D-Number in Norway: What It Is and How to Get One

A D-number is a temporary Norwegian identification number assigned to foreigners who need a Norwegian ID but do not yet—or will not—qualify for a full national identity number (fødselsnummer). If you are starting a short-term job, opening a bank account, or dealing with Norwegian authorities before you have a fødselsnummer, a D-number is what makes that possible.

What a D-Number Is

The D-number (also written D-nummer) is an 11-digit identification number, the same format as a fødselsnummer, but with the day of birth increased by 40. So someone born on the 5th of a month will have 45 as the first two digits of their D-number. This allows Norwegian systems to distinguish it from a permanent national ID.

It is issued by the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) and sits in the Norwegian Population Register. It is not a permanent residence document and does not confer any rights to stay in Norway.

Who Needs a D-Number

You are likely to need a D-number if you fall into one of these situations:

• Working in Norway temporarily — seasonal workers, posted workers, short-term contracts
• Starting work before your fødselsnummer arrives — registration for a permanent number takes time; a D-number bridges that gap
• Receiving income or owning assets subject to Norwegian tax without being a resident
• Applying for jobs or benefits through NAV as an EEA citizen
• Opening a Norwegian bank account before you qualify for a permanent ID
• Serving as a board member in a Norwegian company as a foreign citizen
• Asylum seekers awaiting a decision on their application

Norwegian nationals and foreigners residing in Norway for six months or more typically get a fødselsnummer instead.

How to Apply — You Cannot Do It Alone

You cannot apply for a D-number directly. The request must come from an approved entity that has a legal reason to need you to have a Norwegian ID number. The requesting parties are:

• Skatteetaten (Tax Administration) — for people liable to pay tax or social security contributions in Norway
• NAV — for EEA citizens applying for jobs or receiving national insurance benefits
• Banks and financial institutions — when you become their customer
• Employer — your employer can apply on your behalf when registering you as an employee and applying for your tax deduction card (skattekort)

In practice, when you start a job in Norway, your employer typically handles the D-number request at the same time as they apply for your tax card, using Skatteetaten form RF-1355.

Documents Required

The requesting authority will need you to provide a certified copy of your passport or national ID card. The copy must:

• Be in colour, showing both front and back
• Include your photograph, full name, date of birth, gender, expiry date, citizenship, and the machine-readable zone (MRZ)
• Be certified by an independent third party — someone who has seen the original document, signed and stamped the copy confirming it is a true reproduction
• Not be older than three months at the time of submission
• Be sent by post in most cases (digital copies are generally not accepted for this purpose)

The requesting authority may require you to attend an in-person ID check with the Tax Administration. Confirm with the requesting authority which process applies in your case.

Processing Time

Processing times are not fixed by law.

What You Can Do With a D-Number

A D-number enables most of the administrative interactions you need in Norway:

• Register as an employee and receive payroll
• Obtain a skattekort (tax deduction card) and file tax obligations
• Open a bank account at a Norwegian bank
• Receive payments and invoices in Norway
• Access some NAV services as an EEA citizen
• Register as a board member in a Norwegian company

What Requires a Fødselsnummer Instead

Some services and rights are tied specifically to the fødselsnummer and are not accessible on a D-number alone:

• Helsenorge.no — registration for a fastlege (GP) requires a fødselsnummer in most cases
• BankID — Norway's digital identity system can be issued with either a fødselsnummer or a D-number
• Long-term residency rights — you must register in Folkeregisteret and receive a fødselsnummer once you have lived in Norway for six months or more
• Voting rights — tied to national identity number and residency status
• Full access to NAV benefits — some social benefits require fødselsnummer

D-Number vs Fødselsnummer at a Glance

What Happens When You Qualify for a Fødselsnummer

Once you have lived in Norway for six months or more and register with Folkeregisteret, Skatteetaten assigns you a fødselsnummer. Your D-number is then retired. Most institutions that had your D-number on file will update their records automatically, but it is worth notifying your bank, employer, and any other relevant organisations directly.

Skatteetaten also sends you a letter confirming your fødselsnummer. Keep this letter — it is the official confirmation of your new identity number.