Importing a Car from the Netherlands
Complete guide to buying and importing a used car from the Netherlands. Transparent RDW records, thorough APK inspections, and well-documented vehicle histories make Dutch cars among the safest used car purchases in Europe.
Check a VIN Before You BuyWhy Buy a Car from the Netherlands?
The Netherlands offers what no other European country can match: complete transparency. The RDW's public vehicle database and mandatory annual APK inspections create an unmatched paper trail for every Dutch-registered car.
Transparent RDW Records
The Dutch RDW maintains public records for every vehicle — APK history, mileage at each inspection, recalled status, and stolen reports. Carlytics queries this data per VIN.
Annual APK Inspections
The APK (Algemene Periodieke Keuring) is mandatory annually for cars over 3 years old. Each inspection records the odometer reading, creating a reliable mileage trail.
BPM Tax Refund
When exporting a car from the Netherlands, you may be eligible for a partial refund of the BPM registration tax — potentially hundreds or even thousands of euros on newer vehicles.
Well-Maintained Cars
Flat terrain, excellent roads, and a culture of meticulous maintenance mean Dutch cars often have less wear than equivalent-mileage vehicles from hillier or harsher climates.
Carlytics Queries Dutch RDW Inspection Data Per VIN
When you run a VIN check on a Dutch-registered vehicle, Carlytics directly queries the RDW's open data to retrieve the complete APK inspection history — including every recorded odometer reading, inspection results, and defects found. This is combined with our broader European database checks for accident history, theft status, and safety recalls.
This means you get the Dutch government's own data plus cross-border checks that the RDW alone cannot provide — the most complete history available for any Dutch vehicle.
What to Check Before Buying
The Netherlands offers the best transparency in Europe, but you should still perform thorough due diligence. Here are the essential checks:
Run a VIN Check
A Carlytics VIN check on a Dutch car is especially powerful — we query RDW data directly for APK history and mileage records, then cross-reference with European databases for accident history, theft status, and safety recalls.
Review the APK History
The APK inspection history shows every inspection date, result, recorded mileage, and any defects found. A consistent mileage progression across inspections is the strongest evidence against odometer fraud.
Check for BPM and Tax Issues
Verify the vehicle has no outstanding tax obligations or fines in the Netherlands. The RDW records show whether the vehicle has any administrative holds (tenaamstelling blokkade) that would prevent export.
Verify the Kentekenbewijs
The kentekenbewijs (registration certificate) comes in two parts. Part I contains vehicle details; Part II (tenaamstellingsbewijs) is the ownership document. Both must be present and match. The registration code (kentekencode) on Part II is unique and needed for transfer.
Physical Inspection
Even with excellent documentation, inspect the car in person. Dutch cars can suffer from water damage (the Netherlands is low-lying and flood-prone in some areas) and salt corrosion from coastal proximity. Check underbody, wheel arches, and electronics.
Import Process Step by Step
The Netherlands has a well-organized export process. The RDW handles vehicle deregistration efficiently, and Dutch sellers are generally familiar with export procedures:
Find the Car Online
Search on AutoTrack.nl, Gaspedaal.nl (aggregator), or AutoScout24 Netherlands. Many Dutch dealers also list on mobile.de. Note the kenteken (registration number) or VIN and run a Carlytics check before traveling.
Verify History via VIN Check
Run the VIN through Carlytics to access RDW inspection data, APK history with mileage records, and cross-border checks. Review the mileage progression across inspections — it should be consistent and match the seller's claimed mileage.
Inspect, Negotiate, and Purchase
Visit the car, inspect it thoroughly, and negotiate the price. Sign a koopovereenkomst (purchase contract). Pay via bank transfer (overboeking). Collect both parts of the kentekenbewijs, the APK report, and keys.
Deregister and Apply for BPM Refund
The seller deregisters the vehicle at the RDW (can be done online via mijn.rdw.nl or at an RDW service point). You receive a vrijwaringsbewijs (discharge of liability). If eligible, apply for a BPM tax refund at the Belastingdienst — this can be hundreds of euros on newer cars.
Transport to Your Country
Apply for Dutch export plates (exportkenteken) valid for 14 days, or arrange professional transport. Export plates cost approximately EUR 50-80 including temporary insurance. Keep all documents accessible for potential roadside checks.
Register in Your Home Country
Present the Dutch kentekenbewijs, vrijwaringsbewijs, purchase contract, and APK report to your registration authority. Pass local technical inspection and emissions test. Pay registration fees and applicable taxes. Receive domestic plates.
Documents You Need
Dutch vehicle documentation is straightforward and well-organized. Ensure you collect all of these from the seller:
Kentekenbewijs Part I
The vehicle registration certificate. Contains all technical specifications, registration number (kenteken), VIN, first registration date, and APK validity. This stays with the vehicle.
Kentekenbewijs Part II
The tenaamstellingsbewijs (ownership certificate). This is the critical document for ownership transfer — it contains a unique registration code (kentekencode) needed to re-register. Never buy without this part.
Vrijwaringsbewijs
Proof of discharge of liability. Issued when the vehicle is deregistered from the seller's name at the RDW. Confirms the seller is no longer responsible for the vehicle's road tax and insurance.
APK report
The most recent APK (Algemene Periodieke Keuring) inspection report. Required annually for vehicles over 3 years old. Shows inspection results, defects, and the recorded odometer reading.
Koopovereenkomst
The purchase contract. Should include both parties' details, vehicle description, VIN, kenteken, price, date, and signatures. Keep this for your home country's registration process.
Valid ID / Passport
Your personal identification. EU citizens can use a national ID card. Non-EU buyers need a valid passport.
Costs and Taxes
The Netherlands has unique tax considerations due to the BPM system. Budget for these typical costs, and don't forget to check your BPM refund eligibility:
| Cost Item | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Export plates (exportkenteken) | EUR 50 - 80 |
| Transport (trailer within EU) | EUR 400 - 1,500 |
| Fuel (if driving yourself) | EUR 50 - 300 |
| BPM refund (potential saving) | EUR 0 - 3,000+ |
| Local registration fees | Varies by country |
| Technical inspection (home country) | EUR 50 - 200 |
| VAT (if applicable) | 17-27% of value |
| VIN Check (full report) | EUR 8.90 |
BPM refund: The BPM (Belasting van Personenauto's en Motorrijwielen) is a Dutch registration tax. When exporting a vehicle, you can apply to the Belastingdienst for a partial refund based on the car's remaining value. Newer, more expensive vehicles yield higher refunds. The process takes 4-8 weeks after application.
VAT rules within the EU: Private sales of vehicles older than 6 months with more than 6,000 km do not attract additional VAT. Dealer sales include Dutch VAT (21%) on the invoice unless sold under the margin scheme (margeregeling).
VIN Check — RDW Data Included
Carlytics queries Dutch RDW inspection data directly for every VIN check on a Netherlands-registered vehicle. Get the complete APK history with odometer readings, combined with European-wide accident, theft, and recall checks. The free check reveals key specs and safety recalls; the full report at EUR 8.90 unlocks the complete history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about importing a car from the Netherlands