Identity Card

An ID card allows you to prove your identity. You can also use it to travel to most countries in Europe. You can apply for an ID card by making an appointment with your local municipality. After 6 business days, you can pick up your ID card by making an appointment.

Starting January 4, 2021, your new ID card will have an additional feature. You can use it to log in to government services, educational institutions, healthcare providers, or your pension fund.

Urgent Request

If you need your ID card quickly, submit an expedited application. If you apply for the ID card before 12:00 p.m., you can pick it up after 2 business days. However, there is an additional fee for this service.

How does it work?

An ID card is valid for 10 years if you are 18 years of age or older. If you are younger than 18, an ID card is valid for 5 years.

Secure copy of ID card

Be on the lookout for identity fraud. In such cases, criminals misuse fake or stolen identity information. With the KopieID app ( ), you can use your smartphone to make a secure copy of your ID card. Don’t have the KopieID app? Then visit the Dutch government’s website ( ) to learn how to recognize and prevent identity fraud.

What should I do?

You must apply for an ID card in person at the municipality where you live. Children who want their own ID card must also come to the municipality.
You must pick up your ID card in person. You must do so within 3 months of submitting your application, because your ID card will expire after that. Are you also picking up an ID card for your child? If so, please bring your child with you.
Has your ID card expired? If so, please turn it in to the municipality.
Is your ID card (seriously) damaged? If so, you’ll need to apply for a new one. You’ll also need to turn in your old ID card to the municipality.

Physical or intellectual disability

If you are unable to apply for an ID card in person due to a physical or mental disability, a municipal employee can come to you. If there is any doubt, the municipality will ask you to provide a medical certificate.

Lost or Stolen ID Card

If your ID card is lost or stolen in the Netherlands, you can apply for a new one immediately. When you apply , you will sign a Lost ID Card Declaration. You do not need to file a police report.
If you have theft insurance, it is advisable to file a police report.
If you need to travel immediately, you can apply for an emergency document from the Royal Military Police.
If you find your old ID card, you are required to turn it in to the municipality. This ID card is no longer valid.
If you lose your ID card while abroad, file a report with the local police. Ask for written proof of this. You will need this for your insurance. In the Netherlands, you do not need to file a report with the Dutch police.
Report the loss or theft of your ID card to the Dutch embassy or consulate and apply for an emergency document .
With the foreign police report, you can apply for a new ID card at city hall.

What do I need?

A clear, well-defined passport photo taken no more than 6 months prior to the date of application and that meets the passport photo requirements at .
All passports and ID cards you still have, even if they have expired.
If you are applying for a second passport, please bring proof that you need the second passport.
If your passport is lost or stolen while you are abroad, please bring the police report issued by the foreign authorities.
Debit card. You pay immediately when you submit your request. If, due to circumstances, you can only pay by contactless payment , please indicate this when scheduling your appointment online.

Children up to 12 years old

Written consent from both parents or the person who has legal custody of the child. Please use the form provided by the municipality for this purpose. You can also both sign the form on the spot; in that case, you do not need to bring a completed form with you.
Valid identification documents (no copies) for both parents or the person who has custody of the child.
If you, as a parent or guardian, will not be attending the application appointment, please sign theonline consent form in advance using DigiD.
Children must be present in person when applying for and picking up their ID cards.
At least one parent or guardian must be present when submitting the application.
A clear, recent passport photo taken no more than 6 months prior to the date of application. This passport photo meets the passport photo requirements.
All passports and ID cards you still have for your child, even if they have expired.
Debit card. You pay immediately when you submit your request. If, due to circumstances, you can only pay by contactless payment , please indicate this when scheduling your appointment online.

Additional Information

If you do not have Dutch citizenship, you may be eligible for a refugee passport or an alien passport.
If you are under guardianship, you can also apply for an ID card. In that case, you do not need permission from your guardian.
If you change your name, you must apply for a new ID card.
If you change your gender, you must apply for a new ID card.

Applying from Abroad

Dutch citizens living abroad can apply for an ID card at a wide range of Dutch diplomatic missions, such as embassies and consulates, or at one of the border municipalities in the Netherlands. Applying for an ID card involves providing many different documents.

The tool from Nederland Wereldwijd ( ) makes it easier to apply for an ID card abroad or in a border municipality. Thanks to this tool, you can see exactly which documents you need and create a personalized checklist online. This saves you a lot of time.