It consists of a golden escutcheon with a white stork in natural colours holding a black eel, a count's crown as coronet, and two golden lions rampant regardant as supporters standing on a green decorative compartment.

[1] On 27 September 2012, the motto Vrede en Recht (English: Peace and Justice) was added to the compartment, referring to the city's global recognition as the home of international justice and accountability.

These coats of arms are all effectively in the public domain, as the municipalities cannot claim copyright.

[3] In contrast, actually using the coat of arms to suggest any kind of official endorsement is restricted.

In general permission is not granted to others, because the coat of arms designates the city of The Hague.