, do not delete MinID. Keeping both gives you redundancy when one method is down for maintenance.
With those steps, getting MinID is straightforward. Once you are in, you will find Norway’s digital services are refreshingly consistent and fast.