Local authorities should not charge people for ID cards because it is in the government’s interest that people use them, a court in Den Bosch ruled on Thursday.

People are increasingly required to show an ID card in order to comply with government requirements, such as to start a new job, apply for social security benefits or open a bank account, the court said.
This means the cards are required in the general interest, and citizens should therefore not have to pay for them.
Private interests
In law, local councils are only allowed to charge for services if the private interest of the individual is more important than the general interest.
The decision does not apply to driving licences and passports.
According to website rechtzaak.nl, the case is to be referred to the high court for its opinion.