Burgerservicenummer (BSN)- citizen service number
The Burgerservicenummer (BSN) is a unique personal number for everyone who is registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP). Your BSN appears on your Dutch passport, driving licence and identity card. The BSN replaces the social security and tax number (SoFi number) and consists of the same series of digits.
Government authorities use the BSN to communicate with citizens and improve (electronic) services. They also use the number to exchange personal data quickly and easily with other (government) authorities. For example, between the municipality and the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst). But this happens only if it is permitted by law. The BSN also helps to protect against identity theft.
The BSN is required for starting a job in the Netherlands, opening a bank account, using the health care system, applying for benefits, buying a car and announcing a change of address, to name a few examples.
Where do I find my BSN?
- The BSN appears on the back of your Dutch driving licence, at the top left. For older, paper driving licences, it appears on the front.
- For Dutch passports issued as of 2014 the BSN is on the back of the hard page (the holder page). On older passports it appears on the front of this page.
- For Dutch identity cards issued as of 2014 the BSN appears on the back, at the top right (‘persoonsnummer’). On older identity cards it appears on the front, next to the photo.
The BSN will not appear in your travel documents if you are not registered in the BRP at the time you apply for these documents.
How do I get a BSN?
A newborn child receives a BSN from the municipality in which the family lives when the birth is registered. Are you moving from abroad and will you be staying in the Netherlands for more than 4 months? Then you need to register with the municipality (BRP) at Begin link: City Hall Spui, end link. .
Questions?
You can direct any questions you may have about the BSN to the national BSN centre at tel. 1400 or through the Begin external link: website of the Dutch government(External link), end external link..