MenuExchanging your foreign driver's license
Are you settling in the Netherlands and do you have a foreign driver's license? Then you can only drive with this license for a limited period of time. After this period you must have a Dutch driver's license. In some cases you can exchange your foreign driver's license for a Dutch one. When this is not possible, then you have to take a driving test in the Netherlands.
Bring with you
- Your (old) foreign driver’s license (this will be sent off to the Dutch Road Transport Directorate, RDW)
- A passport photograph that meets the requirements. This photograph may not be older than 6 months. It cannot be the same photo as on your current passport. It's not possible to have a photo taken at municipality hall.
- In some cases you will need a declaration of medical fitness and a declaration ot the 30% rule by the tax autorities (Belastingdienst). Ask the Municipality whether this is required in your situation
- Your passport, identity card or Dutch residence permit
- Cash or a bank debit card. You pay when you apply the driver's licence.
Price
| Detail | Price 2022 |
|---|---|
| Exchange of foreign driver's license | € 41,00 |
How long can you continue to use your foreign driver’s license?
- You can use a driver’s license that was issued by a member state of the European Union (EU) or Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland in the Netherlands for a maximum of 15 years (after issue of the foreign driver's license). This applies to the categories AM, A1, A2, A, B and BE. The condition is that the driver's license is still valid. After that, you must exchange it for a Dutch driver’s license.
- After settling in the Netherlands you can continue to use a driver’s license from a different country for a maximum of 185 days. After that you must exchange your driver’s license for a Dutch driver’s license.
- If you are not able to exchange your driver’s license (this applies for a number of countries outside the European Union), you will be required to take the standard theory and practical test at the CBR.
How long will the application take?
It can take up to 3 or 4 weeks before you will receive your Dutch drivers license. The original drivers license will be send to the RDW. They will decide if your drivers license is exchangeable for a Dutch drivers license. If it's exchangeable your original drivers license will be withdrawn by the RDW and send back to the country where it's been issued.
Please note! You are not allowed to drive on public roads during the exchange. If you do so, you could be fined for this. You must be able to show your driver's license at all times.
