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
You apply for a driving license in person from the municipality. This also applies to renewing your driving licence. After about a week you can pick up your driver's license. If you need your driver's license quickly, submit an urgent application. If you apply for the driving license before 2 p.m., you can pick it up the next working day. This does cost extra money.
You make an appointment to apply for a driving licence.
You do not need to make an appointment for collection.
NB. You can only apply for a driving license if you live in the Netherlands and are registered with a municipality.
- A passport photo in color that meets the requirements for passport photos.
- A debit card. You pay directly with the application.
- When applying for your first driving licence: a valid passport or identity card.
- When renewing your driving licence: the driving license you already have. If it is no longer valid, please also bring a valid passport or identity card.
You apply for your driving licence in person at the municipality where you live and are registered. You must make an appointment to do this.
- Online: https://www.culemborg.nl/afspraak-maken#select/
- E-mail: info@culemborg.nl
- Telephone: 0345 477 700
In some cases you can also apply for your driving licence online. You will then be able to collect the new driving licence from the service desk after just 2 working days. You submit the application via the RDW website. Visit the RDW website to find out how to apply for a driving licence online (in Dutch).
Driver's license: € 41.60
Urgent request: € 34.10
After around a week, 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 Culemborg