Where to exchange a foreign driving licence in the Netherlands

Bring the foreign licence, valid passport or ID, and a compliant photograph no older than six months. Include applicable expat tax-ruling evidence and CBR (Dutch driving test and medical fitness assessor) health documents. A licence in unfamiliar characters needs translation by a sworn translator, embassy or consulate. The municipality advises against driving while the licence is held. RDW (Dutch vehicle and driving licence authority) distinguishes valid driving entitlement from the duty to show the physical licence: inability to show it can lead to a fine. Check RDW’s current guidance before driving; applying does not extend your permitted driving period. If your licence was issued outside the EU/EFTA and is nearing expiry, start the exchange process with the municipality before it expires. RDW says supplementary documents such as CBR health clearance can follow later; confirm submission arrangements with the municipality. If relying on the Ukrainian temporary-protection driving exception, check your status and RDW’s current guidance before applying ordinary driving deadlines. For an exchange, check the tax ruling and document-validity requirements separately: permission to drive with an expired Ukrainian licence does not guarantee that it can be exchanged.