Applying to collect a driving licence in the Netherlands
Have you passed your practical driving test? You can then collect your driving licence at your municipality. You are not allowed to drive a vehicle until you have collected your driving licence.
You must collect your driving licence in person at your municipality. Take along a colour passport photograph and a valid form of identification. The passport photograph in your driving licence must meet a number of requirements, for example, size and lighting.
If you want more information on how to collect your first driving licence, contact your municipality.
Applying for a driving licence as a 17-year old
In the Netherlands the minimum age to sit a practical driving exam for a car is 17 years. Those who pass are only allowed to drive with a coach (supervisor), until they are 18. If you want to apply for a driving licence as a 17-year old, you must first apply for a begeleiderspas (accompanied driving permit) (in Dutch). You can then select up to 5 supervisors who can register to accompany you while driving. The names of the supervisors you have chosen will be on the accompanied driving permit. These supervisors accompany you while you are driving until your 18th birthday.
This is how it works for you
Here is some information from your municipality.
Applying for a driving licence
Is your driving licence about to expire or have you passed your theory and practical exams? Then you can apply for a (new) driving licence at the municipality where you are registered.
You can only apply for your driving licence if:
- you are registered in Apeldoorn.
- You have not been disqualified from driving.
- your driving licence has not been declared invalid
- your driving licence has not been confiscated.
Extra conditions online application
You can renew or extend your driving licence online with a category if:
- you already have a valid Dutch driving licence.
- you have a mobile phone with NFC chip, with Android, version 4.4 or higher or iPhone 7 or higher with iOS13.
- you have the DigiD app.
Do you need to get a medical examination first? If so, you first need approval from CBR. See Medical examination and health declaration for this.
First driving licence
Make an appointment online if you are applying for your first driving licence.
Bring with you to the appointment:
A valid proof of identity
A passport photograph (the requirements for this can be found on this website of the Central Government)
2todrive
If you are 17 years old and will be driving under the supervision of a coach, you do not need to bring your supervisor pass with you when you apply. However, the companion pass must have been applied for and approved.
Extending a driving licence
Extending your driving licence or having a category added can be done in two ways:
Online
When you apply for your driving licence online, you can collect it faster. Extending your driving licence online goes like this:
Take your current driving licence to an RDW-approved passport photographers (RDW website).
There, you have a (digital) passport photo taken and put the signature that will later go on your driving licence.
The photographer sends your passport photo and signature securely and digitally to the RDW.
The RDW compares your new passport photo with the one on your current driving licence and informs you within a few minutes via e-mail whether you can extend your driving licence online.
That e-mail contains a link to the site where you can apply for your driving licence.
You pay with iDEAL.
When your driving licence is ready, you will receive an e-mail from RDW.
You collect your driving licence from the municipality. This can be done without an appointment.
More information on renewing your driving licence online can be found on the RDW website.
You will also find an instruction video on renewing your licence online.
Counter
Make an appointment online to apply for a new driving licence.
Bring with you to the appointment:
Your current driving licence (even if it has expired)
A passport photo (you can find the requirements for this on this website of the Central Government)
A means of payment (preferably debit card rather than cash)
A valid proof of identity if you have lost your current driving licence.
| Kind of application | Costs |
|---|---|
| Apply for, renew/extend, replace or exchange foreign driving licence | € 44,65 |
| Urgent application surcharge (not possible when exchanging a foreign driving licence) | € 34,10 |
After six working days, you can collect your driving licence from the municipality in person.
Do you need it sooner than that?
If you need your driving licence urgently, you can make an urgent request. If you apply for the driving licence before 14:00, you will be able to collect it the next working day. You have to pay an extra fee for an urgent request.
How long are driving licences valid?
- Under 65 years of age: valid for 10 years.
- Between 65 and 70 years of age: valid until your 75th birthday.
- Between 70 and 75 years of age: valid for 5 years.
- Over 75 years of age: valid for a maximum of 5 years.
Questions about this topic?
Contact the Municipality of Apeldoorn
Visiting address
Marktplein 1
7311LG Apeldoorn
| Monday | 08:30 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:30 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:30 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:30 - 19:30 |
| Friday | 08:30 - 12:30 |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |