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How does suspending a car with the RDW work?

If you decide to suspend your car, you do so at the RDW. Through the RDW website or through an RDW location or license plate counter you can suspend the license plate of your car. You can do this when you intend not to use your car for a longer period of time. If the car is suspended, you do not have to meet vehicle obligations, such as motor vehicle tax, car insurance and MOT requirements. At Alpina.nl we explain how suspending a car from the RDW works.

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car suspension rdw

How often can you suspend a car with the RDW?

According to the RDW, you can suspend your car as often as you want. When suspending your car, you choose a suspension period of 1, 2 or 3 years. After this period, the suspension will automatically end. However, you can also choose to extend the suspension period. This is possible from up to 6 weeks before the end date of the suspension. The expiry date will then remain the same as the expiry date of the old suspension. If you extend the suspension before the 6 weeks, you will not keep the old expiry date. The date you extend the suspension will then be the new expiry date after 1, 2 or 3 years. You will receive a reminder from RDW 1 month before the suspension expires.

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What does it cost to suspend a car with the RDW?

The RDW distinguishes between cars younger than 15 years and cars older than 15 years when suspending a car. For cars under 15 years old, you pay the normal rate, for older cars you pay the low rate. When extending a suspension, you also pay the low rate. We have listed the cost of suspending a car for you below:

Source: RDW
Duration of suspension Cost in 2023
Requesting or extending a suspension normal rate RDW €80,20
Applying for or extending a suspension at the RDW low rate €26,50
Application for suspension or extension RDW normal tariff for 2 years €106,70
Application for suspension or extension of low rate RDW for 2 years €53,00
Application for suspension or extension RDW normal tariff for 3 years €133,20
Application for suspension or extension of low rate RDW for 3 years €79,50

Can I suspend a car online at the RDW?

You can easily suspend your car online on the RDW website. This is often the fastest way, because it can be done 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not have to take opening hours into account. Suspending a car online? Then follow the next steps:

  1. Go to 'Requesting or extending a suspension'. You will then arrive at the DigiD screen where you can log in. Fill in the requested details, after which you will enter the RDW service.
  2. Select the registration number of the vehicle you want to suspend
  3. Choose how long you want to suspend the car: 1, 2 or 3 years
  4. Pay the costs via iDeal

You will then receive an e-mail confirming your application. The licence plate is not suspended until you receive a second e-mail from RDW. This e-mail also contains the end date of the suspension. You should print this e-mail and keep it safe. This is your proof of the suspension.

How do I suspend a car at a counter?

You can also suspend your car at a RDW location or a vehicle registration office. This goes as follows:

  1. Go to a vehicle registration office, RDW testing station or RDW desk
  2. Bring the following documents with you: the registration certificate, the transfer certificate and a valid ID card OR the vehicle registration card, the registration code and a valid ID card
  3. Choose how long you want to suspend the car: 1, 2 or 3 years
  4. Pay the costs

The license plate is immediately suspended. You will receive a suspension report from the clerk showing the end date of the suspension. You should keep this well, as it is your proof of the suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I suspend a car?

When suspending a car, you can choose from a suspension period of 1, 2 or 3 years. In that case, the minimum period is 1 year. You can end the suspension period earlier. The minimum suspension period, however, is 1 month. If you end the suspension period earlier, you will still have to pay motor vehicle tax over the suspension period via an additional levy. If you end the suspension period earlier, you will not get any money back.

What do I need to register my car with the RDW?

If you suspend your car online, you can log in with DigiD, which means that all the data is already filled in for you. Are you going to suspend your car at the office? Then take the registration certificate, the transfer certificate and a valid ID card or the vehicle registration card, the registration code and a valid ID card with you.

Can I also suspend my business car with the RDW?

Yes, you can also suspend a company car with the RDW. This actually goes in the same way as the suspension of a private car.

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  • To calculate premiums, we need the zip code of the primary driver. For private use, the youngest driver must reside at the same address as the applicant. In case of business use, you can enter the postal code of the company here.

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