Exchange driving license Sweden

Exchanging Your Dutch Driving License for a Swedish One

When moving to Sweden permanently, it’s important to exchange your Dutch driving license for a Swedish driving license. This guide explains the process, costs, and practical steps to ensure a smooth transition.

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Legal Basis for Exchange

As an EU/EEA citizen, you can use your Dutch driving license in Sweden without restrictions for the first year after registering as a resident. However, if you stay longer, you must exchange it for a Swedish license. This is regulated by the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen).

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Who Needs to Exchange?

• Residents in Sweden who have had their Dutch license for at least 6 months.
• People who have registered in Sweden as residents.
• If your Dutch license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a Swedish license.

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When to Exchange?

You must exchange your license within one year of taking up residence in Sweden if you intend to stay longer.

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Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Register Your Address in Sweden

Before exchanging, you must be registered in the Swedish population register (folkbokförd). This is done via the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).

2. Prepare Your Documents

You will need the following:

• Valid Dutch driving license (original)
• Passport or national ID card
• Proof of Swedish address registration (personbevis from Skatteverket)
• Passport photo (35 x 45 mm, recent and of high quality)
• Completed application form (available on Transportstyrelsen website)

3. Application Submission

You can apply:

• Online via the Transportstyrelsen website using your BankID for identification.
• By post: send the completed application form and copies of documents to Transportstyrelsen.
• In person at selected service offices (see official website for locations).

4. Pay the Fee

The current fee for exchanging a license is SEK 150 (approximately €14). Payment is usually made online or by invoice.

5. Processing Time

The processing time is typically 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, your Dutch license will be sent to the issuing authority in the Netherlands.

6. Receive Your Swedish License

Once processed, your new Swedish driving license will be mailed to your registered address.

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Important Notes

• No additional tests or medical exams are required for exchanging an EU license.
• Your Swedish license will generally have the same validity period as your Dutch license.
• If your Dutch license is near expiry, you may be issued a Swedish license with a shorter validity period according to Swedish rules.
• Keep a copy or scan of your original license before sending it.

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Costs Summary

*Costs for passport photos vary depending on location.

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Practical Tips

• Apply well before your Dutch license expires to avoid losing driving privileges.
• Use BankID to simplify online applications.
• Check the Transportstyrelsen website regularly for updates: https://www.transportstyrelsen.se/en/
• If you have a commercial driving license (C, D categories), confirm additional requirements.
• Keep your Dutch license until you receive the Swedish one.
• Notify your Dutch licensing authority that you have exchanged your license in Sweden to avoid issues.

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Common Mistakes

• Delaying registration: Failing to register your address in Sweden before applying will delay or invalidate your application.
• Ignoring the 1-year deadline: Driving on an expired license or past the 1-year period without exchanging may result in fines.
• Sending original documents without copies: Always keep copies of your documents before mailing originals.
• Not using BankID: Applying online with BankID is faster and reduces errors.
• Overlooking the need to notify Dutch authorities: This can complicate future license renewals or replacements.
• Assuming all licenses exchange automatically: Some special categories or licenses from outside the EU may require tests.

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For the most authoritative and updated information, always consult the Swedish Transport Agency’s official website:
https://www.transportstyrelsen.se/en/road/Driving-licences/exchange-your-driving-licence/

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By following these steps, Dutch emigrants can efficiently exchange their driving license and continue driving legally in Sweden.