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 can apply for a driving license at the town hall or online. Within a few working days after your application, you can collect your driving license by appointment at the town hall. You can only apply for or renew your driving license yourself. Have you lost your driver's license? Report this (online) to the RDW.
Renew driving license online
You can renew your driving license digitally on the RDW website. After two working days you can collect your driving license at the town hall by appointment. It costs just as much as an application through the municipality.
You need a DigiD and a smartphone with an NFC chip to renew your driving license online. You first have a passport photo taken by an affiliated photographer. The photographer sends your photo digitally to the RDW. You can then complete your application on the RDW website.
Bring to City Hall
Make an appointment to apply for a driving license at the town hall and to collect your driving licence. Then take the following things with you:
- Your old driver's license, if you renew your driver's license. You also take this with you when you collect your driver's license;
- A valid passport, identity card or driver's license;
- A passport photo not older than 6 months. This only applies if you apply for or renew your driving license at the town hall;
- Cash or debit card. This only applies if you apply for or renew your driving license at the town hall. When renewing your driving license online, you pay directly to the RDW.
Driving licence: € 41.60
Spoedaanvraag (urgent request): € 75.70
‘Eigen Verklaring’ (self-declaration) for the medical examination: €42.30
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 Smallingerland
Visiting address
Gauke Boelensstraat 2
9203RM Drachten
| Monday | 8:30 - 16:30 |
| Tuesday | 8:30 - 16:30 |
| Wednesday | 8:30 - 16:30 |
| Thursday | 8:30 - 16:30 |
| Friday | 8:30 - 16:30 |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |