Expat Exchange Facility

Exchange of Driving License


You can drive with an Indian Driving license for the first 6 months from the date of entry to the country, after which a Dutch License is required to drive the vehicle

Persons with an Indian driver’s license can exchange for a Dutch Driving license The details are below

  • If your driver’s license was issued in India, you can exchange it for a Dutch license within 6 months of registering in the Netherlands, but in some cases, you can exchange it before the 30% ruling ends.
  • If you are a highly skilled migrant benefiting from the 30% Tax Facility, you and your family can exchange your driver’s license(s) for a Dutch driver’s license.

How to exchange a driver’s license

Step-by-Step: Exchange Indian Driving License in NL (with 30% Ruling)

Step 1: 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 the country where your license was issued (India) for at least 185 days in the year you got the license.
Step 2: Get a CBR “Declaration of Fitness” (Gezondheidsverklaring)

You can get this online:

  • Go to mijn.cbr.nl

  • Log in with DigiD

  • Fill in the Gezondheidsverklaring (health declaration)

  • Pay €41,50 (as of 2025)

  • Wait for approval via email or post (can take 1–4 weeks, depending on medical info)

Step 3: Visit Your Municipality (Gemeente)

Once your health declaration is approved:

  • Make an appointment with your local gemeente (city hall).

  • Bring the following:

    • Your valid Indian driving license

    • Your Dutch residence permit or passport

    • BSN (social 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)

Step 4: Surrender Your Indian License

  • Your Indian license will be sent to the RDW.

  • It will not be forwarded to the Indian RTO or the Indian Embassy. You won’t get it back.

  • You’ll receive a receipt, and your Dutch license will be mailed within ~2–4 weeks.

Final Step: Receive Your Dutch License

Your Dutch license is valid across the entire EU and recognized in many other countries.

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, which includes:

    • Theory exam (in English possible)

    • Practical lessons

    • Practical driving test

      Here’s the deal if you get your Indian license back or apply for a duplicate saying it was “lost”:

      If You Get Your Indian License Back (or a Duplicate) After Exchanging:

      • Technically, you’re not supposed to hold two valid licenses at the same time if one of them was issued via an official exchange (like in the Netherlands).

      • The Dutch authorities assume your Indian license is no longer valid after the exchange, and they notify the Indian RTO accordingly when they send it back.

      What Happens If You “Recover” or Reapply for the Indian License?

      1. 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.

      2. Dutch / EU Side

        • Legally, in the Netherlands and EU, you must use your Dutch license only.

        • If you are caught driving with the Indian license in parallel (especially after exchange), it can be considered fraud or misuse. It’s unlikely to cause problems day-to-day, but:

          • ❌ It can lead to trouble if you’re involved in an accident.

          • ❌ Insurance companies may refuse coverage.

          • ❌ It could create legal issues if you’re found using both licenses for different jurisdictions.

      International Travel Implications

      If you’re traveling outside of NL:

      • Some expats carry both licenses — Indian (as a backup or for renting a car) and Dutch (as official).

      • Technically, using a “reissued” Indian license after surrendering the original to RDW can be a legal gray area, especially if your Indian RTO thinks it was lost and not surrendered abroad.

        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.