Netherlands · Driving licence · Verified September 22, 2026
Moving to the Netherlands does not automatically invalidate your foreign driving licence, but the time you can keep using it depends heavily on where it was issued. EU/EFTA licences get much longer recognition; most licences from outside the EU/EFTA can be used for only the first 185 days after you move.
If your licence is from the EU or EFTA
For common categories such as AM, A1, A2, A, B and BE, RDW says you may generally drive in the Netherlands for up to 15 years from the date the foreign licence was issued, as long as the licence remains valid. For heavier C and D categories, the comparable period is generally five years from issue.
If an EU/EFTA licence was already issued more than 15 years ago without expiring, RDW can allow another two years from the date you relocated to the Netherlands, subject to the licence still being valid.
If your licence is from outside the EU/EFTA
A valid non-EU/EFTA licence can generally be used for the first 185 days after you relocate to the Netherlands. After that, you need a Dutch licence to keep driving—even if an exchange application is still being processed.
Can you exchange it instead of taking Dutch tests?
That depends on the issuing country and your circumstances. RDW allows exchange in several main situations:
- a valid EU/EFTA licence
- a licence from a non-EU/EFTA country on RDW’s current exchange list, subject to the conditions
- certain people covered by the Dutch expat scheme/30% ruling, who may be able to exchange a licence from any country
- some people who previously held a qualifying Dutch licence
For many exchangeable non-EU/EFTA licences, RDW also requires that you lived in the issuing country for at least 185 days in the year you obtained the licence.
The 30% ruling can change the answer
If the Dutch expat scheme applies to you, RDW says you can exchange a foreign licence from any country when you meet the requirements and provide a valid Dutch tax-authority decision. This is separate from the normal country-exchange list.
Our 2026 30% ruling guide explains the tax-scheme eligibility separately. Do not assume being a highly skilled migrant automatically means the ruling was granted.
How the exchange works
- Check RDW’s current exchange rules for your issuing country and licence category.
- Make sure you are registered in the BRP.
- Prepare the foreign licence, compliant passport photo and any required translation.
- Complete the CBR health declaration when your situation requires it.
- Apply through the municipality where you are registered.
- The municipality forwards the application to RDW.
RDW says it generally sends its decision within 15 working days when the file is complete, after which collection at the municipality follows. Start early: you cannot legally keep driving after your foreign-licence recognition period simply because the exchange is still pending.
Five newcomer mistakes to avoid
- Assuming every foreign licence is valid for 185 days. EU/EFTA rules differ.
- Assuming every non-EU licence can be exchanged.
- Waiting until day 185 to start the process.
- Thinking an exchange application extends your right to drive.
- Confusing a work/residence permit with the 30% ruling.
If you still need your BSN and municipality registration, see our BRP and BSN guide.
