Foreign driving license exchange

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Make an appointment exchange driver's license

Driving license exchange 

Those coming to the Netherlands may continue to drive with their foreign driving license temporarily. After that, you can exchange it for a Dutch driving license if: 

• You are registered in the BRP (Basic Registration of Persons)
• Your driver's license is still valid (European driver's license may be expired) 
• you are in the Netherlands for work (highly skilled migrant)
• You have a valid identity/or residence document 
• your driver's license originates from the European Union or a country that complies with the European driver's license directive
• note: an expired driving license from Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland requires an additional certificate (check with the authority where you applied for your license)
   
• Countries outside the EU/EFTA: if you lived in the issuing country for at least 185 days (in the year the license was issued) 
   
• You already had a Dutch driving license, valid after June 30, 1985: exchange is possible, even if you do not qualify according to the above guidelines. 

Bring to your appointment

• Your foreign driver's license (a translation, if necessary)* 
• color passport photo: no older than six months + meets passport photo requirements
• valid identification 
• Cash/debit card: you pay when you submit your application
  
  If applicable: Proof of income (or: 30% ruling, if you are in the Netherlands for work)
• if applicable: Health declaration 
• If necessary: translation by a certified translator/embassy/consulate if your driver's license is written in a language other than Dutch (e.g., Chinese or Greek)*
  
  For completeness, check the RDW website to see which documents you need to bring with you.

Application process 

1. You submit the requested documents by appointment at the front desk of the Municipality of Son en Breugel.
2. We send your foreign driver's license to the Department of Road Transport (RDW). 
3. The RDW sends your driver's license to the authority that issued it. 
4. After approval, the RDW sends a Dutch driver's license to the municipality of Son en Breugel.
5. You will receive a letter from RDW that your driver's license is ready. 
6. Pick up your driver's license without an appointment (except special/holidays): 
   • Monday: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
   • Tuesday: 08.30-17.00 
   • Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 
   • Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
   • Friday: 8:30am-12:30pm 

Driving while awaiting your Dutch driver's license 

You are temporarily without a driver's license after you turn in your foreign license at the counter for exchange. In the meantime, you may continue to drive. Still, the police may fine you if they stop you and you cannot show a driver's license. For this, read carefully the information on the RDW website, and delve into the Requirements you must meet.

We advise you to contact your insurance company. Some insurers will not reimburse you for damage to your vehicle if the damage occurs while you are awaiting a Dutch driver's license.