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)

Some Tax Administration offices or police stations may allow in-person verification. Confirm with the requesting authority which process applies in your case.

Processing Time

Processing times are not fixed by law. In practice, expect a few weeks from the date Skatteetaten receives the completed application. You will be notified by post once the number is assigned.

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 requires a fødselsnummer
• 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.