Can you drive in Denmark with a foreign driving licence?
Rules for visitors on a temporary stay.
Short answer
Yes, on a temporary stay such as a holiday you can drive on a licence issued in an EU or EEA country, the Faroe Islands or Greenland. Other foreign licences are also accepted if they are written in Latin letters or come with a translation into Danish, English or French. The translation must be made by a public authority or an authorised organisation in the country that issued the licence. An international driving licence issued under the conventions of 1926, 1949 or 1968 is accepted as well. If your licence meets none of these conditions, you can apply to Færdselsstyrelsen for permission to drive, a so-called tourist licence, which costs 0 kr. as of November 2026.
Why
- EU and EEA licences are valid as they are.
- Other licences need Latin letters or an official translation.
- A tourist licence is the fallback for everything else.
Details
In some cases Færdselsstyrelsen can require you to pass a controlling driving test before it grants a tourist licence.
Tip
If your licence is not in Latin letters, get the official translation in your home country before you travel, because it cannot be made by just anyone in Denmark.
What may differ
The rules for visitors are different from the rules for people who move to Denmark and take up ordinary residence.
Common misconception
Only EU licences can be used for driving in Denmark.
What actually happens
Licences from outside the EU are also accepted on a temporary stay if they are in Latin letters or have an official translation.
People also ask
- Do you need an International Driving Permit in Denmark?
- How long can you drive on a foreign licence after moving to Denmark?
- Can you rent a car in Denmark with a foreign licence?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules, fines and fees can change, so check the Danish authorities before you drive.
Car rental and parkingRelated questions
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What do you have to do if you damage a parked car in Denmark and nobody is there?
Anyone involved in a traffic accident in Denmark must stop at once, whether or not it was their fault.
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How do you get traffic alerts for the Great Belt Bridge by SMS?
To get traffic alerts about the Great Belt Bridge on your phone, send the text BRO INFO to 1245.
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When does the Great Belt Bridge close in strong wind?
At 10–15 m/s, trailers and caravans with an actual total weight under 750 kg may not cross the Great Belt Bridge, and the speed limit drops to 110 km/h.
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How heavy a trailer can you tow on a B driving licence in Denmark?
With a B licence you may always tow a trailer with a permitted total weight of up to 750 kg, as long as the car is allowed to tow.