Can I take my car with me when I move abroad?
If you move abroad and want to take your Dutch-registered car with you, you first need to de-register your car in the Netherlands. Then, you can register your car in your new country of residence. The authorities of that country will issue your car with new registration plates. For students moving with the European Union, different rules apply.
Exporting a car from the Netherlands
If you want to take your car with you when you move abroad, you must de-register it from the Netherlands’ vehicle registration database. This is known as ‘exporting’ your car. After you export your car, you will no longer need to pay Dutch road tax. And you can cancel your Dutch vehicle insurance policy. Remember, however, that you must take out temporary insurance if you intend to drive your car to your new country of residence. You should arrange the export with the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) or a recognised exporter.
See the step-by-step plan for exporting a car
Exemption for students
If you're going to study in a European Union country, you can use your Dutch-registered car in that country for the duration of your course. You can also keep your car registered in the Netherlands. However, you must be enrolled on a recognised course. If you will be working during your studies, you must export your car.
Registering your car in your new country of residence
You must register your car in your new country of residence. How and when you must do this depends on the country. Ask the authorities in your new country of residence for more information. Be aware that you will also need to pay tax and insure your car.
Find out more about registering your car in an EU country (Europa.eu) (Europa.eu)
If you are moving to Germany and want to register your car there, see step 4 of the step-by-step plan for exporting a car to find out how to do this.
What you also need to arrange if you’re going to move abroad
Check what else you need to arrange if you are going to move abroad
Contact
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Also useful
How long can I drive a car with Dutch registration plates abroad?