1. Contact the bank before visiting
Explain that you need your first BankID and say whether you have a national identity number or D-number. Ask for the document checklist, an identification appointment and confirmation that the bank supports your number. BankID says identification normally takes place in person at a bank. A fully digital bank may direct you to Posten. Follow the bank’s instructions rather than visiting a branch without an appointment.
2. Bring accepted identity documents
Having a foreign passport is different from having no identity document. Nordea lists foreign passports and EU/EEA national identity cards with travel rights among its accepted documents. DNB lists passports, Norwegian national identity cards, immigrant passports and refugee travel documents. Confirm document acceptance and technical support with the bank you choose. A residence card or an existing bank account alone does not mean BankID has been approved.
3. Set up the agreement, then activate the app
Once the bank approves your identity and creates the BankID agreement, follow its ordering and activation instructions. DNB describes ordering through online banking under Settings and BankID. The BankID app provides login and signing after the agreement is active. Contact your bank if activation fails. Keep your password private and only approve requests you started yourself.
If you need a bank account first
Manual account applications are available for people without BankID. A bank account, a bank-specific login and BankID are different services. Ask whether basic banking and an alternative login can be provided while BankID is being arranged. Our bank-account-without-BankID guide covers opening the account; this guide covers obtaining the electronic identity itself.
Questions and answers
Do I have to be a Norwegian citizen?
Norwegian citizenship is not a general requirement in the document lists we checked. The banks list foreign identity documents. You still need to satisfy your bank’s identity checks and current technical requirements.
Can I get BankID with a D-number?
BankID describes eligibility for D-number holders from October 2026 if other requirements are met. Banks are still transitioning. Nordea says BankID is available without a national identity number, while DNB’s published page still requires that number.
Does downloading the app give me BankID?
No. Your bank must first create an active BankID agreement. The app is how you use it, rather than an application for a bank account or credit card.
Your next step
To get BankID, contact a bank that handles BankID and complete its identity checks. Downloading the app does not create a BankID agreement. If you have a D-number or foreign passport, confirm the bank’s current process before booking an appointment.
Read BankID’s official instructionsOpen a bank account without BankID in Norway