In The Netherlands, it is obligated to have at least one form of ID with you at all times. Except for people with a drivers license, two identity documents are rare to have. It is allowed to have multiple nationalities and thus to have passports of more then one country.
Passport
An introduction to the check marks for Dutch ID's issued before 2006 can be found here (in dutch). There are links to English, German, French and Spanish translations. Detailed description of checkmarks for ID's issued after 2006 can be found here (in dutch). There are translations for other languages as well on this URL.
- Every page has a "shadow" watermark.
- Hologram (to the lower right of the photo)
- Embroiled "NLD" (left and right side of the plastic page containing the photo)
- A perforated, second picture in the plastic page
- Luminescent ink on every page (small strokes, and the weapon of the Dutch lion)
- Small print: "Koninkrijk der Nederlanden"
- Lasered document photo and number
- from 26th of August 2006 the document has RFID chip
- the document expires after 5 year.
Identity Card
A cheaper, smaller alternative to the passport. Valid in most European countries. Detailed description for ID cards issued from 2006 can be found here (in dutch). There are translations to other languages to be found via the latter URL.
- Hologram (over validity date)
- Embroiled "NLD" (over signature and photo)
- A perforated, second picture
- Lasered document photo and number
- from 26th of August 2006 the document has RFID chip
- document expires after 5 year.
More advanced checkmarks
This document contains information in Dutch for municipality employees.
Drivers License ID Card
Drivers License is accepted to be used as official ID. Detailed description can be found for driver license issues from the year 2002 and 2006. From the year 2006 the driver license has the format of an ID card and has a lasered photo, hologram, kinogram, perforated second photo. A driver license expires after 10 year (after 5 years for 65+).