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What documents do I need to drive in Holland?

Tourists are allowed to drive in the Netherlands on a valid state license, preferably in combination with an International Driver's License which may be obtained in the United States through the AAA.



To drive in the Netherlands (Holland) as a visitor, you primarily need your valid national driver's license. If your license is from an EU or EEA country, it is fully accepted. For travelers from the U.S., Canada, or Australia, a standard license is usually sufficient for short stays, but carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended as it provides a translation of your license that local police and rental agencies prefer. You must also carry your Passport for identification and the vehicle's Insurance Certificate (often called a Green Card if you're bringing a car from another EU country). For 2026, non-EU travelers should also ensure they have their ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) approval linked to their passport. If you are driving your own car, you must have the V5C registration document and a "UK" or country-specific sticker if it’s not already on your license plate.

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Tourists are allowed to drive in the Netherlands on a valid state license, preferably in combination with an International Driver's License which may be obtained in the United States through the AAA.

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To rent a car in the Netherlands, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. Seatbelts and child seats for children up to 40 lbs are mandatory.

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The general limit on motorways is 130 km/h. In addition, there are other time- and place-dependent limits of 80, 100 and 120 km/h. Since March 2020, the daytime (06:00-19:00 h) limit has been restricted to 100 km/h for all motorways. There are some other limits (70 km/h and 90 km/h), but these apply far less often.

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The Netherlands boasts an efficient and affordable public transport system. It is easy to travel throughout the Netherlands by train, bus, metro or ferry. What's more, it is incredibly sustainable.

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