How to Exchange Your Driving Licence

Updated March 20, 2026By exploringdenmark

Whether you can simply use your current licence, exchange it directly, or need to take a full Danish driving test depends entirely on where it was issued. This guide covers every scenario.

Overview

Denmark has three tiers of recognition for foreign driving licences: full validity (EU/EEA), direct exchange (certain non-EU countries with agreements), and full test required (everyone else). Your situation depends solely on which country issued your licence, not your nationality.

EU/EEA licences

If your licence was issued by any EU or EEA country (plus Switzerland), it is valid in Denmark indefinitely. You do not need to exchange it. You can drive in Denmark using your existing licence for as long as it remains valid. When it expires, you renew it in Denmark and receive a Danish licence automatically.

The only exception: if your EU licence was issued based on an exchange from a non-EU licence, Denmark may not recognise it. Check with your local municipality if you are unsure.

Non-EU licences

If your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA, the rules are more complex:

• First 90 days: You can drive in Denmark on your foreign licence (carry an international driving permit or certified translation alongside it).
• After 90 days: If you become a Danish resident (CPR registration), you must exchange your licence or obtain a Danish one within a limited period.
• After registering your CPR: You generally have 14 days to stop driving on your foreign licence and begin the exchange/test process. During processing, you cannot legally drive.

Direct exchange countries

Denmark has agreements with certain countries allowing direct exchange without a driving test. As of 2026, these include licences from countries such as: Japan, South Korea, Australia (some states), Canada (some provinces), and several others. The list changes – check the current list on borger.dk under”Kørekort fra udlandet” (Driving licence from abroad).

If your country is on the list, you submit your current licence and receive a Danish one – no test required. If your country is not on the list, you must pass the full Danish driving test.

The exchange process

Documents needed

• Valid passport or national ID
• CPR confirmation
• Current driving licence (original – surrendered during exchange)
• Passport photo (recent, meeting Danish requirements)
• Doctor’s certificate (lægeerklæring) – required by some municipalities
• Application fee payment

Cost

The exchange fee is approximately 280 DKK (2026). If a doctor’s certificate is required, add ~300-500 DKK for the medical appointment. Total: ~280-780 DKK depending on municipality requirements.

Common problems

My country is not on the exchange list

You must take the full Danish driving test – theory and practical. This costs 10,000-15,000 DKK and takes several weeks of lessons. See the Danish driving licence guide.

My licence is expired

An expired licence generally cannot be exchanged. You will likely need to take the full Danish test. Contact Borgerservice to confirm.

I lost my licence

Without the original licence to surrender, exchange is not possible. You’ll need to obtain a replacement from your home country first, or take the Danish test.

I’ve been driving on my foreign licence for months

Technically, you should have begun the process within 14 days of CPR registration. Start immediately – penalties are unlikely if you act proactively, but driving without a valid licence can result in fines if stopped.

Questions and answers

Can I keep my foreign licence?

No – it is surrendered during the exchange. Denmark keeps it. If you leave Denmark later, you can request it back (though some countries reissue instead).

Do I need to take any test at all for a direct exchange?

No. Direct exchange countries skip both theory and practical tests. You submit paperwork and receive a Danish licence.

What categories transfer?

Generally, your existing categories (car, motorcycle, etc.) transfer. Heavy vehicle categories (truck, bus) may have additional requirements. Check with Borgerservice.

How long is the Danish licence valid?

15 years for standard car licences, with shorter validity for holders over 70 or those with medical conditions.