Which situation are you in?

EU/EEA or Swiss licence

Valid here until it expires. When it expires, you renew it as a Dutch licence.

Licence from an exchange country

Some non-EU countries have an agreement with the Netherlands: you can exchange without a test.

30% ruling holders

You and your family members living with you can exchange any foreign licence without a test, while you have the ruling.

All others

You must pass the Dutch theory and practical test with the CBR.

How long you can drive on a foreign licence

185 daysnon-EU licence holders may drive after registering in the municipality

10 yearsvalidity of a Dutch licence for most drivers

1
Fill in a Health Declaration if needed
For some licence categories or ages, via the CBR.
2
Make an appointment at your municipality
Bring your foreign licence, ID, a passport photo and, for the 30% route, the ruling decision.
3
RDW checks your licence
This can take several weeks; your foreign licence is handed in.
4
Collect your Dutch licence
At the municipality.

Got the 30% ruling? See the 30% ruling for the tax side.

This article is based on these official pages. If anything here differs from them, the official page is right.

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