Valid form of identification

What is considered a valid form of identity depends on the situation.

You can use a valid Dutch passport, valid Dutch identity card and valid residence permit as a proof of identity (identiteitsbewijs) when arranging your affairs at the municipality.

  • Are you a citizen of a European Union (EU) country, Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland and are you a permanent resident of the Netherlands? Then you can identify yourself using your valid foreign passport or another valid foreign travel document.
  • Are you a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU) or Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland and are you a permanent resident of the Netherlands? Then you can identify yourself using your valid foreign passport, another valid foreign travel document or a valid Dutch immigration document (residence permit).
  • Are you not a permanent resident of the Netherlands? Then you can identify yourself using your valid foreign passport or another valid foreign travel document.
Belangrijke informatie:

You cannot always use your driving licence to identify yourself at the municipality, because it does not contain information about your citizenship (nationality) and your residency status. The website of the Dutch government provides information on the situations when it is not possible to use your driving licence as official identification.

ID requirement for medical care

In order to get medical treatment, you must show a valid form of identification to the health care provider. For example, in the hospital or at the dentist. The identification requirement for medical care applies to everybody, including children under the age of 14 years.

More information

More information about which form of identification you can use in specific situations can be found on the website of the Dutch government.

Published: 3 February 2017Modified: 10 February 2023