NetherlandsWorldwide

How can I renew my Dutch driving license outside the Netherlands?

Has your Dutch driving licence (almost) expired and do you live outside of the Netherlands? Find out how to renew your Dutch driving licence and whether it is necessary.

Attention: Do you have a valid foreign driving licence, in addition to your Dutch driving licence? Then it is not necessary to renew your Dutch driving licence. You are allowed to drive with your foreign driving licence, also in the Netherlands. You can renew your expired Dutch driving licence once you live in the the Netherlands. You are not required to take a driving test again.

Step 1: Check whether you meet the conditions

You can renew your Dutch driving licence from abroad via the RDW in the Netherlands. This is only possible if you:

  • are a Dutch national or a national of another EU/EFTA country
  • live outside the EU or the EFTA. Or you live in Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius or Saba
  • are not a registered resident in the Netherlands

Do you not meet the conditions? Than you cannot renew your Dutch driving licence abroad. Instead you must exchange your Dutch driving licence for a local driving licence. Read how to exchange your Dutch driving licence.

Step 2: Request an application form

You need an application form to renew your Dutch driving licence. Request the application form via the RDW in the Netherlands. The RDW will send the application form to a correspondence address in the Netherlands of your choice.

Step 3: Collect the right documents

You will need the following original documents:

  • your Dutch driving licence
  • a photocopy of your valid travel document, e.g. a passport or identity card 
  • a completed and signed application form
  • 1 colour passport photo that meets Dutch passport photo requirements and is less than 6 months old. 

In the following situations you will need to supply additional documents. Click on the situation(s) that applies (apply) to you for more information.

Step 4: Submit your documents

Send all the documents needed for your application to the RDW: 

RDW, Unit Rijbewijzen
Postbus 9000
9640 HA Veendam
Nederland

Step 5: Pay the fee

Pay the fee for your application for a new driving licence. Scroll to ‘Kosten’ on the RDW's website to find out what the fee is and how to pay it. 

After your payment has been assessed, the RDW will process your application within 10 working days.

Does RDW approve your application? Then it will take 5 working days before you receive your new driving licence at your correspondence address in the Netherlands.

If your application is rejected you will receive a letter explaining why.