Cruising Copenhagen: Swapping Your Driving License
Countries Authorized for Driving Licence Exchange with Denmark
Ready to hit the roads of Denmark? Here's a lowdown on swapping your foreign driving license for a Danish one, but fair warning - it ain't a walk in the park for everyone!
The Nordic Nod: EU and EEA Countries
If you're from one of the EU or EEA countries (think Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, & more), you can use your existing driving license in Denmark until it expires - no need to swap it right away! You can even trade it in for a Danish one if you fancy a fresh piece of plastic. The best part? No tests required!
Greenland Got Talent: Special Rules for Greenlanders
Greenland isn't like the other countries on this list - while the Faroe Islands abide by EU/EEA rules, Greenland has its own unique rules. Greenlanders can drive with their Greenland license until it expires. After that, they'll need to convert it to a Danish one, but only after two quick sessions with a certified instructor.
Global Swappers: Other Favorable Countries
Licenses issued in Australia (Capital Territory only), Brazil, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Russia, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom (including Jersey, Guernsey, and Gibraltar) have reciprocal agreements with Denmark. That means you can exchange them for Danish licenses without having to take any additional tests. Just remember, you've only got 6 months to make the switch once you move to Denmark!
To get a Danish license, you'll have to get a medical declaration from your doc and a written declaration stating you haven't been banned from driving in the last five years. Your license must be unrestricted and not issued under any special conditions.
Oh, and category B licenses only. If you're looking to swap a motorcycle or HGV license, you'll still need to take a test.
For Ukrainians with paper driving licenses and temporary Danish residence permits as displaced persons, you can choose to continue driving with your Ukrainian license or swap it for a Danish one.
Middle Ground: Countries Requiring Additional Steps
Residents from Australia (except the Capital Territory), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, Isle of Man, Israel, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Serbia, Singapore, USA, have similar requirements. You need to have driven within the last two years and have held the foreign license for over two years following your 18th birthday. If you don't meet these conditions, you'll need to take both theory and practical driving tests.
For the Rest: Exchanging Your License, the Hard Way
If your country isn't listed here, you can use your foreign driving license in Denmark for up to 180 days after moving there. You'll need to exchange it if you plan on staying longer. Danish rules allow licenses printed in English, French or Latin letters, or accompanied by translations in these languages. If your license doesn't meet these requirements, you might need to obtain an international license.
To exchange your license, visit the Borgerservice at your local municipality after figuring out which rules apply to you and gathering the necessary documents. Once your application is processed, you'll be told whether you need to take theory and practical driving tests.
Costs and More Info
Expect to pay around 370 kr for the privilege of exchanging your foreign driving license. Find more information on the process and rules on the Danish citizens and residents' platform, borger.dk.
- Switching your driving license for a Danish one might pique your interest, especially if you're a fan of travel and lifestyle changes.
- Art enthusiasts and home-and-garden aficionados who hail from EU or EEA countries can take advantage of the lenient rules for exchanging driving licenses in Denmark.
- Space enthusiasts transitioning to Denmark from Australia (Capital Territory only), Brazil, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Russia, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom (including Jersey, Guernsey, and Gibraltar) can seamlessly exchange their current licenses due to reciprocal agreements.
- News junkies from countries like Australia (except the Capital Territory), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, Isle of Man, Israel, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Serbia, Singapore, USA, need to meet specific conditions to avoid taking driving tests when exchanging their licenses.
- For those living in countries not mentioned, taking the hard route by exchanging licenses may become a part of your news headlines, as it requires adherence to the Danish rules and submission of documentation.
