Switching to Dutch number plates

If you stay in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, it is mandatory to drive on Dutch license plates and to have your car insured. Changing is very simple! Read which steps you should take right here.

Changing licence plates to Dutch plates

If you stay in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, it is compulsory to drive on Dutch license plates. If you do not do this and you have an accident, chances are that your car insurer from abroad will not pay the damages. Moreover, you risk fines from the Dutch police. Even if the police do not check your vehicle right away, this can still happen at any time. Changing a foreign license plate to a Dutch one is very easy! Below you can read which steps to take.

Step by step:

  1. Go to the RDW page. There you will find all the information about making an appointment and which documents you need to bring along.
  2. Submit your tax return (BPM). On the website of the Tax and Customs Administration Belastingdienst you can read how and where to do this. There, it is also possible to apply for a cost exemption. You can read all the conditions here.
  3. Go to an approved licence plate manufacturer to have a Dutch licence plate made. You can find the list here.
  4. In possession of a Dutch licence plate? Then insure your vehicle with Polisa.nl and enjoy Dutch insurance with outstanding service in your own language.

Frequently asked questions

Not sure how to change your number plates from abroad to Dutch? What you need to do:

1. Make an appointment at the RDW. Information on how to make an appointment and what documents you will need can be found on the RDW website.

2. Submit your tax return (BPM). All information can be found on the Belastingdienst website.

3 Go to an authorised licence plate manufacturer to have a new one made.

4. The plates are ready? Insure your vehicle at Polisa.nl and enjoy Dutch insurance with international service.

For the re-registration of a car with foreign plates, the price is determined by a number of factors, e.g. the BPM tax. The fee for re-registering a car in the RDW is approximately €130. In addition to this, you may be charged a BPM tax, the amount of which depends on the type of your car. You may be exempt from paying this tax if you meet the relevant conditions.

If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for a longer period of time, for example because of work or permanent residence, you will be required to change your number plates to Dutch plates. Once you have registered in the Netherlands, you have 3 months to change your number plates.

If you only intend to stay in the Netherlands for a short period of time (no more than 3 months), for example as a tourist or temporary resident, it is not necessary to change your number plates to Dutch ones.

On the other hand, if you live here for more than 3 months, you must change your number plates to Dutch plates. This provision is regulated by Dutch law and the police are looking at cars with foreign registrations more and more often.