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Can you drive in Denmark with a US driving licence?

From tourist trip to living in Denmark.

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Short answer

Yes. On a temporary stay you can drive on a US licence written in Latin letters, so most visitors need no extra document. If you take up ordinary residence in Denmark, you can drive on it for up to 180 days and must then exchange it. The USA is a group 2 country, so a category B licence can be exchanged without a driving test if you declare that you have held and used it for the last two years and have not been disqualified in the last 5 years. As of November 2026 the exchange costs 520 kr., and you also need a medical certificate.

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Why

  1. A US licence is valid for visits.
  2. Residents must exchange it after 180 days.
  3. Group 2 status means no test for category B.

Details

If your US licence also covers motorcycles or lorries, you normally take a controlling test in category B, and the other categories are then exchanged automatically.

Tip

If you got your US licence less than two years ago, plan for a controlling driving test, because the group 2 declaration needs two years of driving.

What may differ

The list covers the USA as a whole, and there is no separate list of US states.

Common misconception

A US licence can be used in Denmark for as long as it is valid.

What actually happens

Once you live in Denmark, a US licence can only be used for 180 days before it must be exchanged.

People also ask

  • Do you need an International Driving Permit in Denmark?
  • Which licences can be exchanged without a test in Denmark?
  • How old do you have to be to rent a car in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules, fines and fees can change, so check the Danish authorities before you drive.

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