Exchanging a foreign driving licence (RDW)

What this form is for

• Get a Dutch driving licence in exchange for your foreign one, if you live in the Netherlands and are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP).
• An EU/EFTA licence can always be exchanged; for other countries it depends on the RDW's list (or on the expat scheme for some workers).

Documents to have ready

• Your foreign licence (translated if not in Latin script) and a colour passport photo
• A CBR Health Declaration for licences from outside the EU/EFTA
• If you work in the Netherlands with a licence from outside the EU/EFTA: a valid Decision on the Evidence Rule from the Tax Administration

Where to send it

At your municipality, which completes the application with you, takes the fee (it varies by municipality) and sends it to the RDW. You do not get your foreign licence back.

Our tips

• Always download the latest version from the official site.
• Keep a copy of what you send, with the date you sent it.

Frequently asked questions

What if my licence cannot be exchanged?

You will need to pass both the theory and practical tests at the CBR to get a Dutch licence.