Exchanging your foreign driving licence in the Netherlands

You can exchange a valid driving licence from an EU or EFTA country at any time. A licence from outside the EU and EFTA can only be exchanged if it comes from a country on the RDW list and you lived there for at least 185 days in the year you got it, or if the 30% ruling applies to you. You apply at your municipality, and you usually receive a letter from the RDW within 15 working days.

15 working daysuntil the RDW's letter, usually

+5 working daysbefore you can collect your Dutch licence

16countries and regions outside the EU/EFTA on the RDW list

185 daysyou must have lived in the issuing country in the year you got your licence

Who can exchange a foreign licence?

Your licence	Can you exchange it?
From an EU or EFTA country	Yes, as long as it is valid.
From a country on the RDW list	Yes, if you lived in that country for at least 185 days in the year you got the licence.
From any other country, with the 30% ruling	Yes, with a valid decision from the Dutch Tax Administration.
From any other country, for example the United States	No. You need to pass the CBR exams.

The RDW list covers Andorra, the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Québec, Gibraltar, Great Britain, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Israel, Japan, Jersey, Monaco, Northern Ireland, Singapore, Taiwan, the former Netherlands Antilles and South Korea. Check the current list on the RDW website before you apply.

In every case you must be registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of your municipality, and you need one of these: EU or EFTA nationality, a valid residence permit, residence rights under the EEC-Turkey Association Agreement, or temporary protection as someone who fled Ukraine.

What does the 30% ruling change?

If you came to the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant and the 30% ruling applies to you, you can exchange a licence from any country, including the United States. When you apply, bring the valid decision from the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) that grants you the ruling. The RDW calls it the decision on the evidence rule.

What to bring to your municipality

A colour passport photo that meets the Dutch photo requirements.
Your foreign driving licence. If it is not in the Latin alphabet, bring a translation by a sworn translator or by the embassy.
Any old Dutch driving licence you have.
With the 30% ruling: the valid decision from the Tax Administration.
A health declaration, if required. For a licence from outside the EU/EFTA it always is; for an EU/EFTA licence it sometimes is. You fill it in on Mijn CBR, and only the CBR can assess it.

How the exchange works, step by step

If you need a health declaration, fill it in on Mijn CBR well before your appointment. It costs €46,90.
Make an appointment at your municipality and bring the documents above.
Fill in the application form and pay the fee. Your municipality sets the amount.
The municipality sends your application to the RDW.
You usually receive a letter within 15 working days. Wait 5 more working days, then collect your Dutch licence at the municipality.

Points to watch

Start before your licence expires. An expired licence from outside the EU/EFTA cannot be exchanged.
You hand in your foreign licence and do not get it back.
Driving while the exchange is in progress: the RDW warns that the police can fine you if you cannot show a licence. Your insurance stays valid as long as you had a valid licence.

The 185 days count from the day you move. With a licence from outside the EU/EFTA, apply well before they run out, because the exchange takes at least 15 working days.

If you cannot exchange

Then you take the CBR theory and practical exams. The theory exam is available in English; the practical exam is in Dutch, and you may bring an interpreter. The full route, with costs: Dutch driving licence for expats. Booking the theory exam: How to book the CBR theory exam in English.

Frequently asked questions

Can I exchange a US driving license in the Netherlands?

Only if the 30% ruling applies to you. The United States is not on the RDW list, so without the ruling you need to pass the CBR theory and practical exams.

Can I exchange a Canadian driving licence?

Only a licence from Alberta or Québec, and only if you lived there for at least 185 days in the year you got it. Licences from other provinces cannot be exchanged, unless the 30% ruling applies to you.

How long does the exchange take?

You usually receive a letter from the RDW within 15 working days, and you can collect your Dutch licence 5 working days after that.

What does it cost to exchange a driving licence?

Your municipality sets the fee. If you need a health declaration, that costs €46,90 on top.

Do I get my foreign licence back?

No. You hand it in when you apply, and it is not returned.

Sources, checked on 6 October 2026:

Written by Nawfal Serraji, traffic law specialist and founder of HaalTheorie.