How to Buy Exchange Dutch Driving Licence

( 19/01/2013 ➔ )

Driving licence exchange in the Netherlands

If you are planning on obtaining a Dutch driving licence we would be glad to help! However, doing it yourself may also be an option if you are already in the Netherlands. Here is some information to get you started.

Driving licences are valid for 10 years.

Driving licences for elderly drivers over 75 years old are valid for 5 years and may be limited to a shorter period if a medical check is required.

If you hold a driving licence for life (i.e. one that remains administratively valid for an unlimited period) that was issued by another EU country, you will have to renew the licence 10 years after date of issue.

Non-EU driving licences - exchange & recognition

If your non-EU licence is eligible for exchange you must exchange your non-EU driving licence within 185 days (6 months) of moving (this is not required if you are eligible for the 30% tax facility regime).

To exchange your non-EU driving licence:

1. go to your local municipality (contact details differ per municipality),
2. hand in the following documents:

• completed form 3 E 0397,
• ID photo,
• your foreign driving licence,
• your previous Dutch driving licence (if you had one before),
• a declaration of competence,
• a copy of the approval of the tax authorities if you are eligible for the 30% tax facility regime "beschikking bewijsregel" by the Belastingdienst in Heerlen.

If you have previously exchanged a non-EU driving licence for an EU licence in another EU country, you can use it in the Netherlands, but only if you would have been able to exchange your it in the Netherlands for a Dutch licence.