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.
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). Being in the BRP is mandatory 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 converting your license.
Pro Tip: When going for your appointment, always carry 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. Expired licenses won’t be accepted unless you're from an EU/EEA country and meet specific conditions. 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, renew it in your home country first to avoid complications.
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 (partner or children) registered at your address under the 30% ruling.
Your foreign license must be valid, and you still need to meet other requirements, such as registering with the personal records database (BRP). Many foreigners take advantage of the 30% ruling to avoid taking the Dutch driving exams.
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 needed.
Certificate of fitness (Gezondheidsverklaring): This is a medical declaration from the Dutch driving authority that shows that you're fit to drive. It is required for older applicants and certain license categories, such as bus or commercial driving.
Residence permit: This is for non-EU/EEA nationals. Ensure your residence permit is valid before booking your appointment to avoid rejection.
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: If your foreign license is not in Dutch, English, German, or French, you’ll need a sworn translation.
Other documents: In rare cases, additional paperwork may be needed. 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. Afterwards, 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. Many individuals plan to apply around the 5-6 month mark of living in the Netherlands.
Step 2: Submit your application
Go for 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 city but is usually around €40-€70. Payment is often made at the desk with a debit card. After payment, your application will be officially submitted.
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
Your foreign driving license will be sent to the RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority) and returned to the issuing country. Once you’ve surrendered your license, you cannot drive until your Dutch license is ready. The municipality will not issue a temporary driving document.
For example, if you surrender your Japanese driving license, you cannot drive until your Dutch license is ready. If you need it for travel, you’ll need an international driving permit. Learn more about international permits in our guide on How to Get an International Driving Permit for Japan.
Step 4: Processing
The RDW processes applications within 2 to 4 weeks, and they may contact the issuing country’s authority to confirm your license record. Delays may happen if they don’t get 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, you’ll get a notice from your municipality to come pick it up.
Generally, the letter from RDW says you can pick it up about 5 working days later. Some cities might offer to mail it to you, but in most cases, you’ll go in person to collect it. When picking 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?
If your foreign license is not in Dutch, English, German, or French, you’ll need a sworn (certified) translation when converting it in the Netherlands.
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 certified 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
Official stamps from the court.
The certified translation rates range from $20 to $100, 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
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).
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 but typically is around €45–€80. For example, Amsterdam charges roughly €48 for a license exchange. 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 charges about €44 – €50 for the health certificate. You must obtain a health certificate (certificate of fitness) from CBR if required.
Translation and Legalisation
Sworn (certified) translation costs can vary based on language and provider, but typically range from $25 to $100. 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. The Netherlands relies on direct verification with the issuing country instead. However, if you need apostille services for documents, the cost ranges from $100 - $300.
Processing time for driving license exchange in the Netherlands
The processing time for a foreign license exchange is 2-4 weeks, but it may take longer if verification with your home country is required. The official RDW guideline is about 15 working days for processing, plus a few days for the license card production and delivery. Many foreigners report receiving their approval letter in roughly 2 weeks, and the license is ready for pickup a week after that, so around 3 weeks total.
Expired EU/EEA licenses
Expired EU/EEA licenses are usually accepted for exchange in the Netherlands. 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 referred to as a Certificate of No Objection.
If your EU license is expiring soon (or has already expired), you should apply to exchange it sooner rather than later. Don’t wait years for it to expire before exchanging it.
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.
When exchange is not possible
If your foreign license is not eligible for an 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).
The theory test can be taken in English (and other languages with a translator) if you’re not fluent in Dutch. Once you pass the theory, you’ll take practical driving lessons and then the road test.
The Dutch driving exam can be quite challenging, with pass rates ranging between 50% and 60%. Make sure to study and practice thoroughly. Additionally, do not be discouraged if you do not succeed 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 a few things you may need.
Driving school enrollment
While not an official requirement, it’s highly recommended to enrol 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.
How to get an official translation of a driver's license in the Netherlands?
You can get certified 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:
Visit the Translayte website.
Click on “Order Certified Translation”.
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.
Select either the Standard, Specialist, or Professional certified translation services, based on your needs and budget.
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 (Certified) translations: We provide sworn (certified) 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 (certified) translation rates start from $58 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.
