Driver's license, exchanging foreign driver's license
What is it?
A foreign driver’s license is only valid in The Netherlands for a certain time. After that you need to possess a Dutch driver’s license.
Therefore, in certain cases, you can exchange a foreign driver’s license for a Dutch one. Whether this is possible depends on the country where your driver’s license comes from. For this, the foreign driver’s license needs to be valid.
You can make a request to exchange your driver’s license at the municipality.
How does it work?
Which driver's licenses are possible to exchange
Exchanging your driver’s license is only possible if the license is from a country named on the following lists:
Medical examination
In certain cases, you must have a medical examination. This is always the case when the driver’s license is from a country outside of the EU or European Free Trade Association. If you need to be examined, first fill in a personal health declaration (gezondheidsverklaring). You can buy this at the municipality or via “My CBR”. The form must be send to CBR(externe link). The CBR will send you a letter stating if you are able to drive. Then you can send a request to exchange your driver’s license at the municipality.
What should I do?
- Go to the municipality personally
- Ask for a form to request exchange of a foreign driver’s license to a Dutch driver’s license
- Fill in the form and check the data
- Hand in all the necessary documents
What do I need?
- A passport photo that meets the requirements
- A valid identification card or residence permit
- Foreign driver’s license
- If you have received a letter from CBR(externe link), bring this as well
- Cash or a debit card to pay for the license
How long does it take?
Within 3-6 weeks you will receive a message if you can pick up your Dutch driver’s license at the municipality.
Additional information
Driving with a foreign driver's license
With a valid foreign driver’s license you can drive in The Netherlands for a certain time. This depends on the country where the driver’s license comes from. If your driver’s license comes from a country from the EU or European Free Trade Association you are allowed to drive with it till 10 years after it has been issued. For a driver’s license that has been issued before January 19th, 2013 this is even 15 years. If your driver’s license is older than 9 years, you can use it for 2 more years in The Netherlands. These 2 years start on the date of your registration at a Dutch municipality.
If you have a driver’s license from a country outside of the EU or European Free Trade Association or from the Netherlands Antilles you can use your driver’s license for a maximum of 185 days. This period starts the day you register at a Dutch municipality. During this period you will need to request a Dutch driver’s license.