Registering a car as a foreigner

Can I register a car as a foreigner, without a Dutch passport or driver's license? There are a number of conditions that you must meet in order to register a car with a foreign driver's license. In this case, registration is only possible at an RDW inspection station and RDW counter, not at Kentekenloket. We will list everything in this blog!
Conditions for registering a car
There are a number of conditions that you must meet in order to transfer a car:
- You must do the transfer personally; (as a natural person, you may also authorize a recognized company (digital authorization, even if the vehicle is not in the company stock))
- You must be at least 18 years old to register a car in your name;
- You must live in the Netherlands and be registered with a municipality in the Personal Records Database (BRP).
When transferring a license plate, you as a buyer must always be able to show a valid ID. But what is the definition of 'valid'? Valid documentation is a Dutch driver's license (with date of birth), a Dutch passport (with BSN number) or a Dutch identity card (with BSN number).
Registering a car with a foreign driver's license
If you are not from the Netherlands or do not have a Dutch driving licence, other identification documents are required. This is all about using a car in the Netherlands. Are you selling the car abroad? Then there is a different process, read our blog ‘Selling a car abroad’. You can register it at an RDW inspection station and RDW counter. Unfortunately not at Kentekenloket (not with us).
- Identity card or driving licence from an EU or EFTA country. This concerns the member states of the European Union: Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Czech Republic, United Kingdom and Sweden. In addition, there are also the member states of the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) to which Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland belong.
- A diplomatic passport: for staff of diplomatic missions.
- dutch travel document for foreigners: for persons without Dutch nationality, but in possession of a valid residence permit type I or II.
- Dutch travel document for refugees: for persons without Dutch nationality, but in possession of a valid residence permit type III or IV.
- Service passport: for personnel of diplomatic missions.
- Foreign passport.
There is one more thing you need to pay attention to. If there is no BSN number on the passport or identity card, then an additional extract from the Personal Records Database (BRP) is required. You must request this extract from the municipality.
In short, yes, it is possible to register a car with a foreign driver's license. In all cases, you must be registered in the Personal Records Database and bring an extract from the Personal Records Database (BRP). Are you selling the car to someone registered abroad? Then the rules for export apply and you must export the car.