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Introduction
As of April 1, 2025, RDW will introduce new RDW authentication stamps for all documents certified by RDW. This authentication stamp serves as official confirmation that a document has been issued by RDW.
Consequently, as of April 1, 2025, the old authentication stamps will no longer be in use. All current documents that are presently authenticated with a blue RDW stamp bearing the national coat of arms will henceforth be authenticated with a red stamp without the national coat of arms.
History of the RDW Authentication Stamps
RDW, formerly the National Road Traffic Service, was previously a governmental agency. This changed in 1996 when RDW was restructured into an independent administrative body (ZBO). From that moment, RDW was designated as the Road Traffic Service and ceased to be a governmental agency. However, the authentication stamp used prior to 1996 remained in use by RDW in its capacity as a ZBO.
In 2018, a new framework regulation (Regulation (EU) 2018/858) came into effect, establishing a clear distinction between RDW as the type-approval authority and RDW as the technical service provider. Since RDW had been using a single stamp for both functions, there was ambiguity regarding the capacity in which the authentication stamp was being applied. This provided a strong impetus to modernize the stamp and introduce distinct variations to reflect these separate roles. Consequently, a project was initiated in 2020 to facilitate this transition, culminating in the implementation of new authentication stamps as of April 1, 2025.
Types of Authentication Stamps
Three distinct types of authentication stamps have been developed:
General RDW stamp
RDW Stamp for Type Approval Authority
RDW Stamp for RDW Technical Service
Old RDW Stamp
Changes to the Signing Procedure for Documents
The introduction of the new authentication stamps has prompted a review of the procedures for signing and authenticating documents. These procedures were not always in strict accordance with RDW’s mandate regulations. Furthermore, RDW seeks to protect its employees from unauthorized use of their names and signatures on documents. To address these concerns, the following new protocol has been established:
- As a general rule, documents will be signed in the name of the responsible manager. For instance, type-approval certificates will be signed by the Manager of the Certification Unit rather than the inspector assigned to the unit.
- In exceptional cases where it is not yet feasible to apply the general rule—such as in situations requiring the immediate issuance of certain documents related to ADR and ATP—the signature and stamp may still be applied by the responsible employee. However, the inclusion of the employee’s name is not required. It should be noted that current exceptions to the general rule will be subject to future review and possible revision.
Appearance of the New Stamps
Soon you will find here the examples of the new RDW authentication stamps:
- General RDW Stamp;
- RDW Stamp for Type Approval Authority;
- RDW Stamp for RDW Technical Service;
- Old RDW Stamp.
Transition to the New Stamps & Notification Letter
With the publication of this announcement, RDW aims to inform all clients and stakeholders worldwide of the transition to the new authentication stamps. Additionally, RDW has prepared a formal letter that may be provided to clients in case of any confusion regarding the new stamps. This letter is available in Dutch and includes translations into French, German, and English to assist clients who may be required to present their documents abroad.
Final Remarks
RDW has observed that third parties have, in the past, taken it upon themselves to verify the authenticity of RDW-issued documents and have even created their own databases for this purpose. However, the verification of document authenticity is the exclusive responsibility of RDW. Any party with doubts regarding the authenticity of an RDW-issued document must contact RDW directly to request verification. RDW can be reached through the official communication channels designated for such inquiries.
Questions
For questions regarding this announcement, please send an email to the policy department via the address [email protected].