Foreign driving licences in Denmark (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Licences from EU and EEA countries are valid in Denmark with no duty to exchange. Other foreign licences must be in Latin letters or translated, and after ordinary residence is established they may be used for 180 days before exchange.

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceNo requirement to exchange it for a Danish licence; it stays valid in Denmark for the validity period stated on it. If you choose to exchange it, no controlling driving test is required. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceAccepted for a temporary stay if it is in Latin letters or comes with a translation into Danish, English or French made by a public authority or an authorised body of the issuing country; an international driving permit under the 1926, 1949 or 1968 conventions is also accepted. Without a licence valid in Denmark, a tourist licence can be requested from Færdselsstyrelsen. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceMay be used for up to 180 days after you establish ordinary residence in Denmark, then it must be exchanged for a Danish licence. A controlling driving test is required for licences from third countries, but not for category B from group 1 or group 2 countries. The licence still needs Latin letters or a translation. [1]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licenceNo [1]

Notes

  • The exchange rules come from the Borger.dk page for foreigners resident in Denmark; Færdselsstyrelsen is the deciding authority.
  • Færdselsstyrelsen publishes the lists of group 1 and group 2 countries. Ordinary residence generally starts when you settle in Denmark to stay at least 185 days a year; borgerservice assesses this. Greenland licences have their own rule (180 days, then exchange or two lessons).
  • Færdselsstyrelsen lists an EU or EEA licence as valid on its own and does not mention an international driving permit for it.

Sources

  1. Færdselsstyrelsen: Udenlandsk kørekort i Danmark (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.