Do you live in the Netherlands with a foreign driving license? Here is how you can exchange it for a Dutch driving license, written for expats and international residents.
Who can exchange a foreign driving license?
To exchange your foreign driving license for a Dutch one, you must meet these conditions:
- You are registered in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP) in the Netherlands.
- You have a valid identity or residence document.
- Your current driving license was issued in an EU/EFTA country, or in a country that the Netherlands recognises for license exchange. Under certain conditions this includes expired EU/EFTA driving licenses.
The 30% ruling for highly skilled migrants
If you are a highly skilled migrant with the 30% tax ruling in the Netherlands, you can exchange a driving license from any country, including one from outside the EU/EFTA.
Check if your driving license can be exchanged
Not every foreign driving license can be exchanged directly for a Dutch one. Licenses from EU and EFTA countries are generally eligible. Is your license from outside these regions? Then check the list of countries below.
Countries outside the EU/EFTA with an exchange agreement
These countries have an agreement with the Netherlands, so you can exchange a driving license issued there:
- Andorra
- Canada (Alberta and Québec)
- Gibraltar
- Great Britain
- Guernsey
- Israel
- Japan
- Jersey
- Isle of Man
- Monaco
- Northern Ireland
- Singapore
- Chinese Taipei (Taiwan)
- The former Netherlands Antilles
- South Korea
To qualify, you must have lived in the issuing country for at least 185 days in the year you received your license.
Did you hold a Dutch driving license before?
If you had a Dutch driving license that was valid after 30 June 1985, and you now have a license from a country without an exchange agreement, you may still be able to exchange it for the same categories.
Start your driving license exchange
Knowing the requirements and preparing your documents makes the exchange easier. For detailed information and step-by-step guidance, visit your local municipality office or its official website.
Lessons and prices
Want to take driving lessons with us? To find the package that fits your skill level, we suggest you start with a trial lesson. Paying in installments is possible.
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