The papers for a Dutch car are written in Dutch, and so are the emails and letters around a sale. This glossary gives the plain English meaning of each word you are likely to meet when you sell, with a link to the post that covers it in depth. The words are grouped by the moment you meet them. Use the headings to jump to the group you need.
For the whole process in order, start with the guide selling a car in the Netherlands. The how it works page shows how a sale to us runs.
Words on your registration papers
Kenteken is the number plate, and also the registered number of the car in the Dutch register. It is the number you type into the form on our sell page.
Kentekencard is the registration card, a credit card sized document. The RDW, the Dutch vehicle authority, says cards have been issued since 1 January 2014 and that a new card is issued with every change of owner. You carry it when you drive. People sometimes still say “kentekenbewijs”, which is the older paper form below.
Kentekenbewijs is the old paper registration. The RDW describes paper registrations from 1 June 2004 to 1 January 2014 as parts IA, IB and a transfer certificate in part II. These stay valid until the next transfer, when a card replaces them.
Tenaamstellingscode is the registration code. It has nine digits in two parts. The first four are on the transfer report (tenaamstellingsverslag) when you buy the car, and the last five come with the card. You need the complete code to sell the car. If you lose it, read lost your registration code before selling. If the card is lost, read lost registration card before selling.
Meldcode is the last four digits of the VIN, the chassis number. It is on the registration card and insurers use it.
Tenaamstellingsverslag is the transfer report that the buyer receives, with part one of the new code.
Words for the transfer
Overschrijven means putting a car in a new name. The buyer does this: online with the DigiD app and an ID check, or at a registration counter (kentekenloket), an RDW desk or an RDW inspection station. The RDW page on transferring a registration number lists the conditions.
Vrijwaringsbewijs is the proof of transfer. It is your evidence that the car has left your name. Give up the car only once the proof is in your hands. See the buyer did not transfer the car for what happens without it, and a fine arrives after you sold your car for the role it plays in an objection.
Koopovereenkomst is the sales agreement. A verbal agreement counts as much as a written one, though a written record is safer. See do you need a sales contract.
BRP is the personal records database, the municipal register of where people live. The buyer must be registered in it with a Dutch address to carry out the transfer, and you deregister from it when you move abroad.
DigiD is the Dutch digital ID used to log into government services, among them Mijn RDW, where you can see who a car is registered to.
Mijn RDW and Kentekencheck are the two RDW tools that sellers use to confirm that a car has left their name.
Words about the car’s condition
APK is the periodic roadworthiness test, the Dutch equivalent of an MOT. Driving without a valid APK is forbidden. The RDW explains this on its page about the periodic technical inspection. If yours has expired, read what to do when the APK has expired, or see cars without a valid APK.
NAP was the national mileage register of Stichting NAP. The RDW now registers readings and gives a verdict: logisch, onlogisch or geen oordeel. The post NAP and the mileage check explained shows how to check your car.
Tellerstand is the odometer reading.
Schadeauto is a car with damage. We cover this category on cars with damage.
Words about tax, insurance and status
MRB, or motorrijtuigenbelasting, is road tax. After a sale, the Belastingdienst refunds what you paid for the time after the car left your name, automatically. Details are in road tax refund after selling.
BPM is a tax linked to the first registration of a car in the Netherlands. A refund of BPM on export is possible for used cars under conditions, which the Belastingdienst sets out. The RDW page on exporting a vehicle describes the export steps. A BPM refund starts after the export is registered, so read the Belastingdienst conditions before you plan around one.
WA-verzekering is liability insurance. The law requires it for as long as your name is on the car. End the policy once the register lists the buyer.
Schorsen means suspending the registration with the RDW for one, two or three years. A geschorst (suspended) car is free of road tax, WA insurance and APK duty, but it must stay off public roads. See the RDW page on requesting a suspension.
Exporteren is registering a car for export. The car drives on export plates for a short period.
Words about places and bodies
RDW is the Dutch vehicle authority. It keeps the register of vehicles.
Belastingdienst is the Dutch tax authority.
CJIB is the central fine collection agency, which sends traffic fines.
Gemeente is the municipality, which issues parking permits and keeps your BRP registration. See your parking permit after selling your car.
Kentekenloket is a registration counter where the transfer can be made in person.
When the words are about your move
If you are leaving the country, the moving abroad checklist puts these words in the order you meet them. The FAQ answers the most direct questions about selling to us in English.
If you want to try these words on a real car, get an offer. Everything is in English, and you are free to say no.
Frequently asked questions
What is a kenteken?
The number plate, and the registered number of the car in the Dutch register.
What is the difference between a kentekencard and a kentekenbewijs?
The kentekencard is the card issued since 1 January 2014. The kentekenbewijs is the older paper registration, which remains valid until the next transfer.
What is a vrijwaringsbewijs?
The document that proves the car has left your name. You get it after the buyer has done the transfer.
What does APK mean?
It is the Dutch roadworthiness test. Without a valid APK a car cannot be driven on public roads, yet it can still change hands.
Where can I check who a car is registered to?
Look it up in Mijn RDW, which needs DigiD, or use the Kentekencheck on the RDW website.
