Vehicle export
Do you run a business and do you sell vehicles for export from the Netherlands? Or do you want to arrange the export of a vehicle for your customers? You need an Export Recognition (erkenning Export) from the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW). You must register the vehicle for export with the RDW.
Applying for Export Recognition
To register a vehicle for export, you must first apply for Export Recognition (in Dutch). This also deregisters the number plate in the vehicle registration register. You apply for recognition digitally to the RDW using eHerkenning with at least security level EH3. You can also apply for recognition in writing (in Dutch).
The conditions for this recognition are, among other things:
- You meet the conditions for the Basic recognition (Basiserkenning, in Dutch): your company must be registered with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK, and you have to submit a valid certificate of conduct (VOG).
- You complete the export registration at your business address, and you keep your records.
Registering a vehicle for export
Have you obtained the Export Recogntion? Then you can register a vehicle for export (in Dutch). You can do so via RDW or your provider (in Dutch). Do you want to arrange export for a customer? Then they must visit you in person with the correct documents and the vehicle’s licence plates.
Exporting a vehicle as a private individual
Do you plan to go abroad for a longer period of time, for example for work? And do you want to export your vehicle? Or do you want to sell a vehicle to someone abroad? Then you must register the vehicle for export. Only then the obligations for insurance, PTI (APK), and motor vehicle tax cease to apply. You register the vehicle for export in 1 of the following ways:
If you export a vehicle to a country outside the European Union or EFTA, you must also submit an export declaration to Dutch Customs.
Export number plates
Have you registered a vehicle for export? You can then drive on Dutch public roads for a maximum of 14 days. For example, to deliver the vehicle. You are only allowed to drive it with the export certificate (registration certificate part II) and export number plates. For an export licence plate you put the existing licence plate numbers onto white plates with indelible black ink. You can make these licence plates yourself, but you need to make sure that they are legible in bad weather as well. You can also have them made at an approved number plate manufacturer (in Dutch). During this period it is likely that the vehicle needs to be insured and have a valid PTI (APK).
Transit number plate
If you want to transport a vehicle through the Netherlands without a Dutch licence plate, you require a temporary transit licence number from RDW. You can obtain a transit licence number certificate from one of the RDW inspection stations (in Dutch). You must have the vehicle inspected by RDW (transitokeuring). If you will be driving the vehicle to the inspection you need a one-day registration plate.