Who can exchange a driving license in the Netherlands?
If you have a valid driving license from an EU/EEA country or a country approved by the RDW, you may be eligible to exchange your foreign driving license in the Netherlands.
If your license was issued outside the EU/EFTA, you must have lived in the issuing country for at least 185 days in the year you obtained it.
Registration in the Dutch personal records database (BRP)
You must be registered as a resident in the Netherlands in the Dutch personal records database
(Basisregistratie Personen (BRP) if you plan to stay in the country for more than four months. You need to register at your local municipal office (gemeente) with a permanent address and obtain a BSN (citizen service number). A BRP is required for any foreigner applying for a driving license in the Netherlands.
Pro Tip: Make sure your BRP registration is complete, and you have a permanent address before applying.
Valid residence permit
If you’re not an EU/EEA national, you need a valid Dutch residence permit to exchange your license. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens don’t require a residence permit, but must be registered in the BRP. Essentially, you must have legal residence in the Netherlands before you can convert your license.
You can’t exchange your license while you are still waiting for a first or new residence permit. However, people living in the Netherlands under the EEC/Turkey Association Decision 1/80 or the Temporary Protection Directive (residence permit 46) can apply for an exchange.
Pro Tip: When you go for your appointment, always bring your original passport and residence permit to avoid delays.
Valid foreign driving license
Your foreign driver’s license must be valid at the time of exchange. You can exchange an EU/EFTA license even after it has expired, but expired licenses from outside the EU/EFTA are not accepted. If your license has expired and it’s from outside the EU/EEA, your application will be denied, and you will have to go through the Dutch driving exam process.
Pro Tip: If your foreign license is expiring soon, start the exchange at your municipality before it expires. You can submit supporting documents, such as the CBR health declaration, afterward.
30% ruling and driving license exchange in the Netherlands
If you’re a highly skilled migrant eligible for the 30% ruling tax benefit, you can exchange your license regardless of the country of issue.
However, you must submit proof of eligibility from the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst). You must apply for the exchange while your 30% ruling is still active. This privilege also extends to family members.
Your foreign license must be valid, and you must still meet other requirements, such as registering with the personal records database (BRP). Many foreigners use the 30% ruling to avoid taking the Dutch driving exams.
Note: The 30% ruling, which the RDW now calls the expat scheme, will change on 1 January 2027. For rulings that started after 1 January 2024, the maximum tax-free allowance will reduce to 27%, while the salary threshold will increase. Rulings that started before 2024 will keep the 30% rate for their five-year term. The RDW still lists the expat scheme as an exchange route, so what matters for your license is holding a valid decision (beschikking) from the Belastingdienst on the day you apply.
Pro Tip: Get your 30% ruling statement from your employer or tax administration office (Belastingdienst) early.
Required documents to exchange your driving license in the Netherlands
Here are the documents you must provide to exchange your driving license in the Netherlands;
Valid foreign driving license: The original license from your home country. You will surrender this license during the process, so make a copy for your records or consider getting a duplicate from your home country.
Proof of identity: A valid passport or EU/EEA ID card, and if applicable, your Dutch residence permit.
BRP registration details: Typically, your BSN (citizen service number) is sufficient, as you must be registered in the BRP. But have your BSN or proof of address handy just in case.
Passport photograph: A recent passport-sized photo that meets Dutch requirements. Usually 35x45 mm, neutral expression, on a light background. The safest option is to use any of the professional booths near the municipal office. They know the exact requirements.
Certificate of fitness (Gezondheidsverklaring): This is a health declaration you fill in and pay for (€46.90 in 2026) through Mijn CBR. You will need it if your license was issued outside the EU/EFTA. You may also need it for an EU/EFTA license, for example, for bus or truck categories.
30% ruling statement: If you’re exchanging under the 30% tax ruling, include the official tax office approval letter (Beschikking). Keep a digital and printed copy of your 30% ruling statement, as some municipalities prefer hard copies.
Sworn (certified) translation of your license: You will need this if your license contains characters that are not used in the Netherlands, such as Japanese or Greek script. The translation must come from a certified translator, the embassy, or the consulate.
Other documents: In rare cases, you may need additional paperwork. For example, if your EU license expired while you lived in Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, you must get a statement from that country’s licensing authority stating they have no objection to you getting a Dutch license. Always check your local municipality’s website for any special requirements based on your situation.
How to exchange a foreign driving license in the Netherlands (Step-by-step)
Converting your foreign driving license starts with confirming your eligibility and getting all the required documents. Afterward, here’s how to exchange your foreign driving license in the Netherlands:
Step 1: Schedule an appointment
Contact your local municipality office (gemeente) to book a time slot to submit a driver’s license exchange application. You can also do this online via the city’s website or by calling their citizen service desk. Appointments might be labelled as “Rijbewijs omwisselen” (driving license exchange).
Pro Tip: Book the appointment before your foreign license usage period expires. The RDW needs at least 15 working days to process an application, and the CBR health declaration takes time too. So apply within your first three to four months, not close to the 185-day limit.
Step 2: Submit your application
Go to your appointment with all the required documents we’ve listed above. At the municipality, you’ll fill out an application form to exchange your foreign license for a Dutch one.
You’ll also need to pay the application fee. The fee varies by municipality. In 2026, the national maximum for a standard driving license is €53.65. Large cities such as Den Haag and Amsterdam charge this amount. Other smaller municipalities charge less. You can pay at the desk with a debit card. After payment, the municipality officially submits your application.
The municipality forwards your application to the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority), which verifies and approves all driving license exchanges. You don’t deal with RDW directly for exchanges; the local office handles it on your behalf. Make sure you get any receipt or reference number for your application before you leave.
Step 3: Surrender your license
The RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority) will send your foreign driving license to the issuing country. Once you’ve surrendered your license, the municipality will not issue a temporary driving document. You are responsible for continuing to drive while your license exchange is pending.
This means that if the police stop you, they can check with the RDW that you applied for a license exchange. But it doesn’t remove the risk of fines. Your insurance still covers you as long as you hold a valid license. However, this applies only during your legal driving period. Once the 185 days for a non-EU license have passed, you cannot drive until your Dutch license is ready.
For example, if you surrender your Japanese driving license, you cannot drive until your Dutch license is ready. The RDW advises against driving in other countries during this time, and an international driving permit won’t help because it is only valid together with your original license.
Learn more about international permits in our guide on How to Get an International Driving Permit for Japan.
Step 4: Processing
The RDW aims to send a decision within 15 working days, and it may contact the issuing country’s authority to confirm your license record. Delays may occur if it doesn’t receive a response from your licensing authority. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a letter or email stating that your Dutch license is being produced and when it’s expected to be ready for pickup.
Step 5: Collection
Once your Dutch license is ready, your municipality will notify you to pick it up.
Generally, the letter from RDW says you can pick it up about 5 working days later. Some cities may offer to mail it to you, but in most cases, you’ll collect it in person. When you pick it up, bring your ID (passport/ID card) for verification, and double-check the details on your Dutch driving license on the spot.
Recommended Reading
How to Get an International Driving Permit for Thailand
Do you need a sworn (certified) translation of your driver’s license?
You need a sworn translation if your license contains characters not used in the Netherlands, such as Japanese, Greek, Chinese, or Arabic script. If your license is written in the Latin alphabet, in any language, you don’t need to translate it. The RDW accepts a translation from a sworn translator, the embassy, or the consulate.
Dutch authorities require a sworn translation to ensure that all information on your document is accurately and legally represented in the required language. This helps verify your identity during the conversion process. Without a sworn translation of a driver’s license, your application may be delayed or rejected.
A sworn translation in the Netherlands is often accompanied by;
Certificate of translation accuracy attesting to the authenticity of the document
Translator or translation company credentials
Date of translation
The sworn translator’s stamp and registration number (sworn translators in the Netherlands are listed in the Rbtv register).
Sworn translation costs start at $57.15 (€54) per page, depending on volume, delivery timeline, and document complexity.
Need a sworn translation for your driving license? Order online in minutes and get a legally accepted translation delivered fast.
Countries with special license exchange agreements
The Netherlands allows direct license exchanges for residents of certain countries through reciprocal agreements. Aside from EU/EFTA nations (which are always eligible), the following countries/jurisdictions have special license exchange agreements with the Netherlands:
Andorra - (Category B only)
Canada – only the provinces of Alberta and Québec (Category B only)
United Kingdom – Great Britain and Northern Ireland (all categories; note: BE trailer category from GB only if a separate exam was passed)
Gibraltar
Guernsey (Channel Islands)
Jersey (Channel Islands)
Isle of Man
Singapore – (Categories A and B only)
Japan – (Categories A and B only)
South Korea – (Category B only)
Israel – (Category B only)
Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) – (Category B only)
Monaco
Former Netherlands Antilles – Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten (all categories)
The full list is available on the RDW website. Always double-check your country’s status before applying. If your country is not on this list, you cannot directly exchange your license (unless you qualify for the 30% tax ruling exception). Even for listed countries, you must have been issued your license while you lived in that country for at least 185 days in the year you got it.
Recommended Reading
Converting a Foreign Driver's License in Singapore
Cost of exchanging a driving license in the Netherlands
Here’s a breakdown of the costs of a driving license exchange in the Netherlands:
Application fee
The application fee varies by municipality. In 2026, the national maximum for a standard driving license is €53.65, which is what large cities like Den Haag and Amsterdam charge.
Smaller towns might be a bit cheaper or about the same. If you need your license urgently, some municipalities offer expedited service for an extra charge; for most exchanges, standard processing is fine.
Health certificate
The CBR health declaration costs €46.90 in 2026. You need it for licenses issued outside the EU/EFTA and in some EU/EFTA cases. If the CBR asks for a medical examination or a specialist report, it costs extra.
Translation and Legalisation
Sworn (certified) translation costs vary by language and provider, but typically range from $57.15 per page. Using professional services like Translayte ensures that Dutch authorities accept your translation. You can request a quote to determine the cost. In most cases, you won’t need to legalise your license for the exchange. Instead, the Netherlands relies on direct verification with the issuing country. However, if you need apostille services for documents, the cost ranges from $100-$300.
Recommended Reading
How to Get an Apostille on Documents Issued in the Netherlands
Processing time for driving license exchange in the Netherlands
The processing time for a foreign license exchange is around 3 weeks. The RDW sends a decision letter within 15 working days. Your license will be ready for collection at the municipality 5 working days after that. It takes longer if the RDW needs to verify your license with the issuing country or if your application is missing information.
Recommended Reading
Foreign Driving License Exchange in France
Expired EU/EEA licenses
The RDW accepts expired EU/EFTA licenses for exchange. The logic is that if it was valid once and you’re now a resident here, they’ll let you convert it rather than making you start over. But there are some caveats:
If it’s expired for a very long time, the municipality might ask for extra proof that it was yours and valid (perhaps a driving record).
In countries like Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, if your license has expired, you need a note from the country’s authority stating that they have no objections to you obtaining a new license. This is called a Certificate of No Objection.
Note: If your foreign non-EU license expires while you’re in the Netherlands, you cannot exchange it. It must be valid at the time of application. Otherwise, you’ll have to take the driving tests.
Pro Tip: Contact your home country’s licensing authority for a Certificate of No Objection if your Swiss, Icelandic, or Liechtenstein license has expired.
Recommended Reading
Driving in the U.S. with a Foreign Driver's License
When exchange is not possible
If your foreign license isn't eligible for exchange, you’ll have to take the Dutch driving tests. Here’s what to do when exchange is not an option:
Testing requirement
You’ll need to pass both the theory and practical Dutch driving exams administered by the CBR (Dutch Central Office for Driver Testing).
You can take the theory test in English (or other languages with a translator) if you’re not fluent in Dutch. After you pass the theory test, you’ll take practical driving lessons and then the road test.
The Dutch driving exam can be challenging. Only about 40% of candidates pass the car theory exam, and about half pass the practical exam. The theory exam has 50 questions in one set, and you need to answer at least 44 correctly.
Study and practice thoroughly. Also, don't be discouraged if you don't pass on your first attempt. Many individuals have taken the exam multiple times, with some passing only after five or more attempts. You can read their stories to learn what you may need.
Driving school enrollment
While not an official requirement, it’s highly recommended to enroll in a driving school to prepare for the driving tests. A local driving instructor will help you get familiar with Dutch road rules (like the infamous priority-to-the-right rule, bicycle-heavy traffic, etc.).
They’ll also advise you on how to navigate the CBR test routes and what the examiners look for. If you’re an experienced driver, you might not need many lessons, just a few to get used to the Dutch specifics. For the theory exam, consider using online practice tests or attending a theory course (English study materials are available).
Pro Tip: Even if you exchange your license, take a couple of lessons to understand Dutch traffic signs and cyclist priority
Health certificate
When applying for a Dutch license by taking the test route, you’ll still be required to submit a health certificate. For most young, healthy drivers, it’s a formality; you get the certificate quickly. If you indicate any medical issues, CBR might require a doctor’s examination or a specialist sign-off before declaring you fit to drive.
Pro Tip: Complete the health certificate early if you’re taking the test. It can delay your exam if it is not approved.
Recommended Reading
How to Translate Your Driver's License for the DMV
How to get an official translation of a driver's license in the Netherlands?
You can get sworn translation services in the Netherlands through a professional translator, a translation company, or the Consulate in the foreign country that issued the driving license.
Here are the steps to get an official translation of a driver's license in the Netherlands from Translayte:
Click on “Check Prices and Place Order” at the top right of this page if on a laptop. Or “Order Your Translation” button on the mobile
Select “Sworn Translation”, select the target and source language, and your preferred turnaround time.
Upload the foreign driver’s license you want to translate. Ensure the file is named correctly.
Include any other specifications you prefer for your document. E.g., notarised translation, apostille, or paper copy delivery
Pay translation fees and place your order. Your translation will be delivered to you either by email or by post on or before the stipulated time.
How Translayte can help you drive legally in the Netherlands
Translayte provides sworn translation services for driver's license conversions in the Netherlands. Here's how we can assist you:
Sworn translations: We provide sworn translations that include a signed statement attesting to accuracy and completeness, in compliance with Dutch legal standards. This ensures that Dutch authorities accept your driving license translation.
Rapid turnaround: Our delivery time for certified translation is as little as 12 hours. You can also access our services on weekends and holidays.
24/7 support: At Translayte, you can access 24/7 multilingual assistance anytime via chat, email, SMS, phone, or WhatsApp.
Global acceptance: Translayte's sworn (certified) translations are recognised by governments, universities, and courts worldwide.
Transparent pricing: Our sworn translation rates start from $57.15 per page, with no hidden charges. Before ordering online, you can also request a free quote for an accurate cost.
Choosing Translayte ensures that your driver’s license translation is accurate, compliant, and delivered promptly.
