Lost your registration code? How to get a new one

The tenaamstellingscode (registration code, see tenaamstellingscode) has 9 digits. Part 1 is on the transfer report you received when the car was put in your name, part 2 in the letter that came with the registration card. Do not confuse it with the meldcode, the last 4 digits of the VIN. Still have an old paper registration? Then you never had a code, and losing part of it means you need a new kentekencard.

You can only request a new code if the car is registered to you or your company and you still have the registration card. For a lease car, only the lease or finance company can request one. Not sure the car is still in your name? Check Mijn RDW or use the licence plate check.

On rdw.nl go to 'Tenaamstellingscode kwijt' and choose the download with DigiD. If the car is registered to your company, choose eHerkenning. Follow the steps and pay €1.25 with iDEAL or Wero. Within minutes you receive 2 emails: a confirmation, then one with a link to the code. You may have to log in again to download it.

You receive all 9 digits in one go. Save the file right away: after 40 days the code can no longer be downloaded. The old code is now invalid, while your plate stays the same. If you find the old code later, the request cannot be cancelled and there is no refund. Keep the code with your other car papers, not in the car.

Without DigiD, or when ordering for someone else, use the meldcode, shown on the registration document and the transfer report. On rdw.nl choose 'Tenaamstellingscode aanvragen', then the code-only option, and pay with iDEAL or Wero. The RDW posts the full code to the owner's address in the BRP (Personal Records Database). Order on a weekday before 20:00 and it is posted on the 3rd working day.

Need the code the same day? Go to the RDW desk in Veendam or Zoetermeer or to an RDW inspection station. Bring the registration document and a valid ID card, passport or driving licence. For a company car, also bring a certified Chamber of Commerce (KVK) extract no older than 1 year. You leave with the registration code in hand.

Lost the registration card too, or was it stolen or damaged? Order a new card with registration code on rdw.nl using your meldcode. It costs €39.80. Order on a weekday before 20:00 and the card is posted the next working day, the code within 3 working days. Then you can carry on with the ownership transfer.