Add organization

Do you need an International Driving Permit to drive in Denmark?

When the permit helps and when it is not needed.

Answered at: Checked at:

Short answer

Usually not. On a temporary stay you can drive on an EU or EEA licence, and on other licences written in Latin letters or with an official translation into Danish, English or French. An International Driving Permit issued under the conventions of 1926, 1949 or 1968 is accepted, so it is an option if your licence is in another script and you have no official translation. The permit is a translation of your licence and does not replace it, so you carry both. For Danish licence holders going the other way, any Borgerservice issues an international licence for 40 kr. as of November 2026.

Car rental and parking

Why

  1. Latin letters or an official translation are enough.
  2. The permit works only together with your own licence.
  3. Danes get one at any Borgerservice for 40 kr.

Details

A Danish licence is enough without an international licence in all EU countries, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.

Tip

If you hold a Danish licence and plan to drive outside the EU and EEA, check with the embassy of that country whether it requires an international licence.

What may differ

Car rental companies can have their own document requirements on top of the legal rules.

Common misconception

An International Driving Permit lets you drive without your own licence.

What actually happens

The international licence is only a translation, and you must carry your ordinary licence with it.

People also ask

  • Can you drive in Denmark with a foreign driving licence?
  • Where do you get an international driving licence in Denmark?
  • Is a US licence valid in Denmark?

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 parking
Help