ResideNLYour next chapter in the Netherlands
A dike beneath a broad sky in the northern Netherlands Friesland

ResideNL · Moving to NL · Driving licence

Exchanging a foreign driving licence in the Netherlands

Whether — and how quickly — you can swap your existing driving licence for a Dutch one depends on where it was issued. The window to act is limited, so it's worth checking early rather than discovering the deadline has passed.

If your licence is from the EU / EEA

You can generally keep driving on a valid EU/EEA licence for a good while, and exchange it for a Dutch one straightforwardly when you choose to (through your municipality). No tests required in the normal case.

If your licence is from outside the EU / EEA

Watch the clock. With a non-EU/EEA licence you may drive on it for a limited period after registering (often around 185 days). To keep driving beyond that, you usually need a Dutch licence — and unless you qualify for a direct exchange (for example under the 30% ruling, or from a country with a special arrangement), you may have to pass the Dutch theory and practical tests at the CBR.

How exchanging works

  1. Check whether your licence qualifies for a direct exchange (country of issue and your own status both matter).
  2. If it does, apply to exchange through your municipality; they submit it to the RDW.
  3. If it doesn't, plan for the CBR theory + practical tests before your window closes.

Official source: rdw.nl — Exchanging a foreign driving licence.

Will you need to exchange your licence — and by when?

It depends on where your licence is from and your situation. ResideNL flags your personal exchange deadline.

Build my plan → Get it on the App Store

Related:

ResideNL is not a government service and does not provide legal advice. Rules, fees and deadlines change — always confirm on the official pages we link to.