What KentekenKompas can show
Available public vehicle data, APK context, registration fields, technical data, recall context and buying questions.
Dutch car check for expats and international buyers
KentekenKompas helps expats and international buyers understand Dutch public vehicle data, APK context, road tax factors, import signals and used-car buying risks. It is not an official RDW service and does not show owner identity, full damage history, full maintenance history or an official valuation.
English help for Dutch car data
Learn what RDW, APK, kenteken, road tax and Dutch registration terms mean before you buy.
01Dutch plate data02Buying steps03Clear limits
Start here
English vehicle guides
Choose an English guide for Dutch vehicle checks, comparison and used-car buying.
License plate
Dutch license plate check
Enter a Dutch plate and open the available vehicle fields in English.
Open routeCompare
Compare Dutch used cars
Read the English comparison guide, then open the Dutch tool to compare two plates.
Open routeCar report
Car report in the Netherlands
Learn the order and limits of the field groups in a vehicle report.
Open routeRDW context
RDW vehicle check in the Netherlands
Separate public RDW-related data from official RDW transactions.
Open routeAPK
APK check in the Netherlands
Read inspection status and expiry without treating APK as maintenance proof.
Open routeRoad tax
Road tax in the Netherlands
Collect the inputs needed for an official MRB calculation.
Open routeUsed car buying
Buying a used car in the Netherlands
Follow the Dutch purchase from seller checks to transfer and handover.
Open routeImport
Imported car in the Netherlands
Compare admission dates and request the documents behind the timeline.
Open routeChecklist
Used car checklist for the Netherlands
Take a concise evidence checklist to the viewing and test drive.
Open routeDutch terminology
Dutch car terms for international buyers
Recognise 25 Dutch terms in adverts, documents and official processes.
Open routeBoundaries
What this English flow does and does not cover
KentekenKompas remains a Dutch site. The English flow focuses only on core vehicle checks and buying guidance.
Available report information stays free online. For €2.49, you can buy the same available information as a downloadable PDF for one license plate; payment does not unlock extra vehicle data.
What KentekenKompas does not show
No owner data, no full damage history, no official stolen-vehicle status, no official valuation and no complete mileage history.
How expats should use it
Use the report to prepare questions, then verify documents, mileage evidence, maintenance records and physical condition.
Where Dutch terms are explained
The English guides explain RDW, APK, kenteken, road tax, import signals, registration and car-report limits.
Dutch terms
Key Dutch car terms for expats
Use these terms to understand adverts, seller documents, RDW-related data and the English KentekenKompas flow.
| Dutch term | English meaning | Why it matters | Where to check it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenteken | Dutch license plate or vehicle registration number. | It is the starting point for checking public Dutch vehicle data before you contact a seller. | Open relevant English page |
| RDW | The Netherlands Vehicle Authority. | RDW-related public data can help you verify identity, registration and technical fields. | Open relevant English page |
| APK | Dutch periodic roadworthiness inspection. | The expiry date affects risk, negotiation and whether you may face inspection costs soon. | Open relevant English page |
| MRB / wegenbelasting | Dutch motor vehicle tax, often called road tax. | Mass, fuel type, province and vehicle type can change ownership costs. | Open relevant English page |
| Datum eerste toelating | Date of first admission to traffic. | It helps you read vehicle age and import context, especially when Dutch registration is later. | Open relevant English page |
| Kentekencard | Dutch vehicle registration card. | You need the documents to verify the car, seller story and transfer context. | Open relevant English page |
Ready to check a Dutch car?
Start with the English plate check, then use the buying guides and checklists to ask better seller questions.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers for expats and international used-car buyers in the Netherlands.
Can I check a Dutch car in English?Open answer
Yes. Use the English Dutch license plate check and the English guides to understand RDW data, APK context, road tax factors and buying questions.
Is KentekenKompas an official RDW service?Open answer
No. KentekenKompas is not an official RDW service. It explains public vehicle data and links to Dutch tools and official sources where needed.
Can I see owner details or full damage history?Open answer
No. KentekenKompas does not show owner data, private registration history, stolen status or full damage history.
What should expats check before buying a used car?Open answer
Check the license plate, APK expiry, seller documents, mileage evidence, maintenance invoices, road tax factors, insurance, test drive results and whether the advert matches public data.
Should I buy from a dealer or a private seller?Open answer
A dealer may offer warranty, delivery checks and clearer paperwork. A private seller can be cheaper, but you need stricter document checks, payment discipline and inspection proof.