Foreign-licence exchange is handled through your municipality, which forwards the application to RDW. EU/EFTA licences are broadly exchangeable; licences from other countries are exchangeable only in specific cases.

Who can exchange?

  • EU/EFTA: RDW says a valid EU/EFTA licence can always be exchanged. An expired EU/EFTA licence can also be exchangeable, although extra evidence can be required for some countries.
  • Selected non-EU/EFTA countries: only licences/certain categories on RDW’s current exchange list qualify under the country-agreement route.
  • Dutch expat scheme: if the relevant Dutch tax-authority expat/evidence-rule decision applies to you, RDW says a licence from any country can be exchangeable. Bring the valid tax decision specified by RDW.
  • Previous Dutch licence: RDW has a route for some people who previously held a Dutch licence valid after 30 June 1985.

Non-EU licence: the 185-day-in-issuing-country test

For an exchangeable licence from outside the EU/EFTA, RDW also requires that you lived in the issuing country for at least 185 days in the year in which you obtained the licence. This is separate from the 185-day period for using a non-EU licence after relocating to the Netherlands.

Two different 185-day rules: one concerns how long a non-EU/EFTA licence can normally be used after moving to the Netherlands; the other can be an exchange condition about where you lived when the licence was obtained.

Countries currently on RDW’s ordinary exchange list

As verified on 30 September 2026, RDW lists Andorra, Alberta and Québec (Canada), Gibraltar, Great Britain, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Israel, Japan, Jersey, Monaco, Northern Ireland, Singapore, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), the former Netherlands Antilles/Caribbean parts listed by RDW, and South Korea. Not every category is exchangeable from every country. Always use RDW’s live list before applying.

Step-by-step exchange

  1. Check the live RDW eligibility rules before surrendering anything.
  2. Make sure you are registered in the Dutch BRP and meet the nationality/residence-permit conditions.
  3. Arrange the required passport photo and, where needed, certified translation.
  4. Complete a CBR Health Declaration when RDW/CBR requires one. For non-EU/EFTA exchange this is commonly part of the process.
  5. If relying on the expat scheme, bring the valid Dutch tax-authority decision RDW asks for.
  6. Apply in person through the municipality where you are registered and pay the municipal fee.
  7. The municipality sends the file to RDW. RDW currently states that, if complete, it writes within about 15 working days; collection follows through the municipality.

Your original licence is surrendered

RDW says you do not get the exchanged foreign licence back. During the exchange you may also be unable to show the original licence at a roadside check because it has been handed in. RDW warns that this creates a small but real risk of a fine, and specifically advises against driving in other countries during the exchange procedure.

Do not confuse processing time with permission to drive

If your permitted foreign-licence period has already ended, a pending exchange application does not extend it. Apply well before the deadline, especially if you rely on a car for work.

If exchange is impossible

You normally have to obtain the Dutch licence by passing the CBR theory and practical tests. The fact that you have driven for years abroad does not create a general exemption from the Dutch tests.