Ivan Diuldia

Exchanging Foreign Driving Licenses in NL

Understanding the Dutch regulations for foreign driving licenses is a critical step for new residents. The rules for using your existing license, and the process to exchange it for a Dutch one, vary significantly based on the country that issued your permit and your tax status in the Netherlands. This guide outlines the essential rules, procedures, and common pitfalls to ensure you remain legally compliant on the road.

Key Regulations Based on Your License’s Origin

1. Non-EU/EFTA Licenses

This category applies to licenses issued in countries outside the European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

  • The 185-Day Rule: You are permitted to use your valid foreign license for a maximum of 185 days (approximately 6 months) from your date of registration with the municipality (gemeente).
  • After 185 Days: Once this period expires, your foreign license is no longer valid for driving in the Netherlands. Driving with it is considered driving without a valid license and can result in significant fines (up to €360).
  • The 30% Ruling Exemption: If you are a beneficiary of the 30% tax ruling, you (and your registered partner) are exempt from the standard requirement to retake the driving exam. You are eligible to exchange your foreign license for a full Dutch license.
  • Without the 30% Ruling: If you do not have the 30% ruling, you cannot exchange your license. You must pass both the Dutch theory and practical driving exams to obtain a Dutch license.

2. EU/EFTA Licenses

Licenses issued by member states of the EU or EFTA are subject to more straightforward rules.

  • Standard Validity: You may use your valid EU/EFTA license for 15 years from its date of issue for categories A and B (car/motorcycle), or 5 years for categories C and D (truck/bus).
  • Important Exception: If your EU/EFTA license was issued after you had already registered as a resident in the Netherlands, it is not valid for driving here. You must exchange it for a Dutch license immediately.

The 4-Step License Exchange Process

This process applies to those eligible for an exchange (e.g., EU license holders or non-EU license holders with the 30% ruling).

Step 1: Obtain a Certificate of Fitness (Gezondheidsverklaring) Before you can apply for an exchange, you must declare that you are medically fit to drive.

  1. Log in to the Mijn CBR website using your DigiD.
  2. Purchase in your gemente the Gezondheidsverklaring (health declaration form) or get it online:
    https://www.cbr.nl/nl/…
  3. This form consists of several questions about your medical history. Be aware that answering “Yes” to any question may trigger a request for a medical examination, which can delay the process.
  4. Upon successful completion and payment, the CBR will digitally issue a “Certificate of Fitness” (Verklaring van Geschiktheid).

Step 2: Apply at Your Municipality (Gemeente) You must submit your exchange application at the city hall where you are registered. Do not send your application directly to the RDW (the Netherlands Vehicle Authority).

You will need to bring the following documents:

  • Your valid passport or EU/EFTA ID card.
  • An official, recent passport photo (pasfoto) that meets Dutch requirements.
  • Your original, valid foreign driving license.
  • (For non-EU exchanges) A copy of your official 30% ruling confirmation letter from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst).

Step 3: Surrender Your License (Critical Warning) During your appointment, the municipality will confiscate your foreign license and send it, along with your application, to the RDW for verification.

  • You will be given a receipt, but this receipt is not a valid permit to drive.
  • From the moment you surrender your license until your new Dutch license is ready, you are not legally allowed to drive in the Netherlands.
  • This process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, so plan accordingly.

Step 4: Collect Your Dutch License The RDW will send you a letter once your new Dutch license has been processed and sent to your municipality. You can then make an appointment to collect it.

Important Considerations

  • Timing of Exchange: If you have the 30% ruling, you are not required to exchange your license within the 185-day window. You can apply for the exchange at any point, as long as both your 30% ruling and your foreign license are still valid.
  • License Issuance Date: The RDW may verify that you resided in the country of issue for at least 185 days in the year your license was issued. This can become a problem if you renewed your license just before moving or while living abroad.
  • EU License Exchange: When exchanging an EU license, the RDW will typically “renew” (vernieuwen) it, issuing a new Dutch license valid for 10 years.

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