Identitetsnummer

Identitetsnummer is a government-issued unique numeric identifier assigned to an individual for civil registration and administrative purposes. It is used to identify a person across public records and services, and in many cases by banks, healthcare providers, schools, and other institutions to access or link person-specific information.

The main purpose of an identitetsnummer is to enable efficient administration and service delivery. It helps authorities track records related to taxation, social security, healthcare, education, and residence. In some countries the number also serves as a convenient key for private-sector services that interact with public data, such as employers or banks. The exact scope and use of the number vary by jurisdiction, and in some places it functions as a national identification number while in others it is primarily a civil registry reference.

Issuance and format differ between countries. A number is typically assigned at birth, when a person becomes a resident, or upon immigration, and it is usually intended to be lifelong. Formats can include a birth-date component, a local or regional code, and a check digit, or they may be a simple unique sequence with no embedded personal data. The number is considered highly sensitive personal data because it can be used to access or collate extensive records about an individual.

Privacy and security are central considerations. Laws and regulations govern how identitetsnummer may be collected, stored, processed, and shared, with principles such as purpose limitation, data minimization, and user rights. Security measures and authentication requirements help prevent misuse and identity theft.