MenuExchanging your foreign driver's license
If you obtained your driver’s license in a country other than the Netherlands, in certain circumstances you may be able to exchange it for a Dutch driver’s license. This is only possible if you are registered in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) in Veldhoven.
Bring with you
- Your (old) foreign driver’s license (this will be sent off to the Dutch Road Transport Directorate, RDW)
- A passport photograph. Please note the requirements.
- 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
- A valid proof of identity (identity card or residence document)
- You may need a translation of foreign documents
- Cash or a bank debit card. You pay when you apply the driver's licence.
Price
| Detail | Price 2021 |
|---|---|
| Exchange of foreign driver's license | € 39,00 |
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 If it's exchangeable your original drivers license will be withdrawn by the RDW.
