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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 (knowledge migrant)
• You have a valid identity/or residence document 
• your driving license is from the European Union or country that complies with the European Driving 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: not older than six months + meets passport photo requirements
• valid identification 
• money/pin card: you pay when you apply
  
  possibly: Decision evidence rule (or: 30% rule, if you are in the Netherlands for work)
• possibly: health statement 
• possibly: translation by a sworn translator/embassy/consulate if your driver's license contains a different script than used in Dutch (e.g. Chinese or Greek)*
  
  For completeness, check the RDW website which documents you need to bring.

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 during designated times 
   (excluding 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 damage to your vehicle if the damage occurs while you are awaiting a Dutch driver's license.