Driving Licence Translation for the Netherlands

Target language and the layout of the card

For the omwisselen procedure in the Netherlands, which language the translation is made into – English or Dutch – is confirmed with the RDW or the municipality; many procedures run on an English document, while some call for Dutch. The small, densely packed structure of the licence card means every field has to be reproduced together with its layout; the category columns, code cells and date boxes on the front and the back of the card are carried across in full. If the category-and-date table on the back is skipped, the RDW cannot see which class the driver gained and when.

Because the document is usually submitted as a scan, scan quality matters; stamps, signatures and the security features of the card must be discernible, and the Rbtv registration number must appear on the declaration page. The translation carries the information on the card across as it stands, without converting it into a Dutch category; equivalence is for the RDW to determine. Pictograms and symbols are explained where necessary, since they show which vehicle may be driven under which condition and set out the scope of the driver’s entitlement.

The validity window and the testing route

For a driver settling in the Netherlands, the Turkish licence counts as valid for a limited period after residence is established; when that window closes, either the omwisselen must be complete or a Dutch licence must be obtained. How the period is calculated depends on the regulations, so it should be confirmed with the RDW or the municipality. The translation does not extend the period; it makes the document legible and open to verification when the exchange or test application is made. Planning the translation early, once your residence is registered, is therefore the safest course.

For drivers who do not benefit from the kennismigrant or 30 ruling exemption, the general route is a theory test and a practical test; this process is run by the CBR (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen) and a fitness or health declaration is usually required as well. Even on this route, the translation of the licence may be submitted in order to show the driver’s existing entitlement and class. Establishing at the outset which route applies to you – exchange under an exemption, or the tests – saves needless document preparation.

Whether an exchange is possible and which documents are needed is assessed by the RDW once it has received the application through the municipality; that assessment is not the translator’s business. By carrying the class, restriction codes and dates on the licence across as they stand, the translation lays the ground for the RDW to make an accurate comparison. An exact match between the spelling of the full name and the residence document and passport preserves the integrity of the file on either route, with or without tests, and prevents delay.

The RDW and the omwisselen procedure

Exchanging a foreign licence for a Dutch one (omwisselen) is handled in the Netherlands by the RDW (Dienst Wegverkeer); the application is passed to the RDW through the municipality (gemeente). The general rule for a Turkish licence is that a new document is obtained by theory and practical tests rather than by exchange; there is, however, an important exception for certain statuses.

The kennismigrant and 30 ruling exception

For employees and family members with highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant) status, or benefiting from the “30% ruling” tax advantage, a licence can usually be exchanged directly without tests. This exception also determines the context in which a translation will be required: on the no-test exchange, the RDW asks for the translation of the licence so that it can read the class and date details. Because your status changes the process from the outset, it needs to be established before you apply.

Do not translate into the categorie B scale

The classes on a Turkish licence largely overlap with the Dutch rijbewijs categories (categorie B, BE…); even so, equating a class directly with a Dutch category in the translation means taking on the equivalence that the RDW is there to determine. The translator carries the class and the restriction code across as they stand; the codes belong to an international scheme and are not translated. The spelling of the full name is kept identical to the residence document and the passport.

Rbtv registration and the order of certification

A translator producing an official translation in the Netherlands is expected to be entered in the register of sworn translators (Rbtv); the registration number appears on the declaration page, and the RDW or the municipality can verify it. In a translation produced in Türkiye, the sworn translator signs it, the notary notarises it where required, and an apostille is attached. Before you submit:

• Verify that the Rbtv number appears on the declaration page.
• Find out whether your kennismigrant / 30 ruling status affects the exchange.
• Obtain the apostille before the translation; for a licence, an administrative document, the apostille comes from the governor’s office.

The Netherlands is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; confirm the current position from the official HCCH list. You can handle your case from our single office in Ankara Kızılay, see the cost on our pricing page, and upload your document to request a quote. This page is for general information; confirm the conditions for the exchange with the RDW.