Issue: Driving licence

This issue contains 3 sections.

Lost or stolen Dutch or foreign driving licence

Depending on where you live and where you lost your driving licence, there are rules for obtaining a new driving licence.

Dutch driving licence

If you have lost your Dutch driving licence or it has been stolen, you can apply for a new one from the municipality in which you are registered. If the licence has been stolen, you must report the theft to the police before you can apply for a new licence. The police will draw up an official report. You will be able to apply to your municipality for a new licence by presenting this official report and a signed statement describing what happened. Some municipalities also require an official police report if you lose your licence. When applying, you will also need to present a passport photo and a valid passport or identity card. The municipality will take your application into consideration and, if everything is in order, you will receive a new driving licence. Until then, you will not be allowed to drive because you are not in possession of a valid licence. The new licence will have the same period of validity as the missing/stolen licence.

If you live in a country that is a member of the EU or the EFTA and your Dutch driving licence is lost or stolen, then you will have to apply for a (national) driving licence in your country of residence.

If you are not registered in the Netherlands and you do not live within the EU or in an EFTA country,  you can contact the RDW for a new Dutch driving licence. You will have to enclose a lost driving licence declaration (verklaring vermissing rijbewijs) with your application form. The externe link: declaration and the application form can be obtained from the website of the Dutch Vehicle Licensing Authority (RDW).

Foreign driving licence

If you have lost your driving licence from an EU or the EFTA member state, Aruba or the former Netherlands Antilles, you need to supply an official police report and an official statement from the issuing authority.

You must also take with you a colour passport photo and a valid passport or other valid ID. The municipality will then process your application. If the application is approved, you will receive a new driving licence for the normal period of validity.

If you have lost a foreign driving licence from a country other than an EU or EFTA member state, Aruba or the former Netherlands Antilles, you cannot apply for a Dutch driving licence. You will have to apply for a new licence in the issuing country.