Can I Use My Verblijfstitel as ID or Do I Need My Passport?
If you're living in the Netherlands on a residence permit, also known as a verblijfstitel, you might wonder whether it's sufficient identification for daily life or when traveling within the EU.
What Is a Verblijfstitel?
The verblijfstitel is your Dutch residence permit card, issued by the IND (Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst). It contains your photo, residence status, and biometric data.
Using It as Identification Inside the Netherlands
Yes, you can generally use your verblijfstitel as valid identification in the Netherlands for things like:
- Registering with the municipality
- Opening a bank account
- Proving your residence status
- Showing ID to police or other officials
However, it’s not considered a full replacement for a passport in all situations.
Do I Still Need My Passport?
Yes, you should still carry your valid passport in the following situations:
- Traveling outside the Netherlands
- Flying within the Schengen area (airlines often require it)
- Dealing with embassies or consulates
- Major legal processes such as getting married or notarizing documents
Travel Within the Schengen Area
While the verblijfstitel shows that you are allowed to live in the Netherlands, it is not recognized as a travel document. If you are visiting nearby Schengen countries like Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Austria, or Denmark, you must carry your passport along with your verblijfstitel.
Pro Tip
Always have both documents when traveling — your verblijfstitel proves residency, and your passport is the valid travel document. If you are stopped at the border or by police, they may request both.