Difi About the use of electronic ID

A means of secure identification is needed in order to allow people to use public services on the Internet. An electronic ID is used to authenticate your identity on the Internet in the same way as you would use a passport, driving licence or bankcard when you have to prove who you are.

An electronic ID (eID) makes communications between you and public agencies secure, whether you are submitting your tax return, changing you family doctor, changing address, applying for a school place or carrying out other tasks.

The Agency for Public Management and eGovernment (Difi) has made things easy for you:
You will meet the same logon screen regardless of whether you are visiting the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration, Tax Administration, State Educational Loan Fund, Vigo (upper secondary education) or other public agencies. This means you only need to remember one password.

You can choose which electronic ID you wish to use depending on your needs:

• MinID is currently used by 2.6 million people. This is an electronic ID that allows you to access public services that require a medium-high level of security. Examples of such services include applying for a loan from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund, applying to an upper secondary school, changing your tax return, changing your family doctor, and changing your address in the National Population Register.

• Buypass - As well as allowing you to access public services that require a medium-high level of security, this electronic ID allows you to access services that require the highest level of security. This applies, for example, to health information and signing documents. Only a few services currently require the highest level of security, but many such services are being planned.

• Commfides - As well as allowing you to access public services that require a medium-high level of security, this electronic ID allows you to access services that require the highest level of security. This applies, for example, to health information and signing documents. Only a few services currently require the highest level of security, but many such services are being planned.

How to obtain an electronic ID

Read more about security levels