Foreign driving licences in the Netherlands (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: A valid EU/EEA licence may be used by visitors and, after moving, for 15 years from issue (5 years for classes C and D). A licence from outside the EU/EEA may be used for 185 days after moving.

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceMay keep driving if the licence was issued before the holder moved to the Netherlands and is still valid. Categories AM, A1, A2, A, B and BE: 15 years after issue of the foreign licence. Categories C1, C, D1, D and their combinations (C1E, CE, D1E, DE): at most 5 years from the issue date. A licence issued more than 15 years ago: 2 years after moving to the Netherlands. A licence issued after registration in the Netherlands may not be used and must be exchanged. [2]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceTourists may drive with the foreign licence if the categories on it fall into A, B, C, D or E. Otherwise an international licence should be carried alongside the foreign licence. [2]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceMay be used for 185 days after the holder starts living in the Netherlands. After that only a Dutch licence is valid, even if an exchange application is pending. [2]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The Dutch pages read do not say whether an International Driving Permit is needed with an EU/EEA licence; they only state that the EU/EEA licence is valid for visitors.

Sources

  1. Rijksoverheid: Mag ik met mijn buitenlandse rijbewijs in Nederland aan het verkeer deelnemen? (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. RDW: Rijden met een buitenlands rijbewijs (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.