Citizen service number (burgerservicenummer, BSN)
The burgerservicenummer (BSN) is a unique personal number for everyone who is registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP). Your BSN appears on your Dutch passport, driving licence and identity card. The BSN replaces the social security and tax number (SoFi number) and consists of the same series of digits.
Government authorities use the BSN to communicate with citizens and improve (electronic) services. They also use the number to share personal data quickly and easily. For example, between the municipality and the Tax Administration (Belastingdienst). But this will happen only if it is permitted by law. The BSN also helps protect against identity theft.
The BSN is required for starting a job in the Netherlands, opening a bank account, using the health care system, applying for benefits, buying a car and announcing a change of address, to name a few examples.
Where you find your BSN
- For Dutch driving licences the BSN can be found in the upper left-hand corner on the back of your licence.
- For Dutch passports issued as of 2014 the BSN is located either on the front or back of the personal details page (hard plastic page). On older passports it appears on the front of this page.
- For Dutch identity cards issued as of 2014 the BSN is located on the back of the card (‘persoonsnummer’). On older identity cards it appears on the front.
The BSN will not appear in your travel documents if you are not registered in the BRP at the time you apply for these documents.
For more information see Begin external link: Where can I find my citizen service number?(External link), end external link.
How to get a BSN
A newborn child gets a BSN when the birth is registered (in the municipality where the family lives). Are you moving from abroad and will you be staying in the Netherlands for more than 4 months? Then you need to register with the municipality in Begin link: City Hall Spui, end link. .
More information
For questions about the BSN, contact the national BSN centre at tel. 1400 or through the Begin external link: website of the Government of the Netherlands(External link), end external link..