Apply for or renew a driver's license

You can only renew a driver's license or add a category via the RDW website.

• The application process begins with having your photo taken by an RDW-approved photographer or photo booth. An overview of approved photographers and photo booths can be found at www.rdw.nl.
• The photographer or photo booth will send the photo digitally to the RDW. You will then receive an email or text message from the RDW within five minutes. This will contain a request code. You will need this code after logging in with DigiD. The code will only be sent once. If you lose the code, you will need to make an appointment at the town hall.
• You can then use the DigiD app with ID check to quickly and easily submit your application via www.rdw.nl/rijbewijsverlengen.
• After two working days, you can collect your driver's license at the town hall. You do not need to make an appointment for this.

Are you applying for a driver's license for the first time? If so, you will first need to visit the town hall. 

Start your application online at and pay immediately via iDEAL. This also applies if you have lost your driver's license or if it has been stolen. You will need a DigiD login code for this.

When you apply online, you make an appointment to come in. You then submit your passport photo in person, sign your application, and show your old driver's license. You can pick up your driver's license a week later.

You cannot submit an urgent request online. 

Make an appointment online to apply for a driver's license. Or call 14 0511. 

• Driver's license:€52.10
• Urgent application: the amount of the requested driver's license plus an additional€39.65.
• Health declaration:€45.25

• Valid identification
  Bring a valid passport or valid identity card.
• A passport photo that meets the passport photo requirements
  If you do not yet have passport photos that meet the passport photo requirements, have a passport photo taken by a professional photographer. An online passport photo service does not meet the requirements.
• A driver's license
  When renewing or adding a category, bring your current driver's license with you, even if it has expired.
• Debit card or cash
  Haven't paid online yet? Then bring your debit card or cash with you. You pay directly at your first appointment.

You can collect your driver's license from the town hall after 5 working days.

Are you submitting an urgent application before 2 p.m.? Then you can usually pick up your driver's license the next working day.

You do not need to make an appointment to collect your driver's license.

Do you need your driver's license quickly? Then submit an urgent application. To do so, make an appointment by calling 14 0511.

If you apply for a driver's license before 2 p.m., you can usually pick it up the next working day. You pay extra for an urgent application.

Have you obtained your driver's license and are you under 18 years of age? Then you may only drive when a coach is sitting next to you. A coach can be one of your parents or guardians, for example. You may have a maximum of 5 coaches. The rules are as follows:

• Coaches must register with the Department of Road Transport (RDW) .
• After coaches register, apply for a companion pass.
• After you receive the companion pass, you can apply for your driver's license at the municipality.

More information can be found at 2 to drive.

If you are 75 or older, have a disability or want to apply for a truck or bus driver's license, you must complete a health statement. This contains questions about your health. The fastest way to request a health declaration is digitally through the CBR website. 

Digital health certificate application through CBR

Can't apply digitally? 

Then request a paper health certificate through the CBR website . 

Are you 75 years old or older? 

Then there is also an option to pick up a paper health certificate at the town hall. 

What happens once you have sent in an application? 

CBR decides whether you are healthy enough to drive. You will receive automatic notification about this. 

Cost

The cost of a health certificate is €45.25.

Please report this as soon as possible, even if you are abroad.  

Reporting a missing vehicle online through the RDW 

Report the loss of your driving license via the RDW website (DigiD required). The loss is registered immediately. Then make an appointment at the municipality to apply for a new driving license. 

Reporting a missing person at the front desk 

If you want to apply for a new driver's license right away make an appointment. You will fill out the Declaration of Loss right away during the application. 

Report police missing/theft abroad 

If your driver's license is lost or stolen abroad, report it to the local police. With the foreign official report, you can fill out the Declaration of Loss at the municipality and apply for a new driver's license. 

Do you have a foreign driving license and live in the Netherlands? Then you may first temporarily drive in the Netherlands with the foreign driving license. Then you must exchange the driving license through your municipality, or if this is not possible, take a driving test at CBR. 

• You go to the municipality, make an appointment for this.
• You ask at City Hall for and complete an Application for Exchange for Dutch Driving License form. 
• If your request is approved, you will receive a letter from RDW within 10 working days telling you when you can pick up your Dutch driving license at the municipality.

The RDW website provides more information.