Frequently asked questions about longer processing times for Dutch passports and ID cards

It is very busy at the moment. There are many more applications for passports and ID cards than usual. During this period, a large number of Dutch passports are expiring. Every week, we handle thousands of applications from all over the world. Just like municipalities in the Netherlands, we are in a peak period.

At some locations, it may take longer before you can make an appointment. It also takes longer before your new passport or ID card is ready. Unfortunately, we cannot say exactly how long it will take. This differs per application and per country.

There are several reasons for this:

• The passport peak. A large number of passports and ID cards are expiring in the same period. This makes it busy everywhere: in the Netherlands, at municipalities, and at Dutch embassies, consulates-general and VFS Global application centres around the world.
• Every week, we handle thousands of applications from Dutch nationals all over the world. For every application, we need to check things such as your Dutch nationality. This takes time.
• The high season. Every year, many more people apply for a passport around the summer holidays. The high season is still ongoing. We expect the number of applications to go down from November.
• A new system. We recently started using a new system to handle applications. Introducing this system took extra time and capacity.
• Incomplete applications. Many applications are not complete. We then have to ask for extra documents. This takes time and slows down the process.

It may take longer before you can make an appointment at an application location abroad. After you apply, it may also take longer than usual before your new passport or ID card is ready. Unfortunately, we cannot say exactly how long it will take. This differs per application and per country. Keep this in mind when you plan a trip, and check the expiry date of your document in good time.

Is your passport expiring soon and have you not booked your trip yet? Then wait until you have your new passport before you make final travel plans.

Do you not need your new passport or ID card right away? Then wait until the busiest period is over. Between November and March, it is usually less busy and waiting times are shorter.

• We have temporarily added extra staff to handle applications.
• We handle the applications that have been waiting the longest first.
• We are working on better information about the status of your application.
• We inform applicants about which documents they need for their application. This way, they can submit a complete application in one go, and we can avoid delays as much as possible.

You cannot make the waiting time shorter. But you can prevent extra delays in your application.

Check your documents

Make sure your documents are complete before you make an appointment. If documents are missing, or if they have not been legalised or translated, your application will take longer. Make your personal checklist (choose the country first) to find out which documents you need. We also cannot process your application if any of the following documents are missing:

• The application form for a passport or ID card (filled in, printed and signed)
• All passports and ID cards (Dutch and foreign) in your name
• Permission from one or both parents, if the application is for a child under 18

Apply later if you can

Do you not need your new passport or ID card right away? Then wait until the busiest period is over.

Keep an eye on your email

You will get an email when your new passport or ID card is ready. Or when you need to provide extra documents or have documents legalised. Also check your spam folder. Emails sometimes end up there.

Because it is so busy, appointments fill up quickly. New appointments become available regularly. Sometimes someone cancels an appointment and a place becomes available. Are you unable to make an appointment right now? Then please try again later.

Appointment at another application location

You can also make an appointment at another location. You may be able to get an appointment sooner there. You can make an appointment at:

• a Dutch embassy or consulate-general in another country.
• a VFS Global application centre. This company has application centres in a number of countries and works for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• a border municipality in the Netherlands.

You do not have to apply for your passport or ID card in the country where you live. You can also apply in another country, for example a neighbouring country.

If you received a reference number during your appointment, you can track the status of your application online. See how to track your status.

We understand that it is frustrating to wait a long time. We are doing our best to process your application as quickly as possible. Have you been waiting for more than 8 weeks? And have you not received an email asking you to provide extra documents? Then please contact NetherlandsWorldwide. We cannot give you any information before that time. We also cannot speed up your application if you contact us. We ask for your understanding in this matter.