Getting a trailer or caravan from outside the EU approved
Are you purchasing a trailer or caravan without type approval? For example, because you are importing it from outside the EU and EFTA? And do you want to drive it yourself on public roads or sell the vehicle in the Netherlands? We must approve each vehicle without type approval individually. This may involve more than you expect. Read all about what to expect.
- Your trailer or caravan only requires its own registration certificate if it weighs more than 750 kg (including maximum load).
- Is it a trailer? Ensure that it is unladen. Sometimes we weigh the trailer to determine its 'unladen weight'.
- We will only issue a registration number if the vehicle complies with all regulations. In the following cases, your vehicle is likely to comply:
- If the vehicle previously had a Dutch or European registration number.
- If the vehicle was built in accordance with a European type approval. Please request proof of this from the manufacturer or importer: the Certificate of conformity (CoC) (only available in Dutch). Bring the CoC to the inspection.
Not in possession of an original vehicle registration certificate or CvO? We will carry out a technical inspection. And it is less certain that your trailer or caravan will be approved.
- It is prohibited to import a vehicle from Russia into the Netherlands. This also applies if the vehicle is for personal use. Customs enforces this strictly.
- Make an appointment at an RDW inspection station using the 'Make an inspection appointment' button.
- Bring your vehicle. Will you be driving to us? Apply for a One-day registration (only available in Dutch) after making your inspection appointment.
- Is it a trailer? Ensure that it is unladen. Sometimes we weigh the trailer to determine its 'unladen weight'.
- Bring the following:
Valid ID, driving licence, passport or other valid identification (only available in Dutch).
Complete original vehicle registration certificate (we will collect it from you). Or a Certificate of Correspondence (CoC).
If you are not in possession of any of the above, please bring a completed and printed individual trailer inspection for. In this case, please also bring the approval documents for the parts. These include approval of the coupling (drawbar), braking system, steering system, and protection against underride (the underrun bar). - If you have the vehicle registration certificate or CvO, we will check the documents and identify the vehicle. Not in possession of these documents? We will carry out a technical inspection of the vehicle.
- Everything in order? We will transfer the data to the Dutch vehicle registration register.
- You pay the fee.
- We will send you a new registration certificate within 5 business days. Two business days later, we will send you a letter with a complete registration code. When you will receive the registration certificate the letter depends on the postal service.
- Insure your vehicle for third-party liability (WA).
- Have a number plate made by an authorised number plate manufacturer. Make sure you have the registration certificate with you. Use the RDW location finder to find an authorised number plate manufacturer.
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Identification of a light vehicle | €58,50 |
| Identification of a heavy vehicle | €120,00 |
| Registration certificate | €50,00 |
| Registration in a person's name via the RDW | €13,10 |
| Individual approval certificate | €72,50 |
No registration number
We do not issue registration numbers for driving to the Netherlands from abroad. Ask about the possibilities in the relevant foreign country. You can also transport the vehicle on a trailer or car transporter.
We collect foreign vehicle registration certificates
Are you driving the vehicle to us with foreign registration numbers and a valid foreign registration certificate? Please note that we will collect the foreign registration certificate.
One-day registration
After visiting us, you are no longer permitted to drive the vehicle on public roads. Request a free one-day number plate from us. Once you have received the Dutch registration certificate, you may use the vehicle (again).
Vehicles on public roads must comply with technical requirements. The date of first registration (DET) of the vehicle determines which requirements apply. In order to quickly find out which ones apply, answer the questions and check the requirements for your vehicle.