Driver's License, Exchanging a Foreign Driver's License

Which driver's licenses can be exchanged?

You can only exchange your driver's license if it is from a country listed on the following lists on the RDW website:

Country in the EU or the European Free Trade Association

Medical Examination

In certain cases, you must undergo a medical examination. This is always required if your driver’s license is from a country outside the EU or the European Free Trade Association. If you need to undergo a medical examination, first fill out a personal health declaration (gezondheidsverklaring). You can obtain this form at your local municipality or through “My CBR.” The form must be sent to the CBR at . The CBR will send you a letter stating whether you are eligible to drive. You can then submit a request to exchange your driver’s license at your local municipality.

• Visit the municipality by appointment
• Ask for a form to request the exchange of a foreign driver’s license for a Dutch driver’s license
• Fill out the form and verify the information
• Submit all the necessary documents

• 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 the CBR, please bring that with you as well
• Cash or a debit card to pay for the license

Within 3–6 weeks, you will receive a message letting you know if you can pick up your Dutch driver’s license at city hall.

2026:

• Exchanging a foreign driver's license: €53.65

Driving with a Foreign Driver's License

With a valid foreign driver’s license, you can drive in the Netherlands for a certain period of time. This depends on the country where the driver’s license was issued. If your driver’s license was issued in a country that is a member of the EU or the European Free Trade Association, you are allowed to drive with it for up to 10 years after it was issued. For a driver’s license issued before January 19, 2013, this period is even 15 years. If your driver’s license is more than 9 years old, you can use it for 2 more years in the Netherlands. These 2 years begin on the date you register with a Dutch municipality.

If you have a driver’s license from a country outside the EU or the European Free Trade Association, or from the Netherlands Antilles, you may use your driver’s license for a maximum of 185 days. This period begins on the day you register with a Dutch municipality. During this period, you will need to apply for a Dutch driver’s license.

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