The registration certificate and everything you need to know about it.

Since Jan. 1, 2014, a new registration certificate in the Netherlands.
The paper registration certificate has been replaced by a credit card-sized registration certificate (the registration card) and a registration code.

What is a registration code?

The registration certificate (Part II or Copy Part III) has been abolished and replaced by the 9-digit registration code. You will need this for such registration processes as: transferring the vehicle to another owner's name, applying for or lifting a license plate suspension at the registration desk, and exporting or scrapping the vehicle.

The registration code is issued in 2 parts and can only be used once. Once the code is used, the owner/holder will be issued a new code. Others than the owner/holder are not authorized to use the entire code.

The first 4 digits of the registration code the new owner/holder receives after the registration at the license plate counter or at an RDW approved institution. The RDW processes this ascription the same working day and then also sends the registration card and the second part of the registration code (5 digits), so that the owner/holder receives it the next delivery day. With a (costly) rush application, it is possible to receive the registration card and the second half of the registration code the same day.

Have you had the license plate transferred to your name (transfer), but have not yet received the registration card? Then you may drive without a license plate until 14 days after the transfer. In foreign countries, the obligation to show the card remains.

If you have lost the registration certificate, you can request a new registration code.

Requesting a new registration code

• Go to "Request a replacement registration code.
• Choose the second option: Request registration code only.
• Fill in the requested information. Have your vehicle identification number (frame number) handy. You can look up where to find this number on your motorcycle in the "Vehicle Information Retrieval" service. Your dealer or importer can also tell you this.
• You pay the fee via iDEAL.

• You will receive an e-mail from the RDW with the application details.
• The RDW will send you the new registration code by mail (not by e-mail) within 4 working days. The registration number remains the same.

Have you lost your registration certificate (registration card)? Then request a new registration certificate with a registration code. You can do so by clicking on the link below.
'Request a replacement certificate with registration code'.

The RDW then sends a new registration card and a new registration code to the owner/applicant. The registration card will then have the same registration number, but a different document number.
The cost for this is €37.90.

Doubt that the registration card belongs to the vehicle in question?

Are there any doubts whether the registration card belongs to the vehicle in question or perhaps has been counterfeited? Then a check can be performed via the RDW website. Via 'validation document number', the document number of the registration certificate and the registration number on the registration card can be entered and it can be checked whether the combination is correct or incorrect according to the registration register.

Also read the blog post: Car Insurance Inaccuracies.