Identity card

An identity card is valid for 10 years if you are 18 years of age or older. If you are younger than 18, an identity card is valid for 5 years.

Secure copy of identity card

Beware of identity fraud. Criminals use false or stolen identity details to commit fraud. With the KopieID app, you can use your smartphone to make a secure copy of your identity card. Don't have the KopieID app? Visit the Dutch government website to find out how to recognize and prevent identity fraud.

• You must apply for the identity card in person at the municipality where you live. Children who want their own identity card must also come to the municipality.
• You must collect your identity card in person. This must be done within 3 months of your application, otherwise your identity card will expire. Are you also collecting an identity card for your child? If so, please bring your child with you.
• Has your identity card expired? Then you must return it to the municipality.
• Is your identity card (seriously) damaged? Then you must apply for a new identity card. You must also hand in your old identity card to the municipality.

Physical or mental disability

If you are unable to apply for an identity card in person due to a physical or mental disability, a municipal employee can visit you. In case of doubt, the municipality will ask you for a medical certificate.

Lost or stolen identity card

• If your identity card is lost or stolen in the Netherlands, you can immediately apply for a new one. When applying, you will need to sign a declaration of loss. You do not need to report the loss to the police.
• If you are insured against theft, it is advisable to report the theft to the police.
• If you need to travel immediately, you can apply for an emergency document from the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.
• If you find your old identity card, you are required to return it to the municipality. This identity card is no longer valid.
• If you lose your identity card abroad, report this to the local police. Ask for written proof of this. You will need this for your insurance. In the Netherlands, you do not need to report this to the Dutch police.
• Report the loss or theft of your identity card to the Dutch embassy or consulate and request an emergency document.
• With the foreign police report, you can apply for a new identity card at the municipality.

• A good-looking passport photo that
  • is no older than 6 months at the time of application and
  • meets the passport photo requirements.
• All passports and identity cards that you still have, even if they have expired.
• If you are applying for a second passport, please bring proof that you need the second passport.
• If your passport has been lost or stolen abroad, bring the foreign police report with you.
• Debit card or cash. You pay immediately upon application.

Children up to 12 years of age

• Written consent from both parents or from the person who has custody of the child. Use the form provided by the municipality for this purpose. You can also both sign the form on the spot, in which case you do not need to bring a completed form with you.
• (Copy of) the identity document of both parents or of the person who has custody of the child.
• Children must be present when applying for and collecting their identity card.
• At least one parent or guardian must be present when submitting the application.
• A good-quality passport photo that is no older than 6 months at the time of application. This passport photo must meet the passport photo requirements.
• All passports and identity cards that you still have for your child, even if they have expired.
• Debit card or cash. You pay immediately upon application.

You can collect your identity card after five working days.
After collecting your identity card from the municipal desk, you will receive a letter from DigiD within five working days. You can use this to activate the login function. For more information, visit www.digid.nl.

If you have submitted an urgent application in the morning, you can collect your identity card the next working day.

If you no longer have your old identity card and you do not have any other proof of identity, the municipality will conduct an investigation to establish your identity. This may result in a longer wait before you receive your identity card.

• If you do not have Dutch nationality, you may be eligible for a Refugee Passport or an Alien Passport.
• If you are under guardianship, you can also apply for an identity card. You do not need permission from your guardian to do so.
• If you change your name, you must apply for a new identity card.
• If you change your gender, you must apply for a new identity card.

Applying from abroad

Dutch citizens living abroad can apply for an ID card at a large number of Dutch representations, such as embassies and consulates. Or at one of the border municipalities in the Netherlands. Such an application involves many different documents.

The tool provided by Nederland Wereldwijd (Netherlands Worldwide) makes it easier to apply for an ID card abroad or at a border municipality. Thanks to this tool, you can see exactly which documents you need and create a personal checklist online. This saves you a lot of time.