The D-number

The first Norwegian number of most newcomers. It opens more doors than people think — and closes one after five years.

D-number
SUA appointment
BankID

Updated on 25 September 2026

What it is

The D-number is an identity number assigned to foreign nationals who are not registered as residents in Norway. According to the Skatteetaten, it gives access to various services, for instance obtaining a tax card.

It is assigned at the request of a body that needs to identify you. Once you are registered as a resident, after the notification of moving, an eleven-digit fødselsnummer replaces it.

The questions you are going to ask yourself

How do I get a D-number before I even arrive?
Do I have to wait for the fødselsnummer to open an account, get a BankID, sign a lease?
My D-number is "inactive" — who can reactivate it, and how?
My name is spelled differently from one register to another — does it matter?

Is the D-number a residence permit?

No. It is an identification number. A European citizen's stay beyond three months goes through registration with the police.

My D-number is more than five years old. Is it still valid?

Yes, but it is "inactive"; some services require it to be reactivated.

Sources

Skatteetaten — certificate of assignment of a D-number (folkeregisterloven § 2-2), "inactive" status — read on 17 February 2026

One number, and everything that depends on it

We check what your number already allows you, and what has to be done to unlock the rest.