This Skoda Kodiaq is brand new, but has an ‘old’ license plate number
BN license plate: what is that?
The BN license plate on this Skoda Kodiaq – made unrecognizable for privacy reasons – unofficially stands for “Foreign Non-Diplomats” or “Outside the Netherlands. It is a special license plate issued by the government to employees of international organizations based in the Netherlands, but who do not have diplomatic status. For example, employees of institutions such as Europol, the International Criminal Court or other agencies in The Hague.
The Dutch government introduced this badge to clearly distinguish between regular diplomats and employees who are affiliated with an international organization but are not covered by diplomatic immunity.
Difference from the CD license plate
The CD badge stands for “Corps Diplomatique” and is intended for diplomats and diplomatic missions, such as embassies and consulates. The big difference:
- Diplomatic status: CD badges indicate that the owner enjoys diplomatic immunity, including exemptions from certain taxes and immunity in legal matters.
- BN license plate: does not confer diplomatic status. Thus, the holder has no immunity, but becomes administratively identifiable as an employee of an international organization.
- Briefly, the CD badge marks full diplomatic status, the BN badge is more of a practical designation without the same privileges.
Other special license plates in the Netherlands
Besides BN and CD, there are several other special license plates you may encounter on Dutch roads. Some notable examples:
CDJ license plate
For members of the diplomatic corps with special status, often younger employees or support staff.
GN license plate
Stands for Royal Dutch Army (Green License Plate). Used on Department of Defense vehicles.
KM license plate
For Royal Military Police. Often recognizable on service vehicles, for example in border and airport security.
AA license plate
One of the best known: the AA license plate is reserved for vehicles of the Royal Family. This is a small set of license plates used exclusively by the king, queen and other members of the royal family.
GV license plate
Stands for Border Traffic. Used on vehicles not yet fully admitted to Dutch roads, for example test cars or vehicles temporarily operating in the Netherlands.
ZZ license plate
Especially for test drives by garages or importers. The vehicle need not yet be registered in your name.
Export license plate
Temporary license plate for cars exported from the Netherlands. Often provided with a period of validity and a red frame on the plate.