Do you need to register foreign drivers licence with the city hall in the Netherlands

Hi Selina

If you are from outside the EU, then the following applies according to the Dutch government: driving licenses issued outside of the EU may need to be presented together with an international driving permit "at certain checks". According to the government website, this is a translation of one's license available from recognised automobile associations. This, to me, may be intended to apply more to non-English/European language licenses. The best way to make sure of this, is to check with your local Dutch embassy (unless of course you're already in the Netherlands).

Your license will be valid for 185 days (about six months) after becoming a resident of the Netherlands (unless your license expires before then). In this time you'll have to apply for a Dutch driver's license and take a theory as well as a practical test. The official Amsterdam website says that the license is valid for six months after you register at your local municipality (in the Netherlands). This is probably the same thing, but to be safe I'd suggest getting the Dutch license as soon as possible.

The only possible exception is if you benefit from the 30% tax ruling, afforded to expats with skills that are deemed rare in the Netherlands. In this case, you would be able to exchange your home license for a Dutch one without taking a test (this has its own set of procedures).

For more, have a look at iamamsterdam.com as well as our Transport and Driving in the Netherlands page.

Hope this helps,

Xavier