RDWregister

The RDWregister is the official vehicle registration database maintained by the Dutch government agency RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer). It contains records for motor vehicles registered in the Netherlands and links each vehicle to its registered owner, supporting tasks such as registration, taxation, safety regulation, and enforcement.

Scope and data. The register covers a range of road vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, and trailers. For each vehicle, core data typically include the license plate (kenteken), vehicle identification number (VIN), make and model, year of manufacture, date of first registration, and technical specifications. The RDWregister also records homologation status, current registration status (active, imported, exported, scrapped), and ownership or registration transfer information where applicable.

Access, privacy, and security. Access to the RDWregister is restricted to authorized governmental bodies, law enforcement, insurers, and other stakeholders under applicable laws. Non-personal, aggregated data and certain statistics may be published or provided through open data channels. Personal data within the register is protected under privacy laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), with controls governing how information can be used and shared.

Governance and use. The RDW is responsible for maintaining data accuracy, timely updates from manufacturers and registrars, and secure data handling. The register supports a variety of use cases, including vehicle taxation, roadworthiness checks, recall notices, import/export procedures, accident investigations, and verification of registration during vehicle sales and insurance processes.

Open data and transparency. Selected datasets and statistics derived from the RDWregister may be made available publicly, while sensitive personal information remains restricted to authorized entities.