Confirm the Danish export process, any export refund and a valid transport route before payment. Then arrange the RDW import inspection, taxes, insurance and registration in the Netherlands in the correct order.
Do not pay until you can verify that the car, the seller, Danish deregistration, allocation of the refund and lawful transport are all in order. RDW processes purchases from Denmark through its EU/EFTA import route. To register a car in the Netherlands, you must be at least 18 and registered in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen, BRP). RDW does not issue number plates for the journey from abroad. 1
Decide before paying
| Decision | Required evidence | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Car and seller | Agreement, original registration certificate, vehicle identification number (VIN/chassis number), seller's authority | Stop if there is a discrepancy or an original is missing. 2, 3 |
| Bilbogen result | Security interests and retention of title | A match may block the refund; no match does not prove the car's history. 2, 4 |
| Assess the condition | Inspection reports and pre-purchase inspection | No complete damage or maintenance history. 5, 6 |
| Pursue an export refund | Contract covering the applicant, costs, proceeds and risk | No automatic discount. 2 |
| Drive or transport | Recognition and insurance for the route | Use a transporter if the sticker route is unconfirmed. 7, 1 |
| Value added tax (VAT) status | First use, mileage and invoice | The OR condition determines the Dutch return. 8, 9, 10 |
| Private motor vehicle and motorcycle tax (BPM) route | Date, RDW CO2 figure, fuel, mileage and depreciation | An appraisal is not automatically permitted. 11, 12 |
Check the car, seller and documents
Current and historical inspection reports show the outcome, defects and the available odometer reading, not a complete damage, repair or maintenance history. 56
Take valid ID and the complete original registration certificate to the RDW import inspection; make a copy in advance for BPM. The certificate of conformity (CvO; internationally often CoC) is optional, but CO2 may affect BPM. RDW assesses identity and documents, not the car's general technical condition; danger or damage may result in a prohibition on road use. 1
Arrange Danish deregistration and the export refund
Upon Danish deregistration, Motorstyrelsen notifies the insurer, stops recurring vehicle tax and refunds any overpayment, separately from the export refund. That overpayment likewise does not reduce your agreed purchase price unless you and the seller expressly allocate the benefit in the contract. Until Danish re-registration or deregistration, the seller continues to pay Danish vehicle tax and third-party liability insurance. The four-working-day period after purchase applies to this, not as a registration route for export buyers. 1314
For an export refund, the extended registration/customs inspection may be no more than four weeks old when the valuation application is submitted. If the applicant is not registered as the owner, proof of ownership is required. Also required are the purchase agreement or invoice and separate proof of actual export: foreign registration, a CMR or an export declaration. Export the car within three months of the application; the authority's declaration is supplementary only. 2
The refund is no more than the registration tax originally paid and excludes equipment fitted later. There is no refund if the car has lost its tax identity, has damage that cannot normally be repaired or an excluded accident status, was first registered more than 35 years ago, or cannot be registered or pass inspection. A charge recorded in Bilbogen results in rejection and a refund of the valuation fee. The indicative processing time for a complete file is nine weeks. 24
Choose safe transport to the Netherlands
| Option | Requirements | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Danish temporary sticker | AKR/CPR route, permit, documents and insurance for the route | No more than seven days; the official Danish page permits use from Denmark to or through Germany, but Dutch recognition and full route and territorial cover are unconfirmed. 7 |
| Vehicle transporter | Quote, addresses and vehicle details | Price and scheduling vary. 1 |
| RDW one-day registration | Appointment, printout, white plates, Dutch insurance, safe car | Only on the inspection day in the Netherlands, using the shortest route between RDW and home. 15 |
| Short-use tax exception | Foreign number plates, vehicle made available abroad, advance online notification | No more than two consecutive weeks, once per vehicle/user every twelve months. For tax purposes only: no right to registration or road use, no insurance cover and no route for permanent import. If the conditions are not met or use continues for longer, BPM and motor vehicle tax (mrb) are payable from day one. 16 |
The sticker is valid for no more than seven days (each from 00.00–23.59), can be ordered up to fourteen days in advance and applies only to the permit holder. A foreign national without a CPR number can order without logging in, using an AKR number, ID, proof of payment, VIN/registration details, dates and purpose. Export from the importer/exporter address is permitted. The sticker can be collected from an inspection centre; it is not posted abroad. Domestic Danish post takes three to four working days. Before booking your journey, confirm how long it takes to create an AKR number and when you can collect the sticker from your chosen inspection centre. 7
Follow the Dutch inspection and tax sequence
Ask RDW to carry over the valid Danish periodic inspection using the original report, a registration-certificate endorsement or a number-plate sticker; acceptance is not guaranteed. If an APK is required and there is no accepted evidence or RDW APK, arrange a periodic roadworthiness inspection (APK) immediately after receiving the Dutch registration certificate; a delay may result in a fine. 1
Submit the BPM return only after RDW approval and electronic transfer of the vehicle data. At 3,000 km or more, the car is definitely used for BPM purposes; a lower mileage does not automatically mean it is new. Gross BPM is based on RDW's CO2 figure. New cars use WLTP; for used cars from before 1 July 2020, the available measured or converted NEDC/WLTP figure applies; there is no WLTP figure for cars from before 2018. If the CO2 figure is missing, for '1 July 2020 to the present' the page uses 550 g/km for petrol or 395 for diesel and, if more favourable, for '1 January 2015 to 1 July 2020' 507/356 g/km (petrol/diesel) and for '1 January 2009 to 1 January 2015' 350/302 g/km (petrol/diesel). 1711
For a used car, compare the permitted current and historical rates and apply depreciation using a Dutch trade price list, appraisal report or the statutory table; choose the most favourable permitted method. An appraisal is not automatically permitted. The source mentions special cases, appraiser requirements, roadworthiness and a condition within one month before the RDW import inspection, but does not clarify which requirements are cumulative or alternatives. Check the current filing instructions in advance. 1112
For VAT purposes, a car is new if it has been in use for no more than six months OR has covered no more than 6,000 km; it is used only if it has covered more than 6,000 km AND is supplied more than six months after first registration. An EU car treated as new for VAT entails Dutch VAT and the special private-buyer return for a new intra-Community means of transport. For a car treated as used for VAT, the transfer itself does not create additional Dutch acquisition VAT; dealer invoices and margin-scheme treatment can differ. 8910
From the point at which it is registered in your name, a car subject to compulsory insurance needs Dutch third-party liability insurance (WA insurance); the reporting code is the last four digits of the VIN. Registration in your name counts as the mrb return; the bill follows automatically. Contact the Belastingdienst if no bill arrives within one month. The amount depends on vehicle type, weight, fuel, environmental characteristics and province. 118
Budget for fixed and variable items
No total; official rates as at 13 September 2026.
| Cost item | Amount | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | To be determined | As set out in the purchase agreement. 2, 3 |
| Pre-purchase inspection | Request a quote | After confirmation of the location, scope and price. 19, 20 |
| Danish extended export inspection | To be determined | If applying for an export refund. 2 |
| Danish valuation application | DKK 2,250.00 | Rate as at 13 September 2026; payable when submitting the valuation application; refunded if a Bilbogen charge causes rejection. 2 |
| Danish deregistration and surrender of number plates | To be determined | The provider sets the fee. 14 |
| Danish temporary sticker | DKK 100.00 per day | Rate as at 13 September 2026; no more than seven days; Danish third-party liability insurance included. 7 |
| Vehicle transporter | Request a quote | If sticker recognition or cover is unconfirmed. 1, 7 |
| Potential Danish export refund | To be determined | The Danish registration tax that would apply if the same car were imported into Denmark, less 15%; passenger car: minimum deduction of DKK 8,500.00; allocate contractually. 2 |
| RDW identification up to and including 3,500 kg | €58.50 | Rate as at 13 September 2026; this weight bracket. 1 |
| RDW identification from 3,501 kg | €120.00 | Rate as at 13 September 2026; alternative weight bracket. 1 |
| RDW registration certificate | €50.00 | Rate as at 13 September 2026. 1 |
| Registration in the owner's name via RDW | €13.10 | Rate as at 13 September 2026. 1 |
| Recycling contribution | €22.50 | Rate as at 13 September 2026; if applicable, up to and including 3,500 kg. 1 |
| Control reinspection | €42.00 | Rate as at 13 September 2026; if applicable. 1 |
| RDW one-day registration | €0.00 | Free of charge on 13 September 2026; insurance and plates are separate. 15 |
| White plates and inspection-day insurance | To be determined | If driving the car yourself on the inspection day. 15 |
| BPM and any diesel surcharge | To be determined | Based on CO2, date, usage status and depreciation. 17, 11, 12 |
| Trade price list or permitted appraisal | To be determined | Based on the permitted method. 11, 12 |
| Any Dutch VAT | To be determined | According to VAT status and invoice. 8, 9, 10 |
| Replacement CvO, if needed | To be determined | Vehicle-dependent, if required. 1 |
| Document translation, if needed | Request a quote | If required; depends on scope. 1 |
| APK inspection, if needed | To be determined | Without a carried-over inspection or RDW APK. 1 |
| Repairs, if needed | Request a quote | According to the inspection findings. 1 |
| Dutch number plates | To be determined | After registration; recognised manufacturer. 1 |
| Dutch third-party liability insurance (WA insurance) | Request a quote | From registration in the owner's name; depends on the person and vehicle. 1 |
| Motor vehicle tax | To be determined | According to type, weight, fuel, environmental characteristics and province. 1, 18 |
| Special approval, if needed | To be determined | Only for a modified or exceptional vehicle. 1 |
Work chronologically
| Action | Timing |
|---|---|
| Check the VIN, registration certificate, seller's authority and contract. | Before payment 2, 3 |
| Check Bilbogen for security interests and retention of title. | Before payment 4 |
| Download the inspection reports; arrange an inspection if needed. | Before payment 5, 6 |
| Record the mileage, date, CO2, fuel, CvO and invoice. | Before payment 1, 11, 8 |
| Record the applicant, costs, proceeds and risk. | Before payment 2 |
| Have the extended registration/customs inspection carried out; apply for a valuation within four weeks. | Before deregistration and export 2 |
| Confirm sticker recognition and full-route cover or book a transporter. | Before surrendering the number plates 7, 1 |
| Deregister the car and surrender the Danish number plates. | After the valuation application and transport confirmation 2, 14 |
| Export the car lawfully; retain the CMR, export declaration or foreign registration. | After surrendering the number plates; within three months of the valuation application 2, 7, 1 |
| Book an RDW appointment; make a copy of the registration certificate for BPM in advance and take the complete original registration certificate and valid ID. Take the original foreign inspection evidence if requesting that the inspection be carried over. Take the CvO if available. | Before the RDW appointment 1 |
| If you drive the car yourself on the RDW inspection day, arrange the one-day registration, printout, white plates, insurance and a safe journey. | RDW inspection day 15 |
| Ask RDW to assess the original inspection evidence. | During the RDW appointment 1 |
| Submit the BPM return. | After RDW approval and electronic transfer of the vehicle data 17 |
| If the car is new for VAT, file the special return. | Check the filing time separately 8, 9 |
| Activate WA insurance immediately when the car is registered in your name. | After tax approval 1 |
| Have the number plates made; arrange an APK immediately if required. | After receiving the registration certificate 1 |
| Check the mrb bill; contact the Belastingdienst if you have heard nothing after one month. | After registration in your name 1, 18 |
Be precise about a pre-purchase inspection
Carvago Deutschland GmbH provides CarAudit in the Netherlands; the terms have applied since 1 August 2026. The stated 48 hours after inspection, excluding weekends and public holidays, is indicative and depends on circumstances and availability. Denmark is not on the public coverage list. Access to the car and seller, time, weather and the test drive may limit the inspection. The inspection is not a guarantee, does not promise to identify hidden defects and does not include import administration. 1920
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive to the Netherlands using a Danish temporary sticker?
Only after confirming the permit, driver, Dutch recognition and insurance for the route; otherwise use a vehicle transporter. 7, 1
Does the Danish inspection automatically count as an APK?
No. RDW assesses the original evidence. Without acceptance or an RDW APK, arrange an APK immediately after receiving the registration certificate; a delay may result in a fine. 1
When is Dutch VAT payable?
A car is new for VAT if no more than six months have passed since first use OR it has covered no more than 6,000 km; Dutch VAT and the special return are then required. It is used for VAT only if it has covered more than 6,000 km AND is supplied more than six months after first registration. 8, 9, 10
Is the RDW one-day registration valid for the journey from Denmark?
No: it is valid only on the inspection day in the Netherlands, using the shortest route between RDW and home, with a printout, white plates, Dutch insurance and a safe car. 15
Can I use the short-use exemption for permanent import?
No. Requirements: foreign number plates and the vehicle being made available abroad, advance online notification, no more than two consecutive weeks, and once per vehicle/user every twelve months. If the rules are breached, BPM and mrb are payable from day one. 16
How long do the registration certificate, registration code and export refund take?
After approval by RDW and the Belastingdienst: the registration certificate arrives within five working days and the code two working days later, subject to post; obtain the plates from an RDW-recognised manufacturer. The indicative time for the Danish refund is nine weeks after a complete file, not the total import time. 1, 2
Which Danish documents should I check before paying?
Ask for all original parts of the Danish registration certificate and a signed purchase agreement or invoice stating the seller, buyer, vehicle identification number (VIN/chassis number), price, date and handover terms. Check the seller's authority to sell: the registration certificate names the registered owner but does not prove ownership. Bilbogen shows only vehicle-secured charges and retention of title, not ownership, personal debts, accidents or maintenance. 2, 4, 3
Who receives the Danish export refund, and which costs are fixed?
The eligible claimant receives the refund through NemKonto, potentially after public debts are set off; agree the costs and proceeds contractually. As at 13 September 2026, the valuation application costs DKK 2,250.00; the fee is payable on application and is refunded if a Bilbogen charge causes rejection. The temporary sticker costs DKK 100.00 per day on that date. Deregistration/number plates, the export inspection and the refund amount are to be determined. 2, 7, 14
If you are considering an inspection before purchase, ask CarAudit about availability, terms and price at the location in Denmark. Denmark is not publicly confirmed; making contact does not amount to a commitment or to import administration. 21
Sources
- Voertuig invoeren vanuit een Europees land
- Exporting vehicles
- Registration certificate
- The Digital Motor Vehicle Securities Register (Bilbogen)
- Find inspection report
- The inspection report
- Temporary stickers and permanent test plates
- Wat zijn nieuwe of bijna nieuwe vervoermiddelen?
- Aankoop van nieuwe en bijna nieuwe vervoermiddelen uit EU-landen
- Auto kopen of verkopen: btw
- Hoe bereken ik de bpm voor een personenauto?
- Bpm afschrijving gebruikte motorrijtuigen
- Registration and re-registration
- Deregistering and handing in number plates
- Eendagskenteken aanvragen
- Vrijstelling bpm en mrb bij kortstondig gebruik
- Ik koop een motorrijtuig in het buitenland - hoe zit het met de bpm-aangifte?
- Motorrijtuigenbelasting
- CarAudit: koop een tweedehands auto nooit blind
- CarAudit-voorwaarden
- Contact
