🪪 Am I allowed to drive on a foreign licence in Denmark?

With conditions

Quick answer

It depends where the licence was issued. An EU/EEA licence is valid in Denmark and can be exchanged for a Danish one without a test. With a licence from another country you may drive on it, but you must exchange it within 180 days of establishing residence in Denmark. Licences from a group of countries — such as the UK, Japan, Switzerland and South Korea — can be exchanged without a test. The USA, Canada and another group can be exchanged on certain conditions, while all other countries must take a control driving test. The exchange costs 520 kr.

📋 The rules

An EU/EEA licence is valid and exchanged without a test
Other countries: exchange within 180 days of residence
A group of countries exchange without a test (e.g. UK, Japan)
Other countries need a control driving test
The exchange costs 520 kr

🔓 Exceptions

Ukrainian refugees with a physical licence may keep driving
The USA, Canada and a group of countries exchange on certain conditions
Licences from Greenland have a special exchange scheme

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Driving after the 180 days without having exchanged is driving without entitlement under Road Traffic Act §56 and can bring a fine of about 2,000 kr the first time.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Can I drive on an EU licence in Denmark?

Yes. An EU/EEA licence is valid and can be exchanged for a Danish one without a test.

How long can I drive on a foreign licence?

From a country outside the EU/EEA you must exchange within 180 days of establishing residence in Denmark.

Must I take a test to exchange?

Licences from a group of countries exchange without a test. All other countries must take a control driving test.

What does an exchange cost?

520 kr in 2026.

What if I drive too long on a foreign licence?

It is driving without entitlement and can bring a fine of about 2,000 kr the first time.

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