Exchange a driving licence from Netherlands Antilles or Aruba

Do you have a driving licence that was issued in the Netherlands Antilles or Aruba? Then you may use this driving licence for up to 185 days after moving to the Netherlands.

What is it?

A driving licence that was issued in the Netherlands Antilles or Aruba has limited validity in the Netherlands. When you take up residence in the Netherlands, you may use this driving licence for the first 185 days only. After that, you will need to obtain a Dutch driving licence. You may exchange your Antillean or Aruban driving licence at the municipality for a Dutch one.

What will I need?

• passport photo
  Strict rules apply to passport photos. For example, the photo needs to be in colour and has to be taken straight from the front. A list of all the requirements can be found in Passport photo requirements (pdf).
• proof of identity
• the driving licence you want to exchange.
  Please note: You will be asked to hand in your old licence.
• a medical declaration
  
• Has your foreign driving licence been lost or stolen? Then bring along the Dutch police report as well as a statement from the authority that issued the driving licence.

The municipality will verify the authenticity of your identity documents.

How much will it cost?

€ 45.25.

Please note: These fees must be paid upfront when you submit your application.

How long will it take?

The Dutch Road Transport Directorate (RDW) will contact you when you can collect your driving licence from the municipality.

How do I apply/What do I need to do?

• Visit the Department of Public Service desk in person to exchange your driving licence. You may make an appointment beforehand if you like, by phone or online using DigiD.
• You must hand in your foreign driving licence to the counter clerk, who will then issue you with a certified copy and a receipt.
• The counter clerk will forward your application and foreign driving licence to the RDW.
• The RDW will review your application and send you a notification when the licence is ready for collection.
• You will need to collect your driving licence in person from the sub-municipal office where you submitted your application. This has to be done within 3 months of submitting your application.

Please note: You will not receive your old driving licence back after the exchange. Instead, the RDW will return your driving licence to the issuing authority in your country of origin.

Make an appointment

See also

• Driving licence, general information
• Driving licence, Medical Report Form
  
• Rijbewijs.nl