How can I renew my driver's license?

If you want to get your driver’s license faster, you can opt for the expedited process. If you choose this option, you’ll pay the additional fee for the expedited process, and your driver’s license will be ready as early as the next business day. This applies only if the application is submitted before 2:30 p.m.

If you want to know whether your driver’s license is due for renewal, check the “Valid until” date on the license itself. A few months before your driver’s license expires, you’ll receive a letter from the RDW. This letter will explain exactly what you need to do and by what date. In some cases, you may not receive a letter. So it’s important that you keep track of when your driver’s license expires.

The driver’s license design changed in 2014. Since November 14, 2014, the RDW has been issuing driver’s licenses with a chip and a new design. The new driver’s license features embossed text in certain areas, a distinctive transparent round window, and a hologram that changes color when you tilt the license. The chip inside the new driver’s license is not visible from the outside. This chip contains the same information as the driver’s license itself. The chip is protected against remote reading. Thanks to the chip, law enforcement authorities will be able to read the driver’s license more quickly and accurately during future checks.

Renewing a Driver's License for People 65 and Older

If you’re 65 or older, different rules apply to renewing your driver’s license than if you haven’t reached that age yet. In many cases, your driver’s license is not valid for 10 years.
Are you between 65 and 70 years old and want to renew your driver’s license? Then you can renew your driver’s license using the standard procedure until you reach the age of 75. If your driver’s license expires while you are between the ages of 70 and 75, you will receive a license valid for up to 5 years. This means that if your license expires when you are 73, you will receive a license that you can use until you are 78, without needing a medical exam.

Starting at age 75, you must undergo a medical examination when renewing your driver’s license. In addition, you must complete a health declaration form when applying. This information is used to determine whether your driver’s license will be renewed. If the results of these tests are positive, your driver’s license will be renewed for up to 5 years.

Renewing a driver's license: How long does it take?

On average, it takes about five business days to renew a driver’s license. Many municipalities also offer the option to submit an expedited application. However, this varies by municipality. Check with the municipality where you live or visit its website for more information.

The application process for renewing your driver’s license if you are 75 years of age or older takes considerably longer. This is due to the medical examination you must undergo. It can take up to 4 months for the CBR to process the certificate of fitness. If the CBR refers you to a medical specialist, you should also expect long wait times.
We therefore recommend that you start this process well in advance.

Lost or Stolen Driver's License

Have you lost your driver's license, or has it been stolen? If so, it's important to report it to the municipality immediately. You can do this at the Civil Affairs/Public Affairs department. This is also important if you lost your driver's license while abroad. To verify your identity at the municipality, you'll need a valid form of identification.

Renew Your Driver's License Online

Do you need to renew your driver’s license and do you live in one of the municipalities participating in the “Digital Driver’s License Application” pilot program?
If so, under certain conditions, you can apply online to renew your driver’s license with the RDW.
You can find the conditions and instructions for renewing your Dutch driver’s license online here.

The participating municipalities are: Arnhem, Den Bosch, Alblasserdam, Drechtsteden (Sliedrecht, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, Papendrecht, Zwijndrecht, Dordrecht, and Hardinxveld-Giessendam), Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and Utrecht.
In the coming months, the number of municipalities where it is possible to apply online for a driver’s license renewal will increase.

Your old driver's license

All (old) driver’s licenses remain valid until the date indicated on the license. If you reported your driver’s license as lost and then find it, you can turn it in to the municipality. If you have filled out a declaration at city hall, your old driver’s license will be declared invalid. This declaration cannot be reversed.

Insuring a Vehicle Without a Driver's License

Not all insurers can insure your vehicle if you don’t have a driver’s license (even temporarily). However, it is possible to purchase car insurance without a driver’s license, for example. Alpina works with insurers that offer coverage options even if you don’t (yet) have a driver’s license.

Not only is it possible to get car insurance without a driver’s license, but you can also insure a moped without a driver’s license.
This is also possible with a scooter, by the way .