Extra busy period expected for passport or ID card applications

This year, more residents than usual need a new passport or identity card. This is causing extra congestion at the town hall. It is therefore important to make an appointment well in advance.  

Reason for extra crowds

Ten years ago, the validity period of passports and identity cards for adults was changed from five to ten years. Now, this ten-year validity has expired, and many passports and identity cards are expiring simultaneously. We expect extra pressure in the coming period as a result. We call this the travel document peak.

Waiting time for making appointments

Due to the extra volume, residents should expect longer waiting times when scheduling an appointment at the town hall. We advise residents to apply for a new travel document well in advance, at least one month before traveling. The period between the appointment and delivery of the passport or ID card will remain the same for the time being.

Want to make an appointment?

Residents can easily schedule an appointment digitally or start the application for a travel document digitally via Travel document application.

FAQ

•    What does 'travel document peak' mean?  
Almost 10 years ago, the validity period of passports and identity cards was changed from 5 to 10 years. As a result, many travel documents are now expiring at the same time. We, therefore, expect a large number of applications for passports and identity cards in the coming period.  

•    How long will the travel document peak last? 
The peak is expected to start in the spring of 2024 and last for approximately 5 years.  

•    When will it be busy?  
That varies per municipality. Apart from the peak, it is always busy before the summer holidays with applications from residents who want to travel. We also expect this extra pressure during the travel document peak.

•    What will I notice from this?  
You may experience longer waiting times when applying for a new travel document.    

•    If there are long waiting times, can I apply outside of my own municipality?  
No. Residents of the Netherlands can only apply for a passport or identity card in their own municipality. Different rules apply to Dutch citizens living abroad, which can be found here: Where can I apply for a passport or ID card if I live abroad? | Rijksoverheid.nl

•    Can I apply for a document urgently?  
If you need your passport quickly, you can submit an urgent application. Please call 14 0511 to make an appointment. If you apply for the passport before 2:00 PM, you can pick it up the next working day from 9:30 AM. You will have to pay extra for an urgent application.

•    Can I apply for an emergency passport due to the travel document peak?  
Long waiting times for applications are not a reason to apply for an emergency passport. The regular conditions for applying for an emergency passport apply, as stated on the website.  

•    Can the validity of my document be extended?  
No, it is not possible to extend the validity of a passport or identity card. You must apply for a new document, although this is often referred to as 'extending'.