Netherlands Driving Licence Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driving Licence in Netherlands
The Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer (RDW) handles licence renewals in Netherlands. Your licence lasts 10 years (5 years for drivers aged 75+). Follow these steps to renew.
You should start early. Do not wait until the last week. Plan ahead so you have time to get your photo and forms. Most people finish in one visit. The process is simple if you have the right papers.
Available Renewal Methods
- In person — visit your local government office with the required documents.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- Get a passport photo — Have a recent passport-style photo taken that meets Dutch ID requirements. You can use any photo shop near your city hall.
- Visit your gemeente — Go to your local municipality (gemeente) office. Some municipalities allow you to book an appointment online. You save time if you book ahead.
- Bring your documents — Bring your current licence, valid ID document, and passport photo. You must show the originals, not copies.
- Pay the fee — Pay €41.50 at the municipality desk. Most city halls accept both card and cash payments.
- Collect your new licence — Pick up your new licence from the gemeente within 5 work days. You will receive a text or email when it is ready. You must bring your ID when you collect it.
Netherlands Driving Licence Renewal Fees.
| Standard renewal fee. | €41.50. |
| Currency. | EUR. |
| Validity period. | 10 years (5 years for drivers aged 75+). |
Required Documents
Bring these documents to renew your licence in Netherlands.
- Valid identity document (ID card or passport).
- Current driving licence.
- Passport-style photo (less than 6 months old).
- Health declaration (gezondheidsverklaring) for drivers aged 75+.
Make copies of all your papers. Bring both the copies and the originals. Check that none of your ID cards have expired. If any are out of date, renew them first.
Photo Rules
Recent passport-style photo meeting Dutch ID photo requirements: 35×45mm, white background, neutral expression, face fully visible. You can get your photo taken at most photo shops near city hall. You must keep both ears visible and remove glasses if they have tinted lenses.
Medical Rules
Not required for standard renewal under age 75. Drivers aged 75+ need a medical declaration (gezondheidsverklaring) from the CBR. You fill out the health form yourself and send it to the CBR for review. Professional drivers (C/D categories) need a medical certificate every 5 years. You must visit a doctor who is approved by the CBR for this check.
If Your Netherlands Licence Expires
Driving with an expired licence is not permitted. The fine is €100. In severe cases, your vehicle can be impounded. You may also lose your insurance cover if you drive with an expired licence. You will not need to retake your driving test to renew after expiry.
You can renew starting 6 months before expiry. There is no grace period after expiry. You should plan your visit to city hall before your licence runs out. You can still renew after expiry, but you must not drive until you have a valid licence.
Important: Do not drive with an expired licence in Netherlands. Renew before your expiry date. This avoids fines and keeps your insurance valid.
Swapping a Foreign Licence in Netherlands
EU/EEA licences are recognised and can be exchanged when they expire. Non-EU licences can be used for 185 days. After that, you need a Dutch licence. Some countries have exchange agreements; otherwise you must take the Dutch exam. You must register with the RDW before you can start the exchange process. You also need proof that you live in the Netherlands.
To learn about swapping licences across the EU, see our EU driving licence exchange guide.
Common Netherlands Licence Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes.
Not bringing a passport photo
You must bring your own recent passport-style photo. The gemeente does not take photos on-site. You can find photo shops near most city halls.
Going to the wrong gemeente
You must renew at the gemeente where you are registered (ingeschreven). You cannot go to a different municipality. You can check your registration online at MijnOverheid.
Forgetting to collect the new licence
Unlike many countries, the Dutch licence is not posted. You must collect it in person within 3 months or it is destroyed. You will get a reminder by text or email before the deadline.
What Makes Netherlands Different
The Netherlands requires you to collect your new licence in person from the gemeente — it is not posted to you.
Dutch licences for drivers aged 75+ are valid for only 5 years and require a medical declaration from the CBR.
You cannot renew online. All renewals must be done in person at your local gemeente.
The Netherlands has one of the highest driving test pass rates in Europe, but the test itself is considered very thorough.
You must be registered at a Dutch address before you can apply for a licence or renewal.
Your old licence is kept by the city hall when you apply for a new one.
You can give someone else power of attorney to collect your new licence for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licence Guides for Nearby Countries
Driving licence renewal in Netherlands is simple. Start early. Get your photo and forms ready. Pay the fee. Then wait for your new card. Most people finish the whole process in less than a day. Do not let your licence expire. Set a reminder now so you renew on time.