Step by Step Guide: How to Apply for a Passport in Norway?
Applying for a Norwegian passport is an important step for citizens who want to travel internationally, study abroad, work in another country, visit family, or manage business and personal matters overseas. A Norwegian passport serves as an official identity document and travel document, allowing eligible Norwegian citizens to establish their identity and nationality when traveling internationally.
The process of applying for a passport in Norway is generally straightforward. Applicants must confirm their eligibility, book an appointment with the Norwegian Police, prepare the necessary identification documents, pay the passport fee, and attend the appointment to complete the application.
However, requirements can differ depending on whether you are applying for your first passport, renewing an existing document, replacing a lost passport, or applying for a child. Norwegian citizens living abroad may also need to follow a different procedure through a Norwegian embassy or consulate.
This step-by-step guide on how to apply for a passport in Norway explains the application process, eligibility requirements, documents, fees, passport renewal, children’s passports, lost passports, processing considerations, common mistakes, practical case studies, and frequently asked questions.
What Is a Norwegian Passport?
A Norwegian passport is an official travel document issued to eligible Norwegian citizens. It is used to establish identity and nationality when traveling outside Norway and may also serve as identification in other situations.
Norwegian passports are issued by the Norwegian Police. Applicants must be Norwegian citizens to obtain an ordinary Norwegian passport. Foreign nationals living in Norway do not automatically qualify for one simply because they hold a residence permit or have lived in the country for several years. Citizenship eligibility is essential.
Norway also issues national identity cards. Certain Norwegian national ID cards include travel rights and can be used for travel to eligible destinations, including EU and EEA countries and Switzerland. However, travelers must confirm which document their destination accepts before departure.
A valid passport does not automatically guarantee entry into another country. Visa requirements, minimum passport validity, transit rules, and other immigration conditions depend on the destination.
Who Can Apply for a Norwegian Passport?
Norwegian citizens who meet the relevant requirements can apply for a Norwegian passport.
Applications may be necessary in several circumstances:
- Applying for a passport for the first time
- Renewing an expired passport
- Replacing a passport that is nearly full
- Replacing a lost or stolen passport
- Replacing a damaged passport
- Applying for a passport for a baby or child
- Applying for a new passport after a change in personal circumstances, where applicable
The exact procedure depends on the applicant’s age, identification documents, previous passport, and place of application.
If you recently became a Norwegian citizen, you should prepare the relevant citizenship documentation and any other identification requested for your first passport application.
Documents Required to Apply for a Passport in Norway
Preparing your documents before the appointment can help prevent unnecessary delays.
For a standard Norwegian passport application, applicants should generally bring their previous passport, even if it has expired. If they have never held a passport or their previous passport has been reported lost, they must bring other acceptable identification.
Commonly required documents include:
- Previous Norwegian passport, even if expired
- Valid Norwegian passport or national ID card for identification, where applicable
- Alternative identification with a photograph and national identity number if no passport is available
- Citizenship decision and relevant supporting documents for certain first-time applicants
- Additional documentation for lost or stolen passports
- Required identification and consent arrangements for children
The Norwegian Police provides a specific checklist for applicants. A digital driving licence is not accepted as identification for this purpose, so applicants should check the official requirements rather than relying on a digital document.
Important: You do not normally need to bring your own passport photograph for an ordinary application. Your photograph is taken at the passport and ID office during your appointment. This also applies to children and babies.
How to Apply for a Passport in Norway: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Before starting your Norwegian passport application, confirm that you are a Norwegian citizen.
If you recently obtained Norwegian citizenship, check the documentation required for a first passport. The authorities may ask for your citizenship decision and other supporting identification documents.
If you are a foreign national living in Norway, you cannot obtain an ordinary Norwegian citizen passport solely on the basis of residence. You may need to apply for or renew a passport issued by your country of citizenship.
Confirming eligibility first can save time and help you choose the correct application route.
Step 2: Check Your Existing Passport
If you have previously held a Norwegian passport, locate it before booking your appointment.
Applicants must generally bring their previous passport even when it has expired. The old passport is normally invalidated when a new passport is issued.
If the previous passport has been lost or reported missing, follow the applicable lost-passport procedure and prepare alternative identification.
Check the expiry date and condition of your passport. Even a passport that has not expired may become unusable if it is seriously damaged or the photograph no longer adequately represents the holder.
Step 3: Book an Appointment With the Norwegian Police
The next step is to book an appointment at a passport and ID office.
The Norwegian Police provides an online appointment system where applicants can find an available office and select a suitable appointment time.
When booking, choose the appropriate passport service and check the instructions for the selected office.
Appointment availability may vary by location and season. If you plan to travel during school holidays or the summer, it is sensible to arrange the application well in advance.
You can begin through the official Norwegian Police website under its passport and ID card services.
Step 4: Prepare Your Identification Documents
Before attending the appointment, organize all the documents required for your situation.
For a renewal, this generally includes the previous passport. For a first-time application or a case involving a lost passport, additional identification may be necessary.
If you recently became a Norwegian citizen, prepare the documents identified in the official checklist for new citizens.
For children, review the parental-consent rules carefully. If one parent cannot attend, that parent may need to provide consent separately before the appointment.
Do not assume that a driving licence, bank card, or digital identification document will replace the required passport or national ID card. Follow the official identification requirements.
Step 5: Pay the Norwegian Passport Fee
Passport applicants must pay the applicable fee at the passport and ID office.
According to the Norwegian Police’s published fee schedule effective from 1 January 2026, the standard passport fees are:
| Applicant or service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Applicants aged 16 and over | NOK 840 |
| Applicants under 16 | NOK 510 |
| Emergency passport | NOK 1,320 |
Fees can change, so check the official Norwegian Police price list before attending your appointment.
The Police lists bank cards, Visa or Mastercard credit cards, cash, and eligible Google Pay or Apple Pay payments among the accepted payment methods. Vipps and invoice payments are not accepted under the published guidance.
Step 6: Attend the Appointment in Person
Attend the selected passport and ID office at your scheduled time.
Bring the required documents and your existing passport, if applicable.
During the appointment, the authorities check your identity and application information. Your photograph is taken at the office, so you do not normally need to bring a separate photograph for an ordinary passport.
Applicants must follow the instructions provided by the staff. If additional documentation is needed, the application may not be completed until the requirements are satisfied.
Step 7: Complete the Identity and Application Checks
The Norwegian Police checks the applicant’s identity before issuing a passport.
The information printed in the passport is gathered from official public records. Therefore, it is important that your registered identity information is accurate.
Check the spelling of your name and any other personal information that may be relevant to the application. If you believe your registered information is incorrect, ask the appropriate authority how it should be corrected.
For applicants over the age of ten, the passport generally includes a signature. Younger applicants and people unable to sign are handled according to the applicable rules.
Step 8: Complete the Application for a Child, If Applicable
If you are applying for a passport for a child under 18, additional requirements apply.
At least one parent or guardian with the relevant parental responsibility must generally attend the appointment with the child. Where two parents share parental responsibility, both must provide consent.
The second parent can usually provide consent in advance by attending an eligible passport and ID office. Consent must be completed before or during the appointment; it cannot simply be supplied afterward.
Both parents should ensure their identification documents meet the official requirements.
For children in foster care or under guardianship arrangements, additional authorization documents may be necessary.
Step 9: Wait for the Passport to Be Produced and Delivered
After the application has been completed and accepted, the passport proceeds through the issuing and delivery process.
Processing and delivery times can vary depending on the application, workload, and other circumstances. Check the current guidance provided by the Norwegian Police rather than assuming that every application will be completed within a fixed number of days.
If you have an upcoming flight, apply early enough to allow for appointment availability, processing, and delivery.
An emergency passport may be available in eligible urgent circumstances, but it is not a guaranteed substitute for a standard passport. Applicants should check the relevant conditions and whether the destination accepts it.
Step 10: Check Your Passport Before Traveling
Once you receive your passport, inspect it carefully.
Check the following details:
- Full name and spelling
- Date of birth
- Passport photograph
- Passport number
- Expiration date
- Other personal information
If you notice an error or damage, contact the Norwegian Police for instructions before traveling.
You should also check the destination country’s passport-validity requirements. Some countries require several months of validity beyond the planned stay, while others require a visa or electronic travel authorization.
How to Renew a Norwegian Passport
Renewing a Norwegian passport involves applying for a new document before or after the current passport expires.
The general process is:
- Check the expiry date of your current passport.
- Book an appointment with the Norwegian Police.
- Bring your existing passport, even if it has expired.
- Prepare any additional identification documents requested.
- Attend the appointment.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- Complete the required identity checks.
- Wait for the new passport.
- Check the new document when it arrives.
The old passport is normally invalidated when a new one is issued. If you have travel planned, ensure you understand how this affects any existing bookings or visas connected to the old passport.
Do not wait until the day before departure to renew your passport. Appointment availability and processing times may make last-minute applications difficult.
How Long Is a Norwegian Passport Valid?
The validity of a Norwegian passport depends on the holder’s age.
According to the Norwegian Police, the standard validity periods are:
| Age when applying | Passport validity |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 2 years |
| From 5 to under 10 years | 3 years |
| From 10 to under 16 years | 5 years |
| 16 years and older | 10 years |
These age-based periods make it important for parents to check their children’s passport expiry dates regularly.
A passport can also become unusable before its expiry date if it is damaged or the holder’s appearance changes significantly.
How to Apply for a Norwegian Passport for a Child
Children who are Norwegian citizens can apply for their own Norwegian passports. Parents should plan the process carefully because child applications require parental consent.
Before the appointment, prepare:
- The child’s previous passport, if applicable
- The child’s registered information
- Identification for the parent attending
- Consent from both parents where required
- Guardianship or custody documentation, if applicable
- The child’s foreign passport if the child has dual citizenship and is applying for a Norwegian passport for the first time
A baby must have a registered name in Norway’s National Population Register before the passport application can proceed.
If both parents share parental responsibility, both must consent. At least one parent must attend the appointment with the child, while the other parent’s consent must be provided beforehand or during the appointment.
If a parent has sole parental responsibility and this is not recorded in the register, supporting documentation may be required.
Parents should confirm the latest requirements before booking because an application may not be processed if the required consent is missing.
What to Do If Your Norwegian Passport Is Lost or Stolen
Losing a passport can be stressful, particularly if you have an international trip planned.
If your Norwegian passport is lost or stolen, take the following steps:
- Confirm that you cannot locate the document.
- Report the passport as lost or stolen through the appropriate procedure.
- Prepare alternative identification.
- Check whether additional documentation is required.
- Book an appointment if necessary.
- Apply for a replacement passport.
- Check whether an emergency passport is appropriate for urgent travel.
If your passport is lost, the ordinary renewal process may not be sufficient because the authorities need to verify your identity and the status of the missing document.
If the passport is stolen while you are abroad, contact the nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate for advice on replacement travel documents.
Do not assume that you can travel internationally using a photograph or photocopy of a lost passport.
How to Apply for a Norwegian Passport While Living Abroad
Norwegian citizens living outside Norway can apply for passport services through the appropriate Norwegian embassy or consulate, depending on the services available at that mission.
The procedure may vary by country. Applicants should check the website of the Norwegian diplomatic mission responsible for their location before booking an appointment.
You may need to prepare:
- Your current or expired Norwegian passport
- Acceptable identification
- Documents relating to your citizenship or personal information, if requested
- Additional documents for a child application
- The applicable fee and payment method
Applicants abroad should confirm appointment availability, local submission requirements, and delivery or collection arrangements directly with the relevant mission.
If a passport is lost or stolen abroad and urgent travel is necessary, contact the mission promptly to ask which travel-document options may be available.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Norwegian Passport
1. Booking Too Late
Waiting until just before a flight can leave too little time for an appointment and delivery.
Tip: Start the process well before your planned travel date.
2. Forgetting the Previous Passport
Applicants generally need to bring their old passport even if it has expired.
Tip: Check your documents before leaving home.
3. Bringing Unacceptable Identification
Not every identity document is accepted for a passport application.
Tip: Follow the official checklist and do not rely on digital driving licences.
4. Forgetting Parental Consent
A child’s application can be delayed if the required parental consent is missing.
Tip: Arrange consent before the appointment.
5. Assuming Residence Is Enough
Living in Norway does not automatically make a foreign national eligible for a Norwegian citizen passport.
Tip: Confirm citizenship eligibility first.
6. Ignoring Destination-Country Rules
Some countries require a passport to remain valid for several months after arrival or departure.
Tip: Check your destination’s entry rules before booking travel.
Case Studies: Applying for a Norwegian Passport
The following fictional examples illustrate common application situations. They are intended as practical examples, not guarantees of a particular processing outcome.
Case Study 1: First-Time Adult Applicant
Erik recently became a Norwegian citizen and wants to travel overseas for work.
Before booking his appointment, he checks the official requirements for new citizens and prepares his citizenship decision and relevant identification documents.
He books an appointment with the Norwegian Police, attends with the required documents, pays the fee, and completes the application process.
Lesson: First-time applicants should confirm their identity-document requirements before booking an appointment.
Case Study 2: Renewing a Passport Before a Holiday
Sofia notices that her passport is approaching its expiry date several months before an international holiday.
She checks the validity requirements for her destination and books an appointment early. She brings her old passport, completes the application, and checks the new passport when it arrives.
Lesson: Early renewal gives travelers more time to deal with appointments, delivery, and destination-country requirements.
Case Study 3: Applying for a Child’s Passport
A family plans to travel abroad with their young child but discovers that the child’s passport has expired.
The parents review the child passport requirements and arrange consent from both parents. One parent attends the appointment with the child and brings the required identification and previous passport.
Lesson: Child applications need advance planning, particularly when parental consent or guardianship documentation is involved.
Case Study 4: Passport Lost During International Travel
Nora discovers that her Norwegian passport is missing while traveling abroad.
Instead of relying on a photocopy, she contacts the nearest Norwegian diplomatic mission and follows its instructions for reporting the loss and requesting an appropriate travel document.
Lesson: Norwegian citizens abroad should contact an official mission promptly when a passport is lost or stolen.
Norwegian Passport Application Checklist
Before the Appointment
- Confirm Norwegian citizenship eligibility.
- Check the current passport requirements.
- Book an appointment with the Norwegian Police or relevant diplomatic mission.
- Prepare your previous passport.
- Arrange alternative identification if your passport is lost or you have never held one.
- Check the current passport fee.
- Arrange parental consent for a child, where required.
- Prepare any special supporting documents.
During the Appointment
- Arrive at the correct office at the scheduled time.
- Present the required documents.
- Complete the identity checks.
- Have your photograph taken.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- Follow the instructions provided by the authorities.
After the Application
- Follow any delivery or collection instructions.
- Check your name and personal details.
- Confirm the expiry date.
- Check the destination country’s entry requirements.
- Keep your passport secure.
FAQs
1. How do I apply for a passport in Norway?
You must be a Norwegian citizen, book an appointment with the Norwegian Police, bring the required identification and previous passport where applicable, pay the fee, and complete the application at the passport and ID office.
2. Can foreigners living in Norway apply for a Norwegian passport?
Not solely on the basis of residence. An ordinary Norwegian passport is issued to Norwegian citizens. Foreign nationals must meet the applicable citizenship requirements before they can apply for one.
3. Do I need an appointment to apply for a Norwegian passport?
Yes. Applicants must generally book an appointment online before attending a passport and ID office.
4. Do I need to bring my own passport photo?
No. For an ordinary passport application, the photograph is taken at the passport and ID office. This also applies to children and babies.
5. How much does a Norwegian passport cost in 2026?
The published standard fee is NOK 840 for applicants aged 16 and older and NOK 510 for applicants under 16. An emergency passport costs NOK 1,320. Check the official fee schedule for updates before your appointment.
6. How long is a Norwegian passport valid?
Validity depends on age: two years for children under five, three years for children aged five to under ten, five years for children aged ten to under sixteen, and ten years for applicants aged sixteen and older.
7. Can I renew my Norwegian passport after it expires?
Yes. You can apply for a new passport after expiry, but you should book an appointment and bring your previous passport. Renewing before expiry is generally more convenient if you have upcoming travel.
8. Can I apply for a Norwegian passport for my baby?
Yes, if the baby is a Norwegian citizen and the applicable requirements are met. The baby’s name must be registered in Norway’s National Population Register, and the required parental consent must be arranged.
9. Do both parents need to consent to a child’s passport?
When two parents share parental responsibility, both must generally consent. At least one parent must attend the appointment with the child, while the other can provide consent in advance or during the appointment.
10. What should I do if my Norwegian passport is lost?
Report the loss through the appropriate procedure, prepare acceptable identification, and follow the Norwegian Police’s instructions for applying for a replacement. If you are abroad, contact the nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate.
11. Can I apply for a Norwegian passport from another country?
Norwegian citizens living abroad can generally apply through the Norwegian diplomatic mission responsible for their location. The available services, appointment arrangements, and document requirements may differ by country.
12. Can I travel immediately after applying for a passport?
You should not assume that your passport will be available immediately. Allow sufficient time for your appointment, application processing, and delivery, and ensure you have the required valid travel document before departure.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Norwegian passport becomes easier when you understand the eligibility rules, prepare the correct documents, book an appointment early, and follow the Norwegian Police’s application instructions.
Whether you are applying for your first passport, renewing an expired document, replacing a lost passport, or arranging a passport for your child, the key is to identify your specific situation and check the latest official requirements before attending the appointment.
Norwegian citizens living abroad should contact the relevant Norwegian embassy or consulate to confirm the procedure available in their country.
Finally, remember that obtaining a passport is only one part of international travel preparation. Before departure, check your destination’s visa rules, passport-validity requirements, and any additional entry conditions.
With advance planning and the right documentation, you can make the Norwegian passport application process more organized and reduce avoidable delays.
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