In some cases, you can exchange your foreign driving licence for a Dutch driving licence. This varies depending on the country of issue of your current driving licence.
Exchanging a driving licence
Driving licences from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein can be exchanged for a Dutch driving licence.
To learn more about the conditions for exchanging it, visit the website of the RDW (Government Road Transport Agency).
Driving licences from other countries
Driving licences from some other countries can in some cases be exchanged. If so, you can only exchange a driving licence that is authorised for certain vehicle categories. To learn more about which countries and the conditions for doing this, visit the website of the RDW.
If your country is not included in the list on the RDW website, you will have to take a new driving exam in the Netherlands.
Exemption for highly skilled migrants and military personnel
If you are a NATO military employee or if you qualify for the 30% ruling (for highly skilled migrants), you can always exchange your driving licence for a Dutch driving licence.
This also applies to your partner and family members. You need to show that they are registered at the same address as you.
Application to exchange your driving licence
If you are a registered resident in Amsterdam, you can apply to exchange your driving licence at a City Office in person. You cannot schedule an appointment.
Citizens from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein can choose to exchange their foreign driving licence:
for a Dutch driving licence with the same expiry date as their foreign driving licence with a maximum of 10 years.
for a new Dutch driving licence for 10 years (a standard driving licence).
If you choose a new Dutch driving licence, you must hand in a Certificate of Fitness (Gezondheidsverklaring). You may have to have a medical examination.
What you need to bring with you
- Your foreign driving licence.
- Valid proof of identification.
- A (passport) photo that meets the official requirements. We recommend using a professional photographer.
- If you are a highly skilled migrant and qualify for the 30% ruling, please provide a copy of the letter from the Belastingdienst proving this.
- If the text on your foreign licence consists solely of characters that are not used in the Netherlands (such as Japanese or Greek), you need to bring a translation of your driving licence.
- A Certificate of Fitness (Gezondheidsverklaring):
- for a driving licence from countries other than the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
- if your driving licence is valid for a period shorter than the standard period.
- if your driving licence contains annotations or codes about your physical fitness.
- You can purchase the certificate at a City Office. You can also purchase the certificate via www.cbr.nl using DigiD.
Do not drive until you have your new driving licence
You will have to hand in your foreign driving licence at the time you submit your application. For this reason, you may not drive a vehicle until you have your new driving licence.
Costs
You must pay the fees due when you submit your application.
Exchanging a driving licence: €39.78 + €8.40 (for registered post) payable to the RDW.
How long does it take?
If your application is approved, you will receive a notice from the RDW to come collect your document within 2 to 4 weeks.
You must collect your driving licence in person at the City Office where you submitted your application. You will have 3 months to do this.
Translation of your foreign licence
If the text on your foreign licence consists solely of characters that are not used in the Netherlands (such as Japanese or Greek), you need to bring a translation of your driving licence. The translation must be carried out by a sworn translator/interpreter, the embassy or consulate. If the driving licence was translated abroad, you must have the translation legalised.
You do not need a translation for a Russian driving licence issued in credit card format.
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