burgerservicenummers

The burgerservicenummer (BSN) is the Dutch personal identification number used to identify residents in interactions with government agencies and many private organizations. It is a unique nine-digit code intended to simplify identification across public services and certain private services in the Netherlands.

The BSN is issued by the Belastingdienst (Tax and Customs Administration) on behalf of municipalities. It is assigned when a person is registered in the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP), the national personal records database. Children receive a BSN through the registration process at birth, and newcomers to the Netherlands obtain one when they register with their gemeente (municipality).

Uses of the BSN include taxation, social security, healthcare, education, and other government services. It is increasingly accepted by private-sector organizations—such as banks, insurers, and healthcare providers—that require a reliable form of identification linked to official records. The BSN helps data sharing between authorities while maintaining a single, consistent identity for individuals.

Privacy and security: The BSN is personal data protected under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It should be shared only when necessary and with trusted organizations that have a legitimate need to verify identity or access records. Misuse can lead to identity theft or improper access to services.

Notes: The BSN is a nine-digit number and does not publicly reveal detailed personal attributes. It is part of the national population registration system designed to streamline interactions with government and, where possible, with private entities.