HOW TO GET A DRIVING LICENSE IN BELGIUM WITHOUT ANY OBJECTION?

 

    

EU citizens do not need a Belgian driver's license as there is an agreement that allows a foreign EU driver's license to be used in Belgium. However, it is advisable to register your national driver's license with the local mayor's office. If you lose your SIM, you can replace it with a Belgian SIM (as long as you are legally domiciled in Belgium).

 

Who can change their foreign driver's license in Belgium?

1.) People with Belgian ID card/orange card

2.) Citizens of countries that have reciprocal agreements with Belgium that allow the driver to change his driver's license to Belgian. Under the following link, you can check if there is a deal for your country. Please note that you can only change your foreign SIM if you get one before you officially move to Belgium.

 

What if your home country does not have a reciprocal agreement with Belgium?

You must pass the Belgian driving test (practical and theory test). More information can be found here.

 

How long will it take to replace your SIM with a Belgian equivalent?

About 6-8 weeks. It took me 5 weeks to find out that the city hall said my Filipino driver's license was genuine. Then it took another week before I got my Belgian driver's license. For non-EU license holders only: You are not allowed to drive in Belgium during the exchange period.

 

Change your foreign SIM, usual steps

·       Make sure your country has a reciprocal agreement with Belgium that allows drivers to change their driver's license to Belgian. 

 

·  Make an appointment with the local town hall for a Belgium driver's license exchange. Here you can make an appointment for Antwerp. Choose Buitenland rijbewijs (foreign driving license).

·  At your first meeting, you must bring your Belgian ID card / orange ID card, valid passport, and foreign driver's license. City hall keeps your foreign driver's license (doesn't return it). They will determine if your SIM is genuine or not (usually takes 5-8 weeks). They will then send you a letter in the post to let you know if they will issue you a Belgian driver's license. For non-EU license holders only: You are not allowed to drive in Belgium during the exchange period.

 

·     After receiving the letter from the mayor's office, you will have to make another appointment. Here you can make an appointment for Antwerp. Select Buitenland rijbewijs (foreign SIM) again.

 

·    At your second meeting, you must bring a letter from the city hall, your Belgian ID card/orange card, your passport, passport photo, and 25 euros. You will be asked again to get your Belgian driver's license.

·  I have to return to Antwerp 3 working days after my second meeting. I had to bring my payment receipt, Belgian ID card/orange card and passport. After exactly 6 weeks, I finally have my shiny Belgian driver's license - valid for 10 years!