What to bring to the inburgering exam (and which ID counts)
Last checked: 29 October 2026
Bring a valid ID to the inburgering exam, such as your passport, Dutch ID card or Dutch residence permit. Without it you cannot take the exam and you pay again. Everything else, including your phone, watch, coat and bag, goes in a locker. You cannot take paper, pens or books into the exam room.
| Bring | Leave in the locker | Not allowed at all |
|---|---|---|
| A valid ID (see the list below) | Phone | Photos or recordings of the exam |
| Your invitation letter, to check the time and place | Watch | Clothing that covers your whole face |
| A cup, if you want to drink during the exam | Coat and bag | Friends or family in the exam room |
| Paper, pens, books |
Source: DUO exam rules and inburgeren.nl. More Dutch is not affiliated with DUO.
Which ID is accepted for the inburgering exam?
A DUO staff member checks your ID before the exam. The ID must be valid. DUO accepts (inburgeren.nl):
- a Dutch passport, Dutch ID card or Dutch driving licence
- a Dutch moped licence (driving licence AM with photo)
- a diplomatic passport or service passport
- a travel document for foreigners, or a travel document for refugees
- a valid Dutch residence document: residence permit type I, II, III or IV
- a valid W-document
- a valid ID card or passport from the EU, EEA or Switzerland
- a valid EU or EEA driving licence
- a valid ID, travel document or passport issued outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland
For most readers the easiest choice is your passport or your Dutch residence permit. Check the expiry date the week before. A residence permit that is being renewed can expire while you wait for the new one.
What happens if you forget your ID
You cannot take the exam if you have no valid ID, or if it is damaged. You have to register again and pay the exam fee again (exam rules). Showing a false ID can be reported to the police.
What goes in the locker
Before the exam you put your coat, bag, watch, phone and other things in a locker. Staff tell you where the lockers are. You may not take paper, pens or study books into the room either (exam rules). Staff can ask you to show your ears, to check for earphones.
If you keep your coat on, take something in, or take a photo or recording, you have to leave the room and your exam does not count. DUO can also bar you from exams for 3 months after fraud.
The A2 Writing exam is on paper. You write on the exam paper in the room, not on your own paper.
Something to drink
DUO's own video about the exam day says you can bring a cup if you want to drink something during the exam (inburgeren.nl).
Rules on the day
- Be there 30 minutes early. DUO checks your ID and prepares the exam first. For the Nt2 exam, you cannot take part if you are late (duo.nl).
- Come alone. Other people wait outside, and only candidates may enter the exam room.
- Your face must be visible. Clothing that covers the whole face, or everything except the eyes, is not allowed. If you refuse to take it off, you cannot do the exam.
- Keep the exam secret. You sign that you will not share the questions, photograph them or copy them down.
- Toilet: ask first. A staff member walks with you.
- Explanation: you get about 15 minutes of instructions before each exam.
Sources: exam rules, inburgeren.nl.
The Nt2 exam (B1 or B2)
For the Nt2 state exam, bring an ID too. DUO names a passport, ID card, residence permit or driving licence. No ID? Contact DUO before the exam at nt2@duo.nl or 050-599 89 33 (option 1) (duo.nl). Only candidates may enter the building. Parking is limited, so public transport is easier. The Nt2 exam has its own rules on staatsexamensnt2.nl.
The evening before
Put your ID and invitation letter by the door. Check the address of the exam centre. There are six: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle, and DUO has no parking of its own (locations). Plan to arrive 45 minutes early so a late train does not cost you the exam.
Then do something light. One short practice round is enough. If you are taking KNM, a free 15-question KNM drill is a good warm-up, without starting anything new. For the bigger picture, read how to take the inburgering exam and the inburgering exam guide.
Frequently asked questions
What ID do I need for the inburgering exam?
A valid ID such as your passport, Dutch ID card, Dutch driving licence or Dutch residence permit. Passports and ID cards from other countries are accepted too, if valid.
Can I use an expired passport?
No. DUO asks for a valid ID. A damaged ID is also refused.
Can I bring my phone?
You can bring it to the building, but it goes in a locker. You cannot have it in the exam room.
Do I need to bring a pen for the writing exam?
No. You cannot take your own pen or paper into the room. The A2 Writing exam is done on the exam paper there.
Can my partner or child come with me?
They can travel with you, but they wait outside. Only candidates are allowed into the exam room, and at Nt2 locations only candidates may enter at all.
Can I bring water?
DUO says you can bring a cup if you want to drink something during the exam.