Netherlands Driving License Exchange
Complete Guide for Indian Expats
Important Timeline
You can drive with an Indian Driving license for the first 6 months from the date of entry to the Netherlands. After this period, a Dutch License is required to drive legally.
With 30% Ruling
Direct exchange possible for highly skilled migrants and family members with valid 30% tax ruling.
Without 30% Ruling
Full Dutch driving test required including theory exam, practical lessons, and driving test.
Step-by-Step Exchange Process
Make Sure You're Eligible
Before starting, check that all of these apply:
- You live in the Netherlands and are registered with your gemeente (municipality)
- You have a valid 30% ruling decision from the Dutch tax authority
- You have a valid Indian driving license
- You passed a health check (Declaration of Fitness) from the CBR
- You've lived in India for at least 185 days in the year you got the license
Get a CBR "Declaration of Fitness" (Gezondheidsverklaring)
You can get this online:
- 1 Go to mijn.cbr.nl
- 2 Log in with DigiD
- 3 Fill in the Gezondheidsverklaring (health declaration)
- 4 Pay €41,50 (as of 2025)
- 5 Wait for approval via email or post (1–4 weeks)
Visit Your Municipality (Gemeente)
Once your health declaration is approved:
Make an appointment with your local gemeente (city hall)
Bring the following documents:
- Your valid Indian driving license
- Your Dutch residence permit or passport
- BSN (social security number)
- A printed copy of your 30% ruling decision
- Health declaration approval from CBR
- A passport photo that meets Dutch requirements
- Payment for the exchange (€40–€45 depending on gemeente)
Surrender Your Indian License
Important: Your Indian license will be sent to the RDW and you won't get it back.
It will not be forwarded to the Indian RTO or the Indian Embassy. You'll receive a receipt, and your Dutch license will be mailed within 2–4 weeks.
Receive Your Dutch License
Your Dutch license is valid across the entire EU and recognized in many other countries worldwide.
What If You're NOT Under the 30% Ruling?
Unfortunately, the Netherlands does not allow license exchange from India unless you're under the 30% ruling.
If you're not eligible, you'll need to take the full Dutch driving test:
- Theory exam (in English possible)
- Practical lessons
- Practical driving test
If You Get Your Indian License Back or Apply for a Duplicate
Legal Considerations
Technically, you're not supposed to hold two valid licenses at the same time if one was issued via an official exchange. The Dutch authorities assume your Indian license is no longer valid after the exchange.
Indian Side
If you report your license as lost in India and get a duplicate, you'll likely get one because Indian RTOs don't always check with foreign licensing authorities.
Dutch / EU Side
Legally, in the Netherlands and EU, you must use your Dutch license only.
Can lead to trouble if involved in an accident
Insurance companies may refuse coverage
Could create legal issues if using both licenses
International Travel Implications
For international travel:
- Some expats carry both licenses for different purposes
- Using a "reissued" Indian license after surrendering the original can be a legal gray area
Cost Summary
CBR Health Check
€41.50
Municipality Fee
€40-45
Total Cost
€81.50-86.50
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page regarding the exchange of Indian driving licenses in the Netherlands is intended for general guidance only and is based on publicly available sources and current procedures as of 2025. Regulations, eligibility criteria, and fees may change over time or vary by municipality. We recommend verifying the most up-to-date information with the Dutch Road Transport Authority (RDW), the Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing (CBR), or your local gemeente. This content does not constitute legal or immigration advice, and we are not responsible for any decisions made based on this information.
🔎 Important Points to Know After Exchanging Your Indian License
The expiry date on your Dutch license can be different from your Indian license. This is because the Dutch license is issued as a new document, and its validity depends on your age and the date of issue under Dutch rules — not the expiry of your Indian license.
📄 How to Get an IDP in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club) is the only official organization authorized to issue an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- 📍 Apply in person at any ANWB store
- 🪪 Bring your valid Dutch driving license and a passport-size photo
- 💳 Cost: approx. €18.95 (payment by card accepted)
- ⏱️ Usually issued on the spot, valid for 1 year
- ⚠️ Always carry your IDP along with your Dutch license while driving in India