The minister bases his decision on the file and advice from the Civil Honours Advisory Commission. The Commission sends this advice to the 'relevant' minister. This means the minister who in the Commission's opinion holds political responsibility for the area of policy in which the essence of the candidate's merits lie. Nominations of people who are active in a number of areas without any particular emphasis are sent to the minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.

A minister who disagrees with the advice of the Commission can request that the advice be reconsidered, including motivation and arguments. This reconsideration may lead to the advice being upheld or modified. If a minister still does not endorse the advice, then he contacts the chairman of the Commission. As a final resort, the minister can ask the cabinet to make a decision. In that case, the cabinet decides on the recommendation.

The minister informs the relevant Queen's Commissioner and mayor of the final decision. The mayor ensures that the nominator is informed of the result.

If the relevant minister has made a positive decision on the nomination, then he sends the recommendation for an honour to Her Majesty the Queen, accompanied by the draft Royal decree.