As reported by the Police in Norway. The new passports will be available as planned in October and the ID card in November. We cannot rule out that the coronavirus pandemic, which affects the entire community, may also affect the timing of the release of new passports and national ID cards. In such cases, we will inform you about a possible postponement of the date.
Such a document will contribute to the prevention of crime. The police have strengthened the identity checks that take place at the time of issue, and new documents are more difficult to falsify.
There were delays in the work on the project of passports and identity cards, although the introduction of new passports and identity cards is still planned this year. This is a high priority measure for the police, says Håkon Skulstad, deputy chief of police.
Issuing passports and future national ID cards is important to achieve the goal of having only one identity in Norway.
The passport is valid until the expiry date
Even if new documents arrive, people who have a valid passport today will not have to apply for a new one.
The passport you have today is valid until the expiry date. Therefore, you do not need to apply for a new passport before your previous passport expires, says Skulstad.
Strengthened identity checks
Despite delays in the work on new documents, the police have implemented several measures in recent years to strengthen security in the process of issuing passports and future national ID cards.
- 79 new passports and identity offices adapted to the new security requirements were created
- New biometric kiosks and other tools for identity checks and case processing have been introduced
- Increased competence in the field of identity checks
Work with the employee solution has been completed
To ensure a faster launch, the police have completed work on a new case processing solution. It will use and further develop the current case handling system to introduce new passports and national identity cards.
New kiosks for biometric data registration, a new solution for booking queues and meetings. Additionally, other equipment for passports and identification offices will continue under the original contract with the supplier. These are solutions that have already been applied.
The police will provide them as part of the financing we have received from the state budget. Even if the work on the new case handling solution is completed - says Skulstad.
Most of the comments indicated by the Office of the Auditor General will be considered before the introduction of the new passports and ID cards in 2020. The remaining ones will be introduced gradually.
This is what the ID card will look like. Photo Police
Facts about new passports and ID cards
- The passport you have today is valid until the expiry date. Therefore, you do not need to apply for a new passport before the previous one expires.
- An identity card is an identity document issued to the public. Having a national ID card is voluntary.
- You can use the ID card when you want to identify yourself and when there is a need for identification, for example at a post office or bank.
- You can use your ID as an EEA travel document as you are currently using your passport. If you are traveling outside the EEA, you must have your passport with you.
- Persons who, for various reasons, do not meet the conditions of the travel document, eg Persons who have decided not to issue a passport, may obtain an ID card without the right to travel for identification purposes.
- An ID card without the right to travel may also be issued to minors aged 13 to 18 without the consent of the parent or guardian. Nevertheless, many people in this category will have to meet the police with a guardian in order for the police to fully assess whether their identity has been proven.
- The ID card is the size of other plastic cards we have in our wallet.
- The state budget assumes that there will be the same price for passports and ID cards. NOK 570 for adults, NOK 342 for children.
- Everyone will be able to make an appointment with the police. No, to apply for an ID card in the same way as a passport. You can apply for an ID card at all passport and evidence offices in Norway.
- Economic immigrants will also be able to apply for new ID cards
