Export Your Dutch Vehicle to Stop All RDW Obligations

When you permanently move your Dutch-registered vehicle abroad, it is essential to officially declare its export to the Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer (RDW). This critical administrative step ensures that your legal obligations for vehicle insurance, the Algemene Periodieke Keuring (APK), and motor vehicle tax in the Netherlands are officially terminated. Failing to complete this process correctly can lead to ongoing financial and legal responsibilities, even if your vehicle is no longer physically present in the country. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step procedure to ensure a smooth and compliant vehicle export.

Understanding Vehicle Export and Your Obligations

Exporting a vehicle from the Netherlands signifies its permanent removal from the Dutch vehicle registration system. This procedure is distinct from selling your car within the Netherlands or temporarily suspending its registration (schorsen). The primary purpose of declaring export is to legally stop the mandatory Dutch obligations tied to vehicle ownership, which include liability insurance, the periodic technical inspection (APK), and motor vehicle tax (motorrijtuigenbelasting).

Who Needs to Export Their Vehicle?

This guide is intended for owners of vehicles (cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, trailers, etc.) that are currently registered in the Dutch national vehicle register (kentekenregister) and are being moved permanently to a foreign country. This applies whether you are relocating with your vehicle or selling it to an international buyer who will register it abroad.

Export vs. Temporary Suspension (Schorsen)

It is important not to confuse vehicle export with schorsen (temporary suspension). Schorsen temporarily suspends the APK, insurance, and motor vehicle tax obligations for a vehicle that remains in the Netherlands but is temporarily not in use on public roads. An export declaration, on the other hand, permanently removes the vehicle from the Dutch register because it is leaving the country. If you only intend for your vehicle to be off-road temporarily in the Netherlands, schorsen is the correct procedure, not export.

Essential Prerequisites for Exporting Your Dutch Vehicle

Before you initiate the export declaration process, gathering and preparing the necessary documents is crucial to avoid delays. The RDW requires specific identification and vehicle registration documents to process your request.

Required Documents Checklist

Ensure you have the following original documents ready. Digital copies or photocopies are generally not accepted for official RDW procedures unless specified.

• Valid Identification: Your valid Dutch passport, ID card, or driving licence. For foreign nationals, a valid passport or ID card from your country of origin may be accepted, but it is always best to check the latest RDW requirements for non-Dutch identification.
• Registration Card (Kentekenbewijs):
  • If you have a paper registration certificate, you need Part IA (Voertuigbewijs) and Part IB (Tenaamstellingsbewijs).
  • If you have a credit card-sized registration card, you need the registration card itself.
• Proof of Ownership Code (Tenaamstellingscode):
  • This is a 9-digit code. If you have a paper registration certificate, this code is on Part II (Overschrijvingsbewijs).
  • If you have a credit card-sized registration card, the code is divided into two parts: the first 5 digits are on the letter you received when the registration card was sent, and the last 4 digits are on the registration card itself (the meldcode). You need both parts.
• Foreign Registration Document (if applicable): If the vehicle has already been registered in another country, it's useful to have proof, though not always mandatory for the RDW export process itself.
• Foreign Buyer Information (if applicable): If you are selling the vehicle to a foreign buyer, you will need their full name, address, and proof of identification for the RDW administration, especially if they are present during the declaration.

What is the Tenaamstellingscode?

The tenaamstellingscode is a crucial 9-digit code that proves you are the legitimate owner or holder of a vehicle in the Netherlands. It is required for nearly all major RDW procedures, including vehicle transfer, suspension, and export. Without this code, you cannot complete the export declaration.

Step-by-Step: Declaring Your Vehicle for Export with RDW

The process of declaring your vehicle for export can generally be done online, at an RDW desk, or through an RDW-recognised company (erkend bedrijf). The choice of method depends on your specific situation, such as whether you have a DigiD and if the vehicle is still in the Netherlands or already abroad.

Online Export via Mijn RDW

For individuals with a Dutch DigiD, the online process through Mijn RDW is the most convenient and fastest way to declare vehicle export.

Eligibility for Online Export:

• You must be the registered owner of the vehicle.
• You must possess a valid DigiD (Dutch digital identification).
• You must have the credit card-sized kentekenbewijs and the full 9-digit tenaamstellingscode.
• The vehicle's status must allow for export (e.g., not under a complex lien that requires physical inspection).

Process:

1. Navigate to the RDW website and log in to Mijn RDW using your DigiD.
2. Select the option for "Voertuig exporteren" (Export vehicle).
3. Follow the prompts to enter your vehicle's registration number (kenteken) and the tenaamstellingscode.
4. You may be asked to upload clear scans or photos of your kentekenbewijs (both front and back of the card) and your valid identification.
5. Confirm the details and submit the declaration.
6. The RDW will process your request. You will receive an email confirmation, and the official export certificate and the Part II registration certificate will be mailed to your registered address in the Netherlands within a few working days.

In-Person Export at an RDW Desk or Erkend Bedrijf

If you do not have a DigiD, if the vehicle is registered to a company, or if you prefer a direct interaction, you can declare the export at an RDW inspection station (keuringsstation) or an erkend bedrijf (recognised company).

What is an Erkend Bedrijf? An erkend bedrijf is a garage or dealership officially recognised by the RDW that is authorised to carry out various vehicle administration tasks, including export declarations, on behalf of the RDW. They have direct access to the RDW registration system.

Process:

1. Locate an RDW inspection station or an erkend bedrijf that offers export declaration services. You can usually find a list on the RDW website.
2. Take all your original required documents (ID, kentekenbewijs, tenaamstellingscode) with you.
3. At the counter, present your documents to the RDW official or the authorised employee of the erkend bedrijf. They will verify your identity and the vehicle details.
4. The official will process the export declaration directly in the RDW system.
5. Immediately upon successful declaration, you will receive the vrijwaringsbewijs (indemnity certificate) as proof that the vehicle is no longer registered in your name. You will also receive the Part II registration certificate (registratiebewijs deel II) marked for export.
6. There is typically a small fee associated with this service, which you will pay directly at the desk.

Documents Required for Export Declaration: A Detailed Overview

Understanding each document and its purpose is key to a successful export process. The RDW is very strict about original documents.

Document Type	Description	Important Notes
Valid Identification	A government-issued photo ID such as a Dutch passport, Dutch identity card, or Dutch driving licence. For non-Dutch citizens, a valid passport or ID card from your country of origin may be accepted.	Your ID must be current and clearly show your photo and signature. This is for identity verification as the registered owner/holder.
Kentekenbewijs (Registration Card)	The vehicle's official registration certificate. This can be either the older paper version (Part IA and Part IB) or the newer credit card-sized plastic card.	Ensure both parts (IA and IB for paper, or the card itself) are present. It contains crucial vehicle details like the registration number, VIN, and technical specifications. If lost, apply for a duplicate before export.
Tenaamstellingscode (Proof of Ownership Code)	The 9-digit code proving your ownership. For paper certificates, it's on Part II (Overschrijvingsbewijs). For card-sized kentekenbewijs, it's split: 5 digits on the accompanying letter, 4 digits as the meldcode on the card.	You need the complete 9-digit code. Without this, the RDW cannot process the export. If you've lost the paper Part II or the letter with the first 5 digits, you must apply for a new tenaamstellingscode first. This is a common pitfall.
Vrijwaringsbewijs (Indemnity Certificate)	This is the receipt issued by the RDW or erkend bedrijf upon successful export declaration. It formally proves that the vehicle is no longer registered in your name and your obligations have ceased.	Crucial document to keep safe. This is your proof to insurance companies and the tax authority that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle. It is generally issued immediately for in-person declarations and mailed for online ones.
Registratiebewijs deel II (Part II)	An updated version of the Part II (or the equivalent information) specifically issued for export. It may be required by foreign registration authorities.	This document officially confirms the vehicle's deregistration from the Dutch system for export purposes. It may be a separate document or part of the vrijwaringsbewijs package. It is critical for re-registration in another country.
Foreign Registration Papers (if vehicle already abroad)	If the vehicle has already been registered in another country before you formally export it from the Netherlands.	The RDW might request this as additional proof for vehicles already located abroad. It is not always a mandatory requirement for the initial declaration but can assist in specific verification processes. Always check with the RDW for the most current requirements when the vehicle is already outside the Netherlands.

Costs and Processing Times for Vehicle Export

The costs and processing times for declaring your vehicle for export with the RDW are generally straightforward.

Costs

The fee for an RDW export declaration is a standardized amount. As of current RDW guidelines, this fee is a modest administrative charge. For the exact current fee, it is always best to check the official RDW website or inquire at an RDW desk or erkend bedrijf directly, as administrative fees can be subject to minor changes.

• Online via Mijn RDW: Typically the same standard administrative fee, paid digitally.
• In-person at RDW Desk or Erkend Bedrijf: The standard administrative fee, paid directly at the location. Some erkend bedrijf locations may charge a small additional service fee on top of the RDW's official charge for their assistance, so it's wise to confirm this beforehand.

Processing Times

The processing time for an export declaration depends on the method chosen:

• In-person at an RDW Desk or Erkend Bedrijf: The process is immediate. You will receive your vrijwaringsbewijs and the export-marked Part II document on the spot.
• Online via Mijn RDW: After successful submission, the RDW typically processes the declaration within 1-3 working days. The official documents (export certificate and Part II) are then mailed to your registered address and usually arrive within a few more working days. You will receive an email confirmation of your submission, and a status update can often be checked via Mijn RDW.

After Export: Confirming the Cessation of Obligations

Declaring export with the RDW is the critical first step. However, you must also confirm that all associated financial and legal obligations have actually stopped.

APK Obligation

The Algemene Periodieke Keuring (APK) is the mandatory periodic vehicle inspection in the Netherlands. Once your vehicle is officially declared for export with the RDW, the APK obligation immediately ceases. The RDW's system will update automatically, and you will no longer be liable for overdue APK inspections.

Motor Vehicle Tax (Motorrijtuigenbelasting)

The motorrijtuigenbelasting (motor vehicle tax) is collected by the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax and Customs Administration). When the RDW processes your export declaration, they automatically notify the Belastingdienst.

• You will receive a final assessment (eindafrekening) from the Belastingdienst, covering the tax owed up to the date of export.
• Any overpaid tax will be refunded to you.
• It is crucial to monitor your bank statements and official communications from the Belastingdienst to ensure that the tax has indeed stopped and any necessary refund has been processed. This typically happens automatically within a few weeks after the RDW processes the export.

Insurance Obligation

This is arguably the most important obligation to manually confirm. While the RDW informs the Belastingdienst, you are personally responsible for informing your Dutch vehicle insurance company about the export and cancelling your policy.

• Contact your insurer immediately after receiving your vrijwaringsbewijs.
• Provide them with a copy of the vrijwaringsbewijs as proof of deregistration from the Dutch vehicle register.
• Confirm the effective date of policy cancellation and ensure no further premiums are charged.
• Failure to inform your insurer can lead to continued premium payments or, worse, disputes if any incident occurs abroad while the vehicle is still theoretically insured in the Netherlands.

Proof of Export and Its Importance

The vrijwaringsbewijs is your ultimate proof that the vehicle is no longer your responsibility in the Netherlands. Keep this document safe, ideally for several years, as it may be requested by authorities (e.g., Belastingdienst or enforcement agencies) if any queries arise regarding the vehicle's past status. It is also often required by foreign registration authorities when you attempt to register the vehicle in a new country.

Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

Navigating administrative procedures can have its challenges. Being aware of common issues can help you avoid delays and additional costs during the vehicle export process.

1. Lost Tenaamstellingscode or Kentekenbewijs: This is the most frequent obstacle. Without these original documents, you cannot proceed with the export. You must first apply for duplicates from the RDW, which incurs a fee and takes time (typically several working days for mail delivery).
2. Incorrect or Incomplete Documents: Presenting illegible documents, photocopies instead of originals (unless specifically allowed), or missing parts of the kentekenbewijs will result in your application being rejected.
3. Forgetting to Inform Your Insurance Company: As highlighted, the RDW does not inform your insurance provider. If you fail to cancel your policy, you will continue to be charged premiums and could face issues if an accident occurs.
4. Assuming Digital Confirmation is Final: For online declarations, the email confirmation is a temporary status update. The final, legally valid proof is the physical vrijwaringsbewijs and export-marked Part II received by post. Wait for these before considering the process fully complete.
5. Confusing Export with Schorsen (Temporary Suspension): Declaring a vehicle for export when you only intended to suspend its registration means it's permanently removed from the Dutch register. Re-registering it in the Netherlands would then be a more complex import process.
6. Vehicle Still in the Netherlands After Export: If you declare export but the vehicle remains on Dutch public roads (even temporarily), it must have valid temporary export plates (uitvoerkenteken) and temporary insurance. Driving without this can result in heavy fines.
7. Issues with Foreign Buyers: If selling to a foreign buyer, ensure they understand the process of obtaining temporary export plates if they intend to drive the vehicle out of the Netherlands. You are responsible for ensuring the export declaration is completed under your name.
8. Outstanding Fines or Liens: While not usually a direct blocker for the RDW export process itself, any outstanding fines, taxes, or legal claims against the vehicle or its owner in the Netherlands may still need to be settled. The export declaration does not absolve you of these pre-existing obligations.
9. Vehicle Data Inconsistencies: If vehicle details in the RDW system do not match your documents (e.g., due to previous unreported modifications), this could cause delays, potentially requiring an RDW inspection.
10. Language Barrier: While RDW staff often speak English, official forms and portal interfaces are primarily in Dutch. If you are not fluent, consider bringing someone who can assist with translation, especially for complex cases or specific queries.

Official Sources and Verification

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding vehicle export and related obligations, always refer to the official Dutch authorities.

• Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer (RDW): The primary authority for all vehicle registration and export procedures.
  • Website: rdw.nl (Dutch) or rdw.nl/en (English)
  • Relevant pages to search for: "Voertuig exporteren" (Export vehicle), "Mijn RDW" (My RDW portal), "Kentekenbewijs" (Registration certificate), "Tenaamstellingscode".
• Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax and Customs Administration): Responsible for motor vehicle tax.
  • Website: rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/motorrijtuigenbelasting
  • Relevant pages to search for: "Motorrijtuigenbelasting bij export" (Motor vehicle tax upon export), "Eindafrekening motorrijtuigenbelasting" (Final motor vehicle tax settlement).
• Nederland Wereldwijd: Provides general guidance for Dutch citizens abroad, including information on exporting vehicles.
  • Website: nederlandwereldwijd.nl/auto-exporteren
  • Relevant pages to search for: "Stappenplan auto exporteren" (Step-by-step plan for car export).

Always cross-reference information from multiple official sources if you have doubts, and do not hesitate to contact the RDW directly for clarification on specific or complex situations.