Norwegian nationals who act as directors or people with significant control, known as PSCs, of UK companies must complete Companies House identity verification by the deadline that applies to each role.

After you verify your identity, Companies House gives you an 11-character personal code. The code belongs to you rather than to one company.

You can use the same personal code for every UK company where you act as a director or PSC. However, you must connect it separately to each appointment and role.

Quick Answer for Norwegian Directors and PSCs

For most Norwegian nationals, a valid Norwegian biometric passport provides the clearest Group A identity document.

A current Norwegian national identity card, called a nasjonalt ID-kort, may also provide Group A evidence. Norway issues national identity cards both with and without travel rights.

A valid physical Norwegian photocard driving licence, called a førerkort, may potentially provide another Group A document under a person-led check because Norwegian driving licences appear on PRADO.

However, Norway is not an EU Member State. A Norwegian driving licence should not automatically be treated as an EU photocard driving licence for the Companies House technology-led route or Post Office route.

For a person-led remote check through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, known as an ACSP, you normally need either:

• two Group A photographic identity documents; or
• one Group A photographic identity document and one Group B supporting document.

For many Norwegian directors and PSCs, the most practical combinations are:

• Norwegian passport and Norwegian national identity card;
• Norwegian passport and Norwegian driving licence;
• Norwegian national identity card and Norwegian driving licence;
• Norwegian passport and bank statement;
• Norwegian passport and utility bill;
• Norwegian passport and mortgage statement;
• Norwegian passport and insurance policy;
• Norwegian passport and Norwegian birth certificate;
• Norwegian passport and Norwegian marriage certificate;
• Norwegian passport and UK photocard driving licence; or
• Norwegian passport and an eligible UK immigration document.

Direct answer: The strongest person-led route will usually use a Norwegian passport together with a current Norwegian national identity card. A Norwegian driving licence may provide the second Group A document under the person-led PRADO route, subject to review of the exact physical card.

Important Point About the Norwegian National Identity Card

Norway issues a national identity card called a nasjonalt ID-kort.

Only Norwegian citizens can obtain the ordinary Norwegian national identity card.

The card confirms the holder’s identity and Norwegian nationality. It contains a facial image and electronic security features.

Companies House expressly permits a biometric identity card issued by:

• an EU country;
• Norway;
• Iceland; or
• Liechtenstein.

A current Norwegian national identity card may therefore qualify under both the technology-led Option 1 route and the person-led Group A route.

The practical conclusion is:

A current physical Norwegian national identity card can normally provide strong Group A evidence for Companies House identity verification.

The card must still:

• remain valid;
• belong to the applicant;
• contain a clear facial image;
• show no sign of alteration or serious damage;
• match the applicant’s current legal details;
• not have been reported lost or stolen;
• not have been cancelled or replaced; and
• pass the checks completed by the ACSP or identity-checking technology.

Norwegian National Identity Cards With and Without Travel Rights

Norway issues two main forms of national identity card:

• national identity card with travel rights;
• national identity card without travel rights.

The distinction affects travel. It does not necessarily prevent either current biometric card from providing identity evidence for Companies House.

Norwegian National Identity Card With Travel Rights

The card with travel rights is called an ID-kort med reiserett.

It can be used as:

• proof of identity;
• proof of Norwegian nationality; and
• a travel document within relevant European countries.

Current PRADO-listed models include:

• NOR-BO-02001, first issued on 29 July 2021; and
• NOR-BO-01001, first issued on 30 November 2020.

The current NOR-BO-02001 model provides the clearest route.

It contains:

• facial image;
• electronic chip;
• personal identity number;
• physical security features;
• electronic security features; and
• multilingual document wording.

The card may display wording in:

• Norwegian Bokmål;
• Norwegian Nynorsk;
• Northern Sámi; and
• English.

Norwegian National Identity Card Without Travel Rights

The card without travel rights is called an ID-kort uten reiserett.

Current PRADO-listed models include:

• NOR-BO-02002, first issued on 29 July 2021; and
• NOR-BO-01002, first issued on 30 November 2020.

The card confirms the holder’s identity and Norwegian nationality but cannot be used as a travel document.

The lack of travel rights does not automatically prevent the card from qualifying for Companies House identity verification.

Companies House requires a biometric identity card issued by Norway. It does not state that the card must also provide international travel rights.

A current card without travel rights may therefore potentially qualify where:

• it contains the required biometric information;
• it remains valid;
• the technology or verifier supports the exact model;
• the facial image matches the applicant;
• the card has not been cancelled or replaced; and
• its security features can be validated.

How Long Is a Norwegian National Identity Card Valid?

The maximum validity depends on the holder’s age.

A Norwegian national identity card is generally valid for up to:

• two years for a child aged under five;
• three years for a child aged five to nine; or
• five years for a person aged ten or over.

Norwegian adult national identity cards do not normally have ten-year validity.

Check the printed expiry date carefully.

Cards issued under the 2020 and 2021 models may have expired or may be approaching expiry, depending on the date on which the individual card was issued.

Can You Use an Expired Norwegian National Identity Card?

Normally no.

Companies House provides limited expiry exceptions for passports and certain UK biometric immigration documents. It does not provide a general expiry exception for Norwegian national identity cards.

Use a current card or choose another accepted document combination.

Can You Use a Replaced Norwegian National Identity Card?

No.

Do not use an old national identity card after a replacement card has been issued.

This applies even where:

• the printed expiry date has not passed;
• the old card still appears undamaged;
• the applicant retained the old card;
• the replacement followed a name change;
• the replacement followed a change of personal details;
• the old card was reported lost or stolen; or
• the applicant later recovered the old card.

A cancelled, blocked or replaced card cannot provide Companies House identity evidence.

Can a Norwegian National Identity Card Qualify Under Option 1?

Potentially.

Option 1 uses identity document validation technology. One eligible photographic document may be enough where the technology validates all required cryptographic and physical security features.

A Norwegian national identity card may qualify where:

• it contains biometric information;
• it contains a working electronic chip;
• the card remains current;
• the technology supports the exact Norwegian card model;
• the technology validates the card’s electronic security features;
• the technology validates its physical security features; and
• the applicant successfully completes the facial and identity checks.

Both the travel-rights and non-travel-rights card may potentially qualify. The ACSP must confirm that its identity technology supports the exact model presented.

Can You Use a Norwegian National Identity Card Under Option 2?

Yes, potentially.

A current Norwegian national identity card may provide Group A evidence under the person-led route.

The verifier should examine:

• original physical card;
• front and reverse;
• photograph;
• card model;
• document number;
• national identity number where shown;
• date of birth;
• issue date;
• expiry date;
• Norwegian nationality;
• visible security features;
• electronic features where relevant;
• physical condition; and
• consistency with the passport and Companies House record.

Send clear images of both sides before the video appointment.

You must also show the original card during the call.

Do Not Confuse the Citizen National ID Card With Other Norwegian ID Cards

Norwegian authorities may issue other identity or residence documents to people who are not Norwegian citizens.

A card issued in Norway does not automatically prove Norwegian nationality.

A foreign national may hold:

• Norwegian residence card;
• identity card for a foreign national;
• refugee travel document;
• immigrant’s passport;
• residence permit document; or
• another Norwegian-issued status document.

These documents must be assessed according to their actual category.

Do not describe a Norwegian-issued card for a foreign national as a Norwegian national identity card.

For a Norwegian national, a standard Norwegian passport or citizen national identity card will normally provide the clearest route.

Norwegian National Identity Numbers

The Norwegian national identity number is called a fødselsnummer.

It may also be described in English as:

• national identity number;
• Norwegian personal number;
• Norwegian personal identity number; or
• Norwegian birth number.

A fødselsnummer contains 11 digits.

The first six digits normally correspond to the registered date of birth. The remaining five digits distinguish the individual and include control information.

A Norwegian national identity number is used in connection with:

• National Population Register;
• taxation;
• employment;
• banking;
• healthcare;
• social security;
• pensions;
• education;
• BankID;
• digital government services; and
• other Norwegian administrative systems.

A fødselsnummer is a personal identifier rather than a photographic identity document.

Do not submit only:

• fødselsnummer;
• written Norwegian personal number;
• screenshot showing the number;
• tax record containing the number;
• BankID profile;
• National Population Register screen;
• healthcare record;
• payslip;
• Altinn page; or
• document confirming only the number.

The number may help an ACSP compare records. However, it does not replace the accepted passport, national identity card, driving licence or Group B document.

Is a Fødselsnummer the Companies House Personal Code?

No.

A fødselsnummer belongs to Norway’s national identification and population-registration system.

The Companies House personal code is a separate 11-character code created after successful Companies House identity verification.

Do not enter any of the following when Companies House asks for your personal code:

• Norwegian fødselsnummer;
• national identity-card number;
• Norwegian passport number;
• Norwegian driving-licence number;
• BankID information;
• UK National Insurance number;
• company authentication code;
• Norwegian tax number;
• organisation number; or
• immigration application reference.

Norwegian D-Numbers

A Norwegian D-number is called a D-nummer.

A D-number is generally assigned to a foreign national who needs a Norwegian identification number but does not qualify for a standard fødselsnummer.

A D-number also contains 11 digits.

It is not:

• a passport;
• a national identity card;
• proof of Norwegian nationality;
• photographic identity evidence; or
• a Companies House personal code.

A Norwegian citizen will normally have a fødselsnummer rather than a D-number.

Where an applicant’s documents contain a D-number, the ACSP should understand why it appears and confirm that the information relates to the same person.

Norwegian BankID and Digital Identity Services

Norwegian nationals may use several electronic identity services.

Examples include:

• BankID;
• BankID on mobile or application-based BankID;
• MinID;
• Buypass ID;
• Commfides;
• ID-porten;
• Altinn;
• digital postboxes; and
• electronic signatures.

These services may provide reliable access to Norwegian banking and government services.

However, they do not automatically replace the physical identity documents required under the published Companies House routes.

Do not rely only on:

• BankID login;
• BankID certificate;
• MinID profile;
• ID-porten screen;
• Altinn account;
• QR code;
• digital-wallet display;
• electronic-signature result;
• mobile screenshot; or
• downloaded government profile.

An ACSP may review electronic information as supplementary evidence. It may help confirm:

• applicant’s current name;
• fødselsnummer;
• control of a Norwegian bank account;
• registered address;
• recent financial activity;
• electronic identity;
• control of an official digital mailbox; or
• consistency with government records.

The formal document combination should still use an accepted passport, physical national identity card, physical driving licence or Group B document.

Norwegian Biometric Passports

The Norwegian ordinary passport is called a pass.

PRADO lists the current ordinary Norwegian passport under reference NOR-AO-06001.

Current Norwegian Passport Model

The current Norwegian ordinary passport model NOR-AO-06001 was first issued on 19 October 2020.

It is:

• an ordinary Norwegian passport;
• issued to Norwegian nationals;
• biometric;
• machine-readable;
• constructed as a passport booklet;
• issued with an integrated personal-details card;
• valid for up to ten years; and
• equipped with physical and electronic security features.

A current Norwegian biometric passport will normally provide the strongest Group A identity document.

Norwegian Passport Validity

The maximum passport validity depends on the holder’s age.

A Norwegian passport is generally valid for up to:

• two years for a child aged under five;
• three years for a child aged five to under ten;
• five years for a person aged ten to under 16; or
• ten years for a person aged 16 or over.

Check the printed expiry date carefully.

A passport can also become unusable before its printed expiry date where:

• it has been reported lost or stolen;
• it has been cancelled;
• a newer passport has replaced it;
• the personal-details page is damaged;
• its security features are damaged;
• the photograph no longer allows reliable comparison;
• the holder’s name has changed; or
• the holder’s legal identity details no longer match.

Using a Norwegian Passport With GOV.UK One Login

A Norwegian national can normally try the GOV.UK One Login app using a current biometric passport.

The applicant must usually:

1. photograph the passport’s personal-details page;
2. scan the biometric chip;
3. scan their face;
4. complete the live identity comparison; and
5. answer any remaining identity questions.

The applicant must use the original physical passport.

The app does not accept:

• photocopy;
• scanned PDF;
• screenshot;
• photograph displayed on another device;
• passport number without the passport;
• cancelled passport;
• replaced passport; or
• expired passport.

Previous Norwegian Passport Models

PRADO lists earlier Norwegian ordinary passport models.

A relevant previous model is NOR-AO-05001, first issued on 19 January 2015.

Earlier Norwegian passport designs may still appear in PRADO records.

An older Norwegian passport may provide Group A evidence where the individual document:

• remains current or falls within a Companies House passport expiry exception;
• has not been cancelled;
• has not been replaced;
• remains in good physical condition;
• contains a clear photograph;
• belongs to the applicant; and
• matches the applicant’s current legal identity.

Do not rely only on the date when the document model was first introduced.

The ACSP must inspect the individual passport, expiry date and current status.

Norwegian Passports Issued Through an Embassy

Norwegian citizens living in the United Kingdom or another country may apply for or renew a Norwegian passport through a passport-issuing Norwegian diplomatic mission.

The applicant normally attends in person.

The embassy or consular authority may capture or verify:

• photograph;
• fingerprints where required;
• signature;
• identity information;
• Norwegian nationality; and
• supporting civil-status evidence.

A passport obtained through the Norwegian Embassy is not a special lower-status passport merely because the applicant applied abroad.

It can still be a standard Norwegian biometric passport.

The verifier should check:

• biometric-passport symbol;
• exact PRADO model;
• passport number;
• issue date;
• expiry date;
• chip functionality;
• personal-details page;
• document condition;
• observation or endorsement pages; and
• whether another passport has replaced it.

Norwegian Passport Applications and the National Population Register

Norwegian passport details normally rely on information recorded in the National Population Register.

An applicant may need to update or clarify information where:

• their name changed;
• their date of birth is incorrect;
• their place of birth is incorrect;
• their nationality information is incomplete;
• they were born abroad;
• they recently became a Norwegian citizen;
• their parents’ details are relevant; or
• the passport record does not match other documents.

Useful evidence may include:

• Norwegian birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• confirmation of name change;
• citizenship decision;
• former passport;
• foreign civil-status certificate; or
• National Population Register confirmation.

Norwegian Emergency Passports

Norwegian authorities may issue an emergency passport in limited circumstances.

An emergency passport may be issued where:

• the person cannot obtain an ordinary passport before urgent travel;
• the ordinary passport was lost;
• the ordinary passport was stolen;
• the ordinary passport was seriously damaged; or
• another urgent and accepted reason applies.

A Norwegian emergency passport may:

• be non-machine-readable;
• have limited validity;
• be issued for one journey;
• have territorial restrictions;
• lack a compatible biometric chip;
• invalidate the ordinary passport; and
• need to be returned after use.

A current emergency passport may potentially provide Group A evidence through a person-led review. However, it requires individual assessment.

The ACSP must check:

• exact document type;
• issuing authority;
• holder’s Norwegian nationality;
• photograph;
• document number;
• issue date;
• expiry date;
• travel restrictions;
• whether the ordinary passport was invalidated;
• whether another ordinary passport later replaced it;
• whether the document has already been surrendered; and
• whether its security features can be validated.

A current ordinary Norwegian biometric passport or national identity card will normally provide a clearer route.

Can a Norwegian Emergency Passport Work in the One Login App?

Do not assume that it will.

The GOV.UK One Login app requires a non-UK passport containing a compatible biometric chip.

A non-machine-readable Norwegian emergency passport will not work through the app.

It may still be considered by an ACSP under the person-led route where the document remains current and can be validated satisfactorily.

Who Must Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The requirement applies to Norwegian nationals who are:

• directors of UK limited companies;
• becoming directors of UK companies;
• directors of overseas companies registered in the UK;
• registered as PSCs;
• becoming PSCs of existing companies;
• forming UK companies in which they will act as directors or PSCs; or
• applying to register as Companies House authorised agents.

Identity verification became a legal requirement on 18 November 2025.

This date began a transitional process. It was not one universal deadline for every existing director and PSC.

Existing directors normally provide their personal codes through their companies’ next confirmation statements.

A new company must provide a personal code for each proposed director during incorporation.

A person appointed as a new director must provide the code as part of the appointment process.

PSCs follow separate 14-day compliance periods. The relevant period depends on whether the PSC also acts as a director and when Companies House first recorded the PSC.

How Can Norwegian Nationals Verify Their Identity?

Norwegian nationals can use one of two main routes.

1. Verify Through GOV.UK One Login

Companies House offers a free direct identity-verification service through GOV.UK One Login.

Depending on the applicant’s documents and circumstances, the system may ask them to:

• use the GOV.UK One Login app;
• answer security questions online; or
• attend a participating UK Post Office.

The available route depends on the applicant’s documents, device and access to relevant UK information.

Using a Norwegian Biometric Passport

A Norwegian national can normally try the app route with a current biometric passport.

The app accepts a non-UK passport containing a biometric chip.

The applicant must use the original passport and successfully complete the chip and facial checks.

Can You Use a Norwegian National Identity Card in the One Login App?

Not under the currently published app document list.

The app currently accepts specified documents such as:

• UK passport;
• non-UK passport containing a biometric chip;
• UK photocard driving licence;
• certain UK biometric immigration documents; or
• UK Frontier Worker permit.

A Norwegian national identity card does not become an accepted app document merely because it contains biometric information.

However, it may still work:

• through an ACSP;
• under person-led Option 2;
• under technology-led Option 1 where suitable technology supports it; or
• through the Post Office route where GOV.UK One Login offers that route.

Can You Use a Norwegian Driving Licence in the One Login App?

No.

The app accepts a UK photocard driving licence rather than a Norwegian driving licence.

A Norwegian driving licence may still provide Group A evidence through a person-led ACSP check because the physical licence appears on PRADO.

Answering Security Questions

Some Norwegian nationals who live in the United Kingdom may receive the option to answer security questions online.

The system may use information connected with:

• UK bank accounts;
• credit cards;
• loans;
• mortgages;
• mobile phone contracts;
• benefits;
• tax records; or
• other UK financial and government records.

The details must match closely.

The applicant may also need specified UK evidence such as:

• UK passport;
• UK photocard driving licence; or
• current account with a UK bank or building society.

A Norwegian director who lives outside the United Kingdom or has little UK financial history may find this route less practical.

Name differences can also cause problems. For example, the system may not immediately connect:

• Æ with AE;
• Ø with OE;
• Å with AA;
• a name with Norwegian letters against a simplified UK spelling;
• a complete name against an account showing only one given name;
• a Norwegian middle name against a UK surname field;
• a hyphenated surname against two separate names;
• a current married name against a former name; or
• a Norwegian passport name against a differently formatted UK banking record.

Verification at a UK Post Office

GOV.UK One Login may direct some applicants to a participating Post Office.

The applicant must first:

1. start the Companies House identity-verification service online;
2. enter the requested identity-document details;
3. receive confirmation that the Post Office route is available;
4. obtain the customer instructions or QR code;
5. attend a participating Post Office; and
6. present the original identity document.

Relevant Norwegian documents may include:

• Norwegian passport; or
• Norwegian national identity card.

The published Post Office document list includes a national identity photocard from Norway.

The applicant must still be offered the Post Office route through GOV.UK One Login.

Can You Use a Norwegian Driving Licence at the Post Office?

Do not assume that you can.

The current published Post Office list refers to an EU photocard driving licence.

Norway participates in the European Economic Area but is not an EU Member State.

A Norwegian driving licence should therefore not be treated automatically as an EU driving licence for this route.

Use a Norwegian passport or national identity card where possible.

Post Office staff scan the original identity document and take the applicant’s photograph.

The applicant cannot replace the original with:

• photocopy;
• scanned image;
• screenshot;
• digital driving licence;
• BankID;
• Altinn screen; or
• photograph displayed on a phone.

This route may suit a Norwegian national who lives in the United Kingdom. It usually provides less convenience to someone living in Norway or another country.

2. Verify Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider can verify a person’s identity for Companies House.

ACSPs commonly include regulated solicitors, accountants and company service providers.

The ACSP can complete checks:

• remotely;
• by video call;
• in person; or
• through approved identity-checking technology.

The ACSP must remain registered with Companies House and supervised by a recognised UK anti-money laundering supervisory body.

The ACSP route may suit a Norwegian director or PSC who:

• lives in Norway;
• lives elsewhere outside the United Kingdom;
• cannot complete GOV.UK One Login;
• cannot scan the Norwegian passport chip;
• wants to use a Norwegian national identity card;
• wants to use a Norwegian driving licence under the PRADO route;
• only has one qualifying photographic document;
• does not hold a driving licence;
• needs help selecting a Group B document;
• has Norwegian letters missing from the Companies House record;
• has different visible and machine-readable versions of their name;
• has a Norwegian middle name that a UK system treats as a surname;
• has a married, former or hyphenated surname;
• has several given names;
• has a Norwegian, Sámi or foreign version of the same name;
• has an incorrect date of birth at Companies House; or
• wants remote verification by video call.

How Many Documents Do You Need?

The number of documents depends on how the ACSP completes the check.

Option 1: Technology-Led Verification

One eligible photographic document may be enough where the ACSP uses suitable identity document validation technology.

The technology must validate all relevant cryptographic and physical security features.

Companies House permits:

• biometric or machine-readable passport;
• UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or EU photocard driving licence;
• biometric identity card from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein;
• certain UK biometric immigration documents;
• UK Frontier Worker permit; or
• eVisa.

For a Norwegian national, the most relevant Option 1 documents will normally be:

• Norwegian biometric passport;
• current Norwegian biometric national identity card;
• UK photocard driving licence; or
• eligible UK immigration document or eVisa.

A biometric or machine-readable passport may be up to six months expired under Option 1 where the identity-checking technology can still validate its cryptographic features.

Does a Norwegian Driving Licence Qualify Under Option 1?

Do not assume that it qualifies.

The Option 1 driving-licence category refers to an EU photocard driving licence.

Norway is not an EU Member State.

A Norwegian driving licence is more appropriately considered through the person-led Option 2 PRADO route.

The ACSP must confirm that its technology supports the exact Norwegian passport or national identity card presented.

General document eligibility does not mean that every platform can read and validate every Norwegian document model.

Option 2: Person-Led Remote or In-Person Verification

A trained person may inspect the documents remotely by video call or examine them in person.

The applicant must provide either:

• two Group A photographic identity documents; or
• one Group A photographic identity document and one Group B supporting document.

An applicant who lives outside the United Kingdom must provide at least one government-issued document.

A passport may be up to 18 months expired under Option 2. However, the issuing authority must not have cancelled or replaced it.

Other documents normally need to remain current unless Companies House provides a specific exception.

Group A Photographic ID for Norwegian Nationals

1. Norwegian Biometric Passport

A current Norwegian biometric passport normally provides the strongest Group A document.

Relevant passport models include:

• NOR-AO-06001; and
• NOR-AO-05001 where the individual passport remains valid.

For a person-led Option 2 check, Companies House may accept a passport that expired within the previous 18 months.

However, you cannot use a passport that:

• has been cancelled;
• has been replaced by a newer passport;
• contains cancellation marks;
• has a cut or clipped corner;
• was reported lost or stolen;
• contains serious damage;
• has an unreadable personal-details page;
• no longer matches the holder’s legal identity; or
• cannot be validated satisfactorily.

A current passport will normally make the process easier.

2. Norwegian National Identity Card With Travel Rights

A current physical Norwegian national identity card with travel rights may provide Group A evidence.

Relevant models include:

• NOR-BO-02001; and
• NOR-BO-01001 where the individual card remains valid.

The ACSP should review:

• exact card model;
• document number;
• issue date;
• expiry date;
• holder’s Norwegian nationality;
• photograph;
• full name;
• date of birth;
• fødselsnummer where shown;
• visible security features;
• electronic features;
• physical condition; and
• consistency with the passport and Companies House record.

Send clear images of both sides before the video appointment.

You must also show the original physical card during the call.

3. Norwegian National Identity Card Without Travel Rights

A current physical Norwegian national identity card without travel rights may also potentially provide Group A evidence.

Relevant models include:

• NOR-BO-02002; and
• NOR-BO-01002 where the individual card remains valid.

The card cannot be used as a travel document.

However, it remains a Norwegian national identity card containing a facial image and electronic security features.

The ACSP should check:

• exact model;
• whether the card remains valid;
• whether it contains the required biometric information;
• whether the card has been cancelled or replaced;
• whether the photograph matches the applicant;
• whether the details match the passport and Companies House record; and
• whether the card can be validated through the chosen process.

4. Norwegian Photocard Driving Licence

A valid physical Norwegian photocard driving licence may provide Group A evidence under person-led Option 2.

Norwegian driving licences appear on PRADO and can therefore potentially fall within the category of another photographic identity document listed on PRADO.

The most relevant current models include:

• NOR-FO-08002, first issued on 1 March 2023;
• NOR-FO-08001, first issued on 1 September 2022;
• NOR-FO-07001, first issued on 1 September 2018; and
• NOR-FO-06001, first issued on 19 January 2013.

The current NOR-FO-08002 model normally provides the clearest route.

PRADO records that the current licence:

• uses card format;
• remains valid;
• has a maximum validity of 15 years;
• contains a black-and-white facial image;
• contains visible security features;
• can establish identity within Norway; and
• does not prove Norwegian nationality.

Does Every Norwegian Driving Licence Qualify?

No.

A licence may fail where it:

• has expired;
• has been replaced;
• was reported lost or stolen;
• has been revoked;
• has been cancelled;
• contains a photograph that no longer supports reliable comparison;
• is seriously damaged;
• belongs to another person;
• is temporary;
• is not a photocard;
• does not match a valid PRADO model; or
• cannot be validated.

The ACSP should review:

• exact card model;
• licence number;
• issue date;
• expiry date;
• photograph;
• driving categories;
• visible security features;
• physical condition; and
• consistency with the passport, national identity card and other evidence.

How Long Is a Norwegian Driving Licence Valid?

A Norwegian photocard driving licence normally has administrative validity of up to 15 years.

Shorter validity may apply because of:

• driving category;
• holder’s age;
• medical restrictions;
• heavy-vehicle entitlement;
• passenger-vehicle entitlement; or
• another legal restriction.

Always check the expiry date printed on the individual card.

Can You Use an Older Norwegian Driving Licence?

Potentially.

An older Norwegian driving licence requires individual review.

The ACSP should confirm:

• whether the model is still valid;
• whether the licence contains a suitable photograph;
• whether the individual licence remains legally current;
• whether a newer card replaced it;
• whether the photograph remains reliable; and
• whether the document can be validated.

A current NOR-FO-08002 card will normally provide the clearest route.

Can You Use a Digital Norwegian Driving Licence?

Do not rely on a digital driving licence alone.

Norway provides a digital driving licence application. However, the digital version depends on the holder having a valid physical driving licence.

The application may be useful within Norway, but it should not replace the original physical card for Companies House identity verification.

Do not rely only on:

• digital licence screen;
• QR code;
• mobile-wallet display;
• screenshot;
• Norwegian Public Roads Administration account;
• electronic extract; or
• photograph of the licence.

Prepare the original physical driving licence.

5. Norwegian Emergency Passport

A current Norwegian emergency passport may potentially provide Group A evidence.

However, it requires individual review because it may:

• be non-machine-readable;
• have limited validity;
• apply to one journey;
• invalidate an ordinary passport;
• lack a biometric chip; or
• need to be returned after travel.

A standard Norwegian biometric passport or national identity card will normally provide a clearer route.

6. Eligible UK-Issued Photographic Documents

A Norwegian national living in the United Kingdom may also hold another Group A document.

Examples include:

• UK photocard driving licence;
• UK biometric residence card;
• qualifying UK biometric residence permit;
• UK Frontier Worker permit;
• photographic government-issued work permit;
• photographic immigration document;
• photographic visa; or
• eVisa through the relevant technology-led route.

The ACSP must review the exact document and apply the current Companies House expiry rules.

A Norwegian passport combined with a valid UK photocard driving licence can provide two strong Group A documents.

Norwegian Documents You Should Not Rely On as Required Evidence

Norwegian National Identity Number

A fødselsnummer does not provide photographic identity evidence.

It may help compare records, but the number alone does not replace an accepted document.

D-Number

A D-number is an administrative identifier rather than photographic identity evidence.

It also does not prove Norwegian nationality.

BankID, MinID and ID-Porten

Do not rely on BankID, MinID, Buypass, Commfides or an ID-porten login as the required identity document.

They may provide supplementary electronic evidence but do not replace the accepted Companies House document combination.

Altinn

An Altinn account or message does not replace photographic identity evidence.

A formal document delivered through Altinn may provide useful evidence where the document itself falls within an accepted category. The Altinn account alone does not qualify.

Digital Driving Licence

Do not rely on the Norwegian digital driving licence without the original physical card.

Norwegian Health Cards

Do not rely on:

• European Health Insurance Card;
• healthcare membership information;
• vaccination card;
• patient record; or
• another health-related card

as one of the required Companies House documents.

National Population Register Screens

A screenshot or downloaded profile from the Norwegian National Population Register does not replace an accepted document.

An official register confirmation may provide useful supplementary evidence of:

• current name;
• former name;
• date of birth;
• address;
• nationality;
• marital status; or
• family relationships.

However, Companies House does not expressly include a foreign population-register extract within Group B.

Use it as supplementary evidence unless it clearly constitutes an accepted birth or marriage certificate.

Norwegian Residence Certificate

A Norwegian residence or address certificate may confirm the applicant’s registered address.

However, a foreign residence certificate is not expressly included in Companies House Group B.

Use an accepted bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement or insurance policy where possible.

Norwegian Citizenship Certificate or Decision

A Norwegian citizenship decision may provide strong evidence of nationality.

However, Companies House does not expressly include a foreign citizenship certificate in Group B.

Use it as supplementary evidence rather than as the formal second document unless the ACSP confirms another valid basis.

It may be particularly useful where:

• applicant was born outside Norway;
• passport is unavailable;
• nationality is unclear from another document;
• applicant has several nationalities;
• National Population Register information is incomplete; or
• authorities required citizenship evidence before issuing a passport.

Norwegian Tax and Social-Security Documents

A Norwegian tax document, employment record or social-security statement may support additional checks.

However, it does not automatically provide the required Group A or Group B evidence.

Student, Employment and Membership Cards

Do not rely on:

• student card;
• employee card;
• professional membership card;
• pensioner card;
• library card;
• public-transport card;
• payment card; or
• private club card

as one of the required documents.

Group B Supporting Documents

Where you only have one suitable Group A photographic document, you can provide one Group B document.

Companies House Group B documents include:

• birth or adoption certificate;
• marriage or civil partnership certificate;
• non-photographic immigration document;
• non-photographic visa;
• non-photographic work permit;
• bank or building society statement;
• mortgage statement showing the current address;
• utility bill showing the current address;
• insurance policy showing the current address;
• UK council tax statement; or
• qualifying UK local-authority or social-housing rental agreement.

A Norwegian bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy, birth certificate or marriage certificate may work where the ACSP can confirm that it:

• belongs to the applicant;
• comes from a genuine issuer;
• remains complete and legible;
• clearly shows the relevant personal details;
• contains no sign of alteration;
• supports the claimed identity or current address; and
• provides credible evidence of genuine activity.

Norwegian Bank Statements

A Norwegian bank statement may provide Group B evidence.

The statement should:

• show the applicant’s full name;
• identify the bank clearly;
• display a recent statement date;
• show genuine account activity;
• remain complete;
• remain legible;
• contain no sign of editing; and
• show the current address where the applicant relies on it as address evidence.

A complete PDF downloaded directly from online banking will normally provide stronger evidence than a cropped mobile-banking screenshot.

The statement may:

• omit Æ, Ø or Å;
• replace Norwegian letters with AE, OE or AA;
• use only one given name;
• treat a Norwegian middle name as part of the surname;
• omit a hyphen; or
• show a shortened version of the applicant’s name.

This does not automatically make the statement unacceptable. However, the ACSP must connect the statement to the passport and other identity evidence.

A BankID login without the underlying bank statement is not enough.

Norwegian Utility Bills

A Norwegian utility bill may provide Group B evidence where it clearly shows the applicant’s current residential address.

Examples may include:

• electricity bill;
• heating bill;
• water bill;
• gas bill;
• fixed-line telephone bill;
• internet service bill where treated as a household utility; or
• another genuine household utility account.

The verifier must be able to identify the provider and connect the account to the applicant.

A bill in another household member’s name will not normally establish the applicant’s address without further evidence.

A payment notification, direct-debit entry or banking transaction does not necessarily amount to the complete utility bill.

Norwegian Mortgage Statements

A Norwegian mortgage statement may provide Group B evidence where it clearly shows:

• applicant’s name;
• identifiable lender;
• current residential address;
• statement date; and
• genuine mortgage information.

A purchase contract, property deed, Land Registry extract or tax valuation is not necessarily the same as a mortgage statement.

Norwegian Insurance Policies

A Norwegian insurance policy may provide Group B evidence where it clearly identifies the applicant and shows the current residential address.

Examples may include:

• home insurance;
• buildings insurance;
• contents insurance;
• vehicle insurance; or
• another genuine insurance policy.

A quotation, marketing email, renewal invitation or payment reminder may not amount to the policy itself.

Norwegian Birth Certificates

A Norwegian birth certificate is called a fødselsattest.

An official Norwegian birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

A Norwegian birth certificate may show:

• current name;
• former name where relevant;
• date of birth;
• national identity number;
• place of birth;
• gender;
• parents’ details;
• issuing authority; and
• date of issue.

The certificate may be available:

• in Norwegian;
• as a multilingual certificate;
• on paper;
• with an official stamp; and
• with an official signature.

The multilingual version may contain information in several languages, including English.

For Companies House verification, provide the complete official certificate rather than:

• hospital birth notification;
• baptism certificate;
• religious record;
• cropped photograph;
• National Population Register screenshot;
• translation without the original;
• Altinn message without the formal certificate; or
• informal family document.

The ACSP should be able to identify:

• applicant’s complete registered name;
• date of birth;
• place of birth;
• parents where shown;
• national identity number where shown;
• issuing authority;
• issue date; and
• any correction or later amendment.

Norwegian Nationals Born Abroad

A Norwegian national born outside Norway may need to use the original foreign birth certificate.

The Norwegian authorities may not issue a standard Norwegian birth certificate confirming a birth registered only abroad.

Useful evidence may include:

• original foreign birth certificate;
• Norwegian passport;
• Norwegian national identity card;
• Norwegian citizenship decision;
• National Population Register information;
• parents’ Norwegian passports;
• former passport;
• official translation; or
• another document connecting the foreign birth to the current Norwegian identity.

The foreign birth certificate may require:

• apostille;
• legalisation;
• certified translation; or
• another form of authentication

where the ACSP cannot validate it satisfactorily.

Norwegian Marriage Certificates

A Norwegian marriage certificate is called a vigselsattest.

An official Norwegian marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

A Norwegian marriage certificate may show:

• names of both spouses at the time of marriage;
• dates of birth;
• national identity numbers;
• date of marriage;
• place of marriage;
• identity of the solemniser;
• issuing authority; and
• date of issue.

The certificate may be available:

• in Norwegian;
• as a multilingual certificate;
• on paper;
• with an official stamp; and
• with an official signature.

Provide the complete official certificate rather than:

• wedding photograph;
• ceremonial document;
• partial scan;
• religious record without formal registration;
• Altinn confirmation without the formal certificate;
• informal translation; or
• online screenshot.

Norwegian Citizens Married Abroad

A Norwegian national who marries abroad may hold:

• foreign marriage certificate;
• apostille or legalisation;
• certified translation;
• updated National Population Register information;
• current Norwegian passport;
• former Norwegian passport;
• confirmation of name change; or
• Norwegian register confirmation.

An official foreign marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

The ACSP may request documents connecting the overseas marriage to the applicant’s current Norwegian identity.

Marriage and Norwegian Surnames

Marriage does not automatically change a Norwegian person’s surname.

A person who wants to adopt:

• spouse’s surname;
• double surname;
• hyphenated surname;
• new middle name; or
• another permitted name

must normally complete a separate name-change process.

Differences can arise where:

• marriage has been registered but the surname has not changed;
• the name changed in Norway but not at Companies House;
• UK bank records use the spouse’s surname;
• passport still shows the former surname;
• applicant uses a spouse’s surname socially;
• foreign marriage has not yet been registered;
• applicant adopted a hyphenated double surname; or
• replacement identity documents have not yet been issued.

Provide:

• current passport;
• former passport where available;
• current national identity card;
• marriage certificate;
• confirmation of name change;
• National Population Register evidence;
• driving licence; and
• documents showing the name used at Companies House.

Norwegian Confirmation of Name Change

Norwegian authorities can issue confirmation of a registered name change.

The document may show:

• national identity number;
• date of the change;
• current name;
• former name;
• issuing authority; and
• registration information.

A name-change confirmation may help connect a former Companies House name to the current passport or national identity card.

It normally acts as linking evidence.

It does not automatically replace the required Group A or Group B combination.

English Translations

Norwegian passports, national identity cards and driving licences use standard identity-document fields and Latin script.

Norwegian birth and marriage certificates may also be available in multilingual versions.

However, Norwegian bank statements, utility bills, insurance policies, court decisions and other records may contain important information only in Norwegian.

The ACSP may request an English translation where it cannot clearly understand:

• document type;
• issuing authority;
• applicant’s name;
• former name;
• current address;
• date of issue;
• birth information;
• marriage information;
• name-change information; or
• another material entry.

The translation supports the original document. It does not replace it.

Recommended Document Combinations

Norwegian Passport and Norwegian National Identity Card

This combination normally provides two strong Group A photographic documents under person-led Option 2.

The passport confirms identity and Norwegian nationality.

The national identity card provides a second government-issued photographic identity document.

Both documents should show consistent:

• names;
• dates of birth;
• photographs;
• Norwegian nationality;
• national identity number where displayed;
• document status; and
• other personal information.

This will often provide the strongest remote combination for a Norwegian citizen.

Norwegian Passport and Norwegian Driving Licence

This combination may provide two Group A documents under person-led Option 2.

The passport provides identity and Norwegian nationality evidence.

The physical Norwegian driving licence may provide the second Group A document through the PRADO-listed photographic identity-document route.

The ACSP must confirm:

• exact driving-licence model;
• current validity;
• photograph;
• security features;
• physical condition;
• whether the licence has been replaced; and
• consistency with the passport.

This combination should not be treated as a technology-led Option 1 combination merely because Norway participates in the European Economic Area.

Norwegian National Identity Card and Norwegian Driving Licence

A current Norwegian national identity card and current Norwegian photocard driving licence may provide two Group A documents under person-led Option 2 without using a passport.

This can be practical where the applicant:

• does not currently possess a passport;
• has submitted the passport for renewal;
• has lost the passport but still holds two valid cards; or
• prefers to use two card-format documents.

The ACSP must confirm that both physical cards remain current and have not been replaced.

Norwegian Passport and UK Photocard Driving Licence

A Norwegian national living in the United Kingdom may use a valid UK photocard driving licence as the second Group A document.

This combination provides two strong photographic identity documents.

Norwegian Passport and UK Immigration Document

An eligible UK photographic immigration document may provide another Group A document.

An eVisa may qualify under the technology-led route.

The ACSP must review the exact status and available evidence.

Norwegian Passport and Bank Statement

This combination provides one Group A document and one Group B document.

It often provides a clear route where the applicant:

• does not drive;
• does not have a current national identity card;
• lives in Norway;
• wants to show genuine financial activity;
• needs to establish a Norwegian or UK address; or
• has a name-format difference across documents.

Norwegian Passport and Utility Bill

A Norwegian utility bill may provide the required Group B document where it clearly shows the applicant’s current residential address.

Norwegian Passport and Mortgage Statement

A Norwegian mortgage statement may provide Group B evidence where it clearly shows the applicant’s current home address.

Norwegian Passport and Insurance Policy

A Norwegian insurance policy may provide Group B evidence where it identifies the applicant and shows the current address.

Norwegian Passport and Birth Certificate

An official Norwegian or foreign birth certificate may provide Group B evidence.

This combination can help where:

• Companies House omits one of several given names;
• Norwegian letters are missing from the company record;
• applicant uses a middle name and surname differently;
• applicant changed their name;
• place or date of birth needs clarification;
• applicant was born abroad;
• applicant has several nationalities; or
• verifier requires stronger civil-registration evidence.

Norwegian Passport and Marriage Certificate

An official Norwegian or foreign marriage certificate may provide Group B evidence.

It can also help connect:

• birth and married surnames;
• single and hyphenated surnames;
• middle name and surname;
• former Companies House name;
• Norwegian and foreign versions of the name; or
• a name adopted following marriage.

Norwegian Names and Special Letters

Norwegian identity records require careful name checks.

Norwegian Letters Æ, Ø and Å

Norwegian names may contain:

• Æ;
• Ø; and
• Å.

A UK company record, banking system, email address or older database may remove or change these letters.

For example, separate records may show:

• Kjær and Kjaer;
• Nørgaard and Norgaard;
• Søren and Soren;
• Åse and Aase;
• Østberg and Ostberg; or
• Møller and Moller.

The absence of Norwegian characters does not automatically mean that the records belong to different people.

However, the ACSP must determine whether the complete evidence supports one identity.

Machine-Readable Passport Spellings

The visible name on a Norwegian passport may contain the original Norwegian spelling.

The machine-readable zone may convert:

• Æ to AE;
• Ø to OE; and
• Å to AA.

For example:

• Kjær may appear as KJAER;
• Søren may appear as SOEREN;
• Møller may appear as MOELLER; and
• Åse may appear as AASE.

This can create several versions of the same name:

• original Norwegian spelling;
• simplified UK spelling;
• machine-readable passport spelling; and
• banking or email spelling.

The ACSP should compare:

• visible passport name;
• machine-readable zone;
• national identity card;
• driving licence;
• bank statement;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate; and
• Companies House record.

Several Given Names

A Norwegian passport or national identity card may show more than one given name.

A person may use only one of them in everyday life.

Separate records may:

• include all given names;
• show only the first given name;
• use an initial;
• omit a second or third given name;
• use a familiar version;
• display names in a different order; or
• combine two given names with a hyphen.

A shortened name does not automatically mean that the documents belong to different people.

However, the complete evidence must support one identity.

Norwegian Middle Names

The Norwegian legal concept of a middle name is different from the ordinary English concept of a middle name.

A Norwegian mellomnavn normally has the character of a surname.

It appears:

• after the given names; and
• before the final surname.

A person may have one or more middle-name elements.

A UK system may incorrectly treat a Norwegian middle name as:

• another given name;
• part of a double surname;
• the only surname;
• an optional middle name; or
• a name that can be omitted.

The ACSP should use the current Norwegian passport, national identity card, birth certificate and population-register evidence to identify the correct name structure.

Two Unhyphenated Surname-Style Names

Where a Norwegian person uses two unhyphenated surname-style names:

• the first may be a middle name; and
• the final name may be the legal surname.

A true double surname is normally joined by a hyphen.

This can cause differences between Norwegian and UK records.

A UK record may treat both names as a double surname even though the Norwegian register treats the first as a middle name.

Hyphenated Double Surnames

A Norwegian national may have a hyphenated double surname.

A UK system may:

• remove the hyphen;
• insert a space;
• join the two elements;
• record only one element; or
• reverse the order.

Provide the complete identity documents so the ACSP can confirm the correct spelling and structure.

Sámi Names and Characters

Norwegian identity documents may contain Sámi names and characters.

Depending on the language and personal name, records may include characters such as:

• Á;
• Č;
• Đ;
• Ŋ;
• Š;
• Ŧ; and
• Ž.

A UK database may:

• omit the diacritic;
• replace the character with a basic Latin letter;
• use a transliterated version;
• use a Norwegian-language version;
• use only part of the name; or
• reject a character entirely.

Norwegian national identity cards may also contain document wording in Northern Sámi.

A spelling difference does not automatically mean that the documents belong to different people.

Provide the passport, national identity card and supporting civil-status evidence so the ACSP can connect the versions.

Married and Former Surnames

Marriage does not automatically change a Norwegian person’s surname.

A person who wants to change their surname must normally register the change separately.

Differences can arise where:

• marriage certificate records the marriage but no name change;
• name changed in Norway but not at Companies House;
• UK bank account uses spouse’s surname;
• passport still shows former surname;
• applicant uses spouse’s surname socially;
• foreign marriage has not yet been registered;
• applicant adopted a hyphenated surname;
• applicant added a spouse’s surname as a middle name; or
• replacement documents have not yet been issued.

Provide:

• current passport;
• former passport where available;
• current national identity card;
• marriage certificate;
• confirmation of name change;
• National Population Register evidence;
• driving licence; and
• documents showing the name used at Companies House.

Formal Norwegian Name Changes

A Norwegian name change is normally recorded in the National Population Register.

After a formal name change, the person may need to update:

• passport;
• national identity card;
• driving licence;
• bank records;
• BankID;
• insurance policies;
• tax records;
• professional records; and
• Companies House information.

Where Companies House records the former name, useful evidence may include:

• current passport;
• former passport;
• current national identity card;
• former identity card;
• official confirmation of name change;
• birth certificate;
• marriage certificate;
• divorce judgment;
• National Population Register confirmation; or
• another document connecting the former and current names.

Norwegian and Foreign Versions of a Name

A Norwegian national with dual nationality may hold a foreign passport showing a different version of the same name.

Differences may result from:

• omission of Æ, Ø or Å;
• use of AE, OE or AA;
• different treatment of a Norwegian middle name;
• different treatment of the surname;
• different name following marriage;
• different spacing or hyphenation;
• different name order;
• transliteration from another alphabet;
• Sámi and Norwegian variants;
• foreign naming rules; or
• an earlier legal name.

Provide all relevant passports and civil-status documents so the ACSP can connect the versions.

Check Your Date of Birth Before Verification

The date of birth linked to the Companies House personal code must match the date held by Companies House.

Problems can arise where:

• Companies House holds the wrong date;
• someone made an error during incorporation;
• passport and company record differ;
• National Population Register information contains an error;
• an older document contains a different date;
• the ACSP submits incorrect information;
• someone enters the personal code incorrectly; or
• the fødselsnummer is copied or interpreted incorrectly.

Do not rely only on the first six digits of a Norwegian national identity number.

Use the passport, national identity card and official birth certificate.

Companies House may prevent the personal code from connecting to a director or PSC role where the details do not match.

Correct an inaccurate date of birth before the compliance deadline.

Same-Day Remote Verification by Video Call

Our Legal Consultant is registered with Companies House as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.

Through our partner solicitor, we can arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call for Norwegian directors and PSCs.

Same-day identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where:

• we review and approve the documents in advance;
• the applicant provides all required personal information;
• the document combination meets the Companies House standard;
• the applicant has the original documents during the call;
• the verifier can validate the documents;
• the applicant appears clearly on camera;
• the Companies House information matches; and
• no unresolved identity, document or compliance concern arises.

For many person-led Norwegian cases, the applicant should prepare one of the following:

• Norwegian passport and Norwegian national identity card;
• Norwegian passport and Norwegian physical driving licence;
• Norwegian national identity card and Norwegian physical driving licence;
• Norwegian passport and UK photocard driving licence;
• Norwegian passport and eligible UK immigration document; or
• Norwegian passport and a suitable Group B supporting document.

Same-day service covers the identity check and ACSP submission.

Companies House controls the later processing and delivery of the personal code.

After the ACSP completes the verification, Companies House sends the personal code to the applicant’s individual email address.

How the Remote Verification Process Works

Step 1: Send Your Documents

Send clear images of the documents you want to use.

For a passport, provide:

• complete personal-details page;
• any observation page;
• any page showing a name amendment; and
• any relevant endorsement.

For a Norwegian national identity card or driving licence, send both the front and reverse.

For a bank statement, utility bill, mortgage statement, insurance policy, birth certificate or marriage certificate, send the complete document rather than a cropped screenshot.

You must also provide:

• full name;
• all former names;
• date of birth;
• current home address;
• address history for the previous 12 months; and
• individual email address.

Companies House requires ACSPs to collect this information and retain the required verification evidence for seven years.

Step 2: Confirm the Document Combination

We check whether each document falls within Group A or Group B.

The review may cover:

• whether the Norwegian passport is biometric and machine-readable;
• whether the passport chip works;
• whether the passport matches NOR-AO-06001, NOR-AO-05001 or another relevant model;
• whether the national identity card has travel rights;
• whether the national identity card matches NOR-BO-02001, NOR-BO-02002, NOR-BO-01001 or NOR-BO-01002;
• whether the card contains the features needed for Option 1;
• whether the driving licence matches NOR-FO-08002, NOR-FO-08001, NOR-FO-07001, NOR-FO-06001 or another relevant model;
• whether the applicant proposes a digital driving licence;
• whether any document has expired;
• whether any document has been cancelled or replaced;
• physical condition of each document;
• Æ, Ø and Å spelling differences;
• Sámi characters;
• machine-readable transliteration;
• several given names;
• Norwegian middle names;
• hyphenated surnames;
• former and married surnames;
• Norwegian and foreign versions of the name;
• current residential address; and
• previous 12 months of address history.

Where the proposed evidence does not meet the standard, we identify a stronger document combination before arranging the video call.

Step 3: Attend the Video Call

During the call, you must:

• appear clearly on camera;
• show the original documents;
• move or tilt them when requested;
• display their security features from different angles;
• confirm your personal information;
• complete a live facial comparison; and
• answer any necessary identity questions.

The verifier must confirm that:

• you are a real person;
• the documents appear genuine;
• the identity belongs to you; and
• the evidence meets the Companies House standard.

Step 4: Complete the ACSP Submission

After completing the required checks, the ACSP submits the verification information to Companies House.

The ACSP does not normally send copies of the identity documents to Companies House.

However, it must keep:

• copies of documents;
• supporting evidence;
• records of checks;
• details of failed verification attempts; and
• other required verification information.

The ACSP must retain these records for seven years from the date it completes the identity verification.

Step 5: Receive Your Personal Code

Companies House sends the 11-character personal code to the individual email address supplied during the ACSP submission.

Make sure that:

• the email address is correct;
• you can access the email account;
• you check the spam or junk folder; and
• you keep the code securely.

You may share the code with a trusted solicitor, accountant or company administrator who needs to file on your behalf.

How Norwegian Directors Use the Personal Code

An existing director normally provides the personal code through the company’s next confirmation statement.

A director of more than one company must connect the code separately to each company.

A new director provides the code as part of the appointment filing.

When forming a new company, the incorporation application must include a personal code for each proposed director.

You normally verify your identity only once.

However, you must connect the same code to every separate director appointment.

How Norwegian PSCs Use the Personal Code

A PSC must connect the personal code separately to the PSC role.

This applies even where the same person has already provided the code as a director.

The deadline depends on the circumstances.

Director and PSC of the Same Company

A person who acts as both director and PSC must provide the code separately for each role.

As a director, the person provides the code through the company’s confirmation statement.

As a PSC, the person provides it during the applicable 14-day period beginning on the day after the company’s confirmation statement date.

PSC Who Is Not a Director of the Same Company

A PSC who does not act as a director of the same company normally provides the code during the first 14 days of their birth month.

New PSC

A person who became a PSC after 18 November 2025 can provide the code when first added to the register or within 14 days of being added.

The same personal code can cover several companies and roles.

However, the person must connect it separately to every relevant director and PSC position.

How Our Legal Consultant Can Help

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor can help Norwegian nationals by:

• reviewing current Norwegian biometric passports;
• checking older Norwegian passport models;
• assessing whether a passport should work through GOV.UK One Login;
• reviewing Norwegian national identity cards;
• distinguishing cards with and without travel rights;
• checking whether a national identity card matches a valid PRADO model;
• assessing whether a national identity card can qualify under Option 1;
• reviewing Norwegian physical driving licences;
• checking whether a driving licence matches a valid PRADO model;
• explaining why a Norwegian driving licence is not an EU driving licence;
• reviewing older Norwegian driving licences;
• explaining why a digital driving licence does not replace the physical card;
• reviewing Norwegian emergency passports;
• explaining why BankID does not replace an accepted physical document;
• explaining why a fødselsnummer is not the Companies House personal code;
• distinguishing a fødselsnummer from a D-number;
• reviewing National Population Register evidence as supplementary material;
• confirming the correct Group A and Group B combination;
• reviewing Norwegian bank statements and address documents;
• checking Norwegian birth and marriage certificates;
• reviewing foreign certificates for Norwegian nationals born or married abroad;
• comparing names with and without Æ, Ø and Å;
• reviewing Sámi names and characters;
• reviewing machine-readable passport spellings;
• checking several given names;
• distinguishing Norwegian middle names from surnames;
• checking hyphenated, married and former surnames;
• comparing Norwegian and foreign versions of names;
• identifying date-of-birth and address differences;
• arranging a remote video call;
• completing the required ACSP checks;
• submitting the verification to Companies House; and
• helping the applicant progress towards receiving the personal code.

Ginkgo Advisory’s Role

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor provide the identity-verification service.

Ginkgo Advisory supports the process through:

• preliminary document review;
• client communication;
• document coordination;
• appointment arrangements; and
• practical case handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use My Norwegian Passport?

Yes.

A Norwegian passport provides Group A photographic identity evidence.

The current NOR-AO-06001 model may also work through the GOV.UK One Login app where its biometric chip can be read successfully.

How Long Is a Norwegian Passport Valid?

A Norwegian passport is generally valid for:

• two years for a child under five;
• three years for a child aged five to under ten;
• five years for a person aged ten to under 16; or
• ten years for a person aged 16 or over.

Check the printed expiry date.

Can I Use an Expired Norwegian Passport?

Potentially, depending on the route.

The GOV.UK One Login app does not accept an expired passport.

Under ACSP Option 1, suitable technology may accept a biometric or machine-readable passport that expired within the previous six months.

A person-led Option 2 check may accept a passport that expired within the previous 18 months.

The passport must not have been cancelled or replaced.

Can I Use the Previous Norwegian Passport Model?

Potentially.

PRADO lists NOR-AO-05001 as a valid document model.

The ACSP must still check:

• printed expiry date;
• document condition;
• whether another passport replaced it;
• whether it was reported lost or stolen; and
• whether it falls within the relevant Companies House expiry exception.

How Do I Know Whether My Norwegian Passport Is Biometric?

Check the front cover for the international biometric-passport symbol.

A biometric passport contains an electronic chip that a compatible phone or identity-checking device can read.

Can I Use a Norwegian Passport Issued Through the London Embassy?

Yes, subject to the normal checks.

A passport applied for through the Norwegian Embassy can still be a standard Norwegian biometric passport.

Can I Use a Norwegian Emergency Passport?

Potentially, but it requires individual review.

A Norwegian emergency passport may be non-machine-readable, valid for one journey and subject to return after travel.

A current ordinary passport or national identity card will normally provide a clearer route.

Can I Use My Norwegian National Identity Card?

Yes, potentially as Group A evidence.

A current Norwegian national identity card can normally provide strong photographic identity and nationality evidence.

Can I Use My Norwegian Identity Card Under Option 1?

Potentially.

The card must contain the required biometric information, and the ACSP’s technology must support and validate the exact Norwegian card model.

Can I Use My Norwegian Identity Card Under Option 2?

Yes, potentially.

A current Norwegian national identity card may provide Group A evidence under the person-led route.

Can I Use a Norwegian Identity Card Without Travel Rights?

Potentially.

The card without travel rights is still a Norwegian national identity card.

It cannot be used as a travel document, but it may provide Companies House identity evidence where it remains current and passes the required checks.

Can I Use an Expired Norwegian National Identity Card?

Normally no.

Use a current card or select another accepted document combination.

Can I Use a Norwegian Identity Card That Has Been Replaced?

No.

A replaced, cancelled or blocked national identity card cannot provide Companies House identity evidence.

Can I Use My Norwegian National Identity Card in the GOV.UK One Login App?

Not under the currently published app document list.

Use a Norwegian biometric passport for the app.

The national identity card may still qualify through an ACSP or at a participating Post Office where that route is offered.

Can I Use My Norwegian National Identity Card at a Post Office?

Potentially.

The Post Office route can accept a national identity photocard from Norway where GOV.UK One Login offers the applicant that route.

The applicant must present the original physical card.

Can I Use BankID?

Do not rely on BankID as the required identity document.

BankID may provide supplementary electronic evidence but does not replace an accepted passport, physical identity card, driving licence or Group B document.

Can I Use MinID or ID-Porten?

Do not rely on the digital account alone.

It may provide supplementary information, but it does not replace the required documents.

Can I Use an Altinn Screen?

No, not as the required identity document.

A formal document delivered through Altinn may be useful where the document itself falls within an accepted category.

Can I Use My Fødselsnummer?

No.

The Norwegian national identity number is a personal identifier rather than a photographic identity document.

It is also different from the Companies House personal code.

Can I Use My D-Number?

No.

A D-number is an administrative identifier rather than a photographic identity document.

It also does not prove Norwegian nationality.

Can I Use My Norwegian Driving Licence?

Yes, potentially under person-led Option 2.

A current physical Norwegian photocard driving licence may provide Group A evidence through the PRADO-listed photographic identity-document route.

Relevant models include:

• NOR-FO-08002;
• NOR-FO-08001;
• NOR-FO-07001; and
• NOR-FO-06001.

The individual licence must remain valid and pass the required checks.

Is a Norwegian Driving Licence an EU Driving Licence?

No.

Norway participates in the European Economic Area but is not an EU Member State.

A Norwegian licence should not automatically be treated as an EU photocard licence for the Companies House Option 1 or Post Office route.

Does Every Norwegian Driving Licence Qualify?

No.

The physical licence must remain valid, belong to the applicant, contain a suitable photograph and pass the required checks.

Can I Use an Older Norwegian Driving Licence?

Potentially.

The exact licence model and individual validity must be reviewed.

Use a current Norwegian photocard wherever possible.

Can I Use a Digital Norwegian Driving Licence?

Do not rely on the digital version alone.

Prepare the original physical card.

Can I Use My Norwegian Driving Licence Through GOV.UK One Login?

Not in the GOV.UK One Login app.

The app accepts a UK photocard driving licence rather than a Norwegian licence.

A Norwegian driving licence may still qualify under person-led Option 2 through an ACSP.

Can I Use My Norwegian Driving Licence at a Post Office?

Do not assume that you can.

The published Post Office route lists an EU photocard driving licence. Norway is not an EU Member State.

Use a Norwegian passport or national identity card where possible.

Can I Use a Norwegian Bank Statement?

Potentially.

A bank statement falls within Group B.

The statement must be genuine, complete, clear and capable of validation.

Can I Use a Norwegian Utility Bill?

Potentially.

A utility bill falls within Group B where it clearly shows the applicant’s current residential address.

Can I Use a Norwegian Mortgage Statement?

Potentially.

A mortgage statement may provide Group B evidence where it clearly shows the applicant’s current home address.

Can I Use a Norwegian Insurance Policy?

Potentially.

An insurance policy may provide Group B evidence where it identifies the applicant and shows the current address.

Can I Use a Norwegian Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

An official Norwegian fødselsattest falls within the Group B birth-certificate category.

Can I Use a Multilingual Norwegian Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

Provide the complete official certificate.

A multilingual certificate may reduce the need for a separate English translation.

Can I Use a Foreign Birth Certificate?

Potentially.

Provide the complete official certificate together with any relevant translation, authentication and Norwegian linking evidence.

Can I Use a Norwegian Marriage Certificate?

Potentially.

An official Norwegian vigselsattest falls within the Group B marriage-certificate category.

Can I Use a Foreign Marriage Certificate?

Potentially.

Provide the complete official certificate together with any required translation, apostille, legalisation and Norwegian linking evidence.

Does Marriage Automatically Change a Norwegian Surname?

No.

A person who wants to change their surname following marriage must normally register the name change separately.

Can I Use a Confirmation of Name Change?

It may provide useful linking evidence between the former and current names.

It does not normally replace the required Group A or Group B combination.

Do Norwegian Documents Need an English Translation?

Some documents may need a translation.

Norwegian passports, national identity cards and driving licences use standard fields and Latin script.

Birth and marriage certificates may be available in multilingual forms.

Bank statements, utility bills, court records and other documents may still require translation where the material information is unclear.

What If My Name Contains Æ, Ø or Å?

Send the complete document set for review.

UK records may omit or simplify Norwegian letters.

The ACSP should compare the passport, national identity card, machine-readable zone, supporting documents and Companies House record.

Why Does My Passport Show AE, OE or AA?

The machine-readable zone may convert:

• Æ to AE;
• Ø to OE; and
• Å to AA.

This is a standard machine-readable spelling and does not necessarily indicate a different identity.

What If My Name Contains Sámi Characters?

Provide the passport, national identity card and supporting documents.

A UK database may omit or replace Sámi characters. The ACSP should connect the different versions.

What If Companies House Omits One of My Given Names?

Provide the passport or national identity card and supporting documents.

A shortened company record may still relate to the same person.

What If I Use Only One of Several Given Names?

Provide evidence showing your complete registered name.

The ACSP must connect the everyday name to the full passport identity.

What Is a Norwegian Middle Name?

A Norwegian middle name normally has the character of a surname and appears before the final surname.

A UK system may classify it incorrectly.

Provide the passport, national identity card and civil-status evidence so the verifier can determine the correct structure.

What If I Have Two Unhyphenated Surname-Style Names?

The first may be a Norwegian middle name and the second the legal surname.

The ACSP should use official Norwegian records to establish the correct structure.

What If I Have a Hyphenated Surname?

Provide documents showing the complete current surname.

The ACSP should compare the spelling, order, spacing and hyphenation across all records.

What If I Changed My Surname After Marriage?

Provide:

• current passport;
• current national identity card;
• marriage certificate;
• confirmation of name change;
• former passport where available;
• current driving licence; and
• documents showing the surname used at Companies House.

What If My Overseas Marriage Has Not Been Registered in Norway?

Provide the original foreign marriage certificate and any relevant authentication or translation.

The ACSP may also ask for documents connecting the foreign marriage to the applicant’s Norwegian identity.

What If I Changed My Name Formally?

Provide the official name-change evidence and current identity documents.

The ACSP should be able to connect the former and current names.

Can I Verify My Identity While Living in Norway?

Yes.

An ACSP can complete the check remotely from any country where the documents meet the Companies House standard and the video process allows the verifier to confirm the applicant’s identity.

Do I Always Need Two Documents?

You need two documents for a person-led remote or in-person Option 2 check.

One eligible document may be enough under Option 1 where suitable technology validates all required security features and completes the required identity checks.

Must I Post My Original Norwegian Passport or Identity Card?

Usually not for an approved remote video process.

You send clear images for preliminary review and show the original documents during the video call.

Can I Use One Personal Code as Both a Director and PSC?

Yes.

The personal code belongs to you.

However, you must connect it separately to your director role and PSC role.

Can You Complete the Verification on the Same Day?

Same-day identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where:

• we approve the document set in advance;
• the applicant provides all required information;
• the documents pass the necessary checks;
• the Companies House record matches;
• the applicant completes the video call; and
• no unresolved identity or compliance concern remains.

Companies House controls when it issues and delivers the personal code.

Need Companies House Identity Verification for a Norwegian Director or PSC?

Norwegian nationals will usually have one of these practical document routes:

• Norwegian biometric passport plus current Norwegian national identity card;
• Norwegian passport plus current physical Norwegian driving licence under person-led Option 2;
• current Norwegian national identity card plus physical Norwegian driving licence under person-led Option 2;
• Norwegian passport or national identity card plus an accepted Group B supporting document;
• Norwegian passport plus valid UK photocard driving licence;
• Norwegian passport plus eligible UK immigration document; or
• one eligible Norwegian biometric passport or biometric national identity card under a suitable technology-led Option 1 process.

Norwegian applicants have several strong document options because Norway issues:

• biometric passports;
• biometric national identity cards;
• PRADO-listed photocard driving licences;
• official birth certificates; and
• official marriage certificates.

Some cases need extra care, especially where the applicant has:

• expired or replaced national identity card;
• national identity card without travel rights;
• older identity-card model;
• passport or card that the chosen technology cannot read;
• only BankID, MinID or Altinn;
• only a fødselsnummer or D-number;
• Norwegian driving licence proposed for Option 1;
• Norwegian driving licence proposed for the Post Office route;
• only a digital driving licence;
• older Norwegian passport;
• Norwegian emergency passport;
• Norwegian letters missing from Companies House;
• machine-readable AE, OE or AA spelling;
• Sámi characters;
• several given names;
• Norwegian middle name;
• hyphenated surname;
• married or former surname;
• overseas birth or marriage;
• foreign name change not yet recorded in Norway;
• incorrect date of birth; or
• information that does not match the Companies House register.

Our Legal Consultant and partner solicitor can review your documents, confirm the most suitable route and arrange remote Companies House identity verification by video call.

Same-day identity checks and ACSP submission may be available where the applicant provides a complete and suitable document set.