Dutch transport officers to gain access to driving-licence photographs
Public-transport enforcement officers in the Netherlands will be able to check driving-licence photographs after their employers secure authorisation, reducing their reliance on police for identity checks.
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The Dutch government has cleared the way for public-transport enforcement officers, known as boa’s, to use photographs in the driving-licence register to identify people who have no identity document with them. Employers can apply to the RDW, which manages the register, from 1 October 2026. Officers will gain access after authorisation. [1]
Establishing someone’s identity is necessary before an officer can issue a fine. In these cases, officers currently need police assistance, the government says. It cited research finding that 42% of *all* boa officers encounter a situation each day in which they cannot establish a person’s identity independently. That figure is not specific to public transport. [1]
The government also wants officers to gain access to two other databases in 2028, if legally possible. The legal and technical conditions for that separate plan are still being discussed. [1]
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