Can you exchange a mainland Chinese driving licence in the Netherlands?

Content checked: 16 September 2026

A valid mainland Chinese licence alone does not guarantee a Dutch exchange. Use the licence checklist to organise questions and documents, then confirm the applicable route with RDW or your municipality.

Check the route before preparing every document

Mainland China is not generally on the country-recognition exchange route. A valid 30% ruling may provide an exception, subject to the complete conditions. Certain family members or people who previously held a Dutch licence may have other routes; the two-question tool does not cover every exception.

If no exchange route applies, CBR theory and practical driving tests are generally required. Do not treat an uncertain answer in the tool as a final refusal.

Residence in the issuing country matters

For non-EU/EFTA licences, the conditions generally include at least 185 days of residence in the issuing country in the year the licence was obtained. Check the issue date and relevant residence evidence. There are also licence validity, residence status and BRP registration requirements.

The authoritative starting point is RDW’s foreign licence exchange guidance.

Prepare documents for the confirmed route

Typical preparation includes the original licence, an acceptable translation where needed, identity and applicable residence documents, evidence of the ruling if relevant, and a compliant colour passport photograph. Ask how the original licence will be handled before submitting it.

Non-EU/EFTA exchanges involve a CBR health declaration and any required follow-up. Arrange the municipality appointment and check its current document instructions. The checklist helps organise preparation; it cannot replace the official assessment or confirm your right to drive while an application is pending.