Driving in Netherlands: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationVisitors to the Netherlands need an International Driving Document alongside their valid foreign driving licence to drive legally. The Netherlands accepts both the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document types. The Netherlands drives on the right. Urban speed limit is 50 km/h; outside built-up areas 80 km/h; highways 130 km/h unless otherwise signed. Blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
the Netherlands at a glance
- Permit type
- International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Right
- How long it is valid
- 1 year (Geneva) or up to 3 years (Vienna)
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05%
- Emergency number
- 112
How to get your permit for the Netherlands
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
Netherlands + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
A 1949 Geneva Convention or 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document for the Netherlands — picked for you, so you do not have to decide.
We handle the paperwork
Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.
Review by a real person
A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.
Track every step
Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.
the Netherlands driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Speed limit — urban
- 50 km/h
- Speed limit — rural
- 80 km/h
- Speed limit — highway
- 130 km/h unless signed otherwise
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05%
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for all occupants
- Helmet
- Mandatory for moped, motorcycle, and scooter riders
- Mobile phone
- Illegal to use while driving unless hands-free
- Emergency number
- 112
- Priority right
- Right-hand priority at unsignalled intersections unless otherwise posted
- Winter tyres
- Not mandatory, but recommended in winter conditions
Documents required to drive in the Netherlands
What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.
- Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class
- International Driving Document1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna type accepted
- PassportRequired for identification at all times
- Valid Schengen visa or visa exemptionMost nationalities get 90 days visa-free
- Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company
- Motor vehicle insuranceMandatory in the Netherlands — rental cars include basic cover
When you need a permit in the Netherlands
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
EU/EEA licence holder
No — original licence is sufficient — Standard EU rule; no permit needed
Non-EU/EEA tourist renting a car
Yes — carry alongside your foreign licence — Rental companies require it
Driving a private vehicle
Yes — carry alongside your foreign licence — Police may request documents
Short tourist visit
Yes if non-EU/EEA — Carry permit and original licence
Staying longer than 1 year
No — you need a Netherlands driving licence — Convert through CBR after 1 year
Frequently asked questions
Driving in the Netherlands with a foreign licence, answered.
More for your the Netherlands trip
Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review
About this service
Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.