Compulsory Identification
In the Netherlands everyone must be able to identify themselves when requested to do so by the police or supervisory officials. One must therefore carry valid identification at all times.
The reason for identification requirement
In 2005 the Dutch government introduced a law to improve public safety. This enables the police and supervisory officials to find out right away whether the details a person gives about him- or herself are correct.
A police officer can, for instance, ask a cyclist who has ridden through a red traffic light to produce identification. If you are unable to do so when asked, you risk being fined 50 euro.
Who the identification requirement applies to
The identification requirement applies to everyone fourteen years of age or older who resides in the Netherlands. This therefore includes you, for as long as you live and work here.
Who may ask you to produce identification?
Police and supervisory officials may ask you to produce identification. Supervisory officials are park and forest rangers, traffic wardens, inspectors of the Building Control Department (bouw- en woningtoezicht), tax inspectors, customs officials and inspectors of education.
What is valid identification?
What counts as valid identification in your case depends on the country you come from.
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If you come from the EU or EEA, then your passport or driving licence is valid identification.
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If you come from a country outside the EU or EEA, then you can identify yourself with your residence permit (verblijfsvergunning or verblijfsdocument).
- Tell a friend
You can also reach us by phone:
+31 (0)20 254 79 99