NetherlandsWorldwide

Having a copy of your Dutch driving licence legalised

Language selection:English

Are you abroad and do you have Dutch nationality? If so, a Dutch embassy or consulate-general can legalize a copy of your Dutch driving licence. You will then receive a “certified copy" (gewaarmerkte kopie). You can also apply for a certificate of authenticity (echtheidsverklaring) from the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW). This is also possible if you do not have Dutch nationality.

Applying for a certificate of authenticity from the RDW

You can use a certificate of authenticity from the RDW to show you have a Dutch driving licence. The certificate of authenticity is an official, signed document in English. It shows whether you have a driving licence and how it is listed in the Central Driving Licences Register. You can also apply for a certificate of authenticity even if you are not a Dutch national. 

See how to apply for a certificate of authenticity (in Dutch) (RDW)

Applying for a certified true copy at a Dutch embassy or consulate-general

Select your country or region and find out how to make an appointment at an embassy or consulate-general in your country or in a nearby country. Take along the Dutch driving licence that you need a certified true copy of. You can only apply for a certified copy if you are a Dutch national. 

To see what a certified true copy of a driving licence costs, see the overview of consular fees. You can find the price next to ‘Statement true copy of original or a true duplicate’. 

A certified true copy of a driving licence is a copy of the licence. A certificate of authenticity shows that your driving licence is valid. You can also apply for a certificate of authenticity if you are not a Dutch national.