Buying a used car in the Netherlands: step by step.

1. Check the car by its plate

With the number plate (kenteken) you can see the make, model, year and APK expiry date for free in the public RDW data. Our APK check shows it instantly.

• APK: see when it expires. If it's soon, expect costs.
• Mileage: the RDW records odometer readings and shows whether the sequence makes sense. Be wary of mileage that doesn't add up.
• Recalls: check whether there's an open recall for the car.

2. Look at the car up close

View the car in daylight and take your time. Start the engine cold, listen for noises, watch for smoke and warning lights, and take a test drive. Ask for the service history: the onderhoudsboekje or garage invoices.

Want a second opinion before you buy? Send us the plate and the link to the ad on WhatsApp and we'll help you work out what to check.

3. Transfer the car to your name

In the Netherlands, the transfer (overschrijven) is registered with the RDW. You can do it online with DigiD (the app with identity check) and the kentekencard with the full transfer code, the tenaamstellingscode. You can also do it at a registration desk, such as many PostNL points, with the car documents and a valid ID.

• The seller gets the vrijwaringsbewijs, proof that the car is no longer in their name.
• You receive the new kentekencard at home by post.
• The RDW charges a small fee, paid on the spot. Check the current amount on the RDW website.

4. Insurance before you drive

Every car with a Dutch plate needs at least third-party insurance, the WA-verzekering, from the moment it's in your name. Arrange insurance before you hit the road.

5. Road tax

Road tax (motorrijtuigenbelasting) starts automatically once the car is in your name. The Belastingdienst sends the bill; you don't need to register separately.

Sources: ANWB: auto overschrijven · Consumentenbond: auto overschrijven · RDW