Criminal Law in the Netherlands.

Want your driving licence returned in the Netherlands? Collect the seizure receipt, any letter about retention and your case number before choosing the procedure.

You can ask the prosecutor to return the licence provisionally. Explain why you urgently need it and support that need with relevant documents.

You can complain to the court from the moment of seizure. You do not always have to wait for a later decision first.

Describe essential journeys for work or caring duties. Include supporting evidence and explain which alternative transport options you have investigated and why they fail.

A return decision is provisional. The criminal case can continue afterwards, and a driving disqualification may still follow at a later stage.

Wait until you have actually received your licence. Check its validity and any separate CBR measures before deciding whether you may drive again.

Read the full explanation on the Criminal Law in the Netherlands website.