In December, the Ministry for Transportation and Buildings announced its plans to lessen the bureaucratic process for U.S. citizens to exchange their U.S. driver’s license with a Danish one. On April 1, 2016, the Danish Road Safety Agency released an Administrative Order allowing for a driver’s license issued in the United States to be exchanged for a Danish license with a sworn statement rather than a driving test. The Administrative order entered into force on April 1, 2016.
What is the maximum period a U.S. Driver’s License may be used in Denmark?
Individuals coming to Denmark to establish residence can use their U.S. license for the first 14 days. Tourist who do not establish residency, may drive in Denmark on their U.S. license for 6 months.
Who should exchange their U.S. License for a Danish?
Individuals who establish residence in Denmark by obtaining a Danish Social Security number (CPR-number) and an address serving as their primary domicile. Students who are issued CPR-numbers must generally exchange their U.S. license.
How is the ‘exchange’ executed?
Applications for the exchange of a U.S. issued driver’s license for a Danish Category B License (regular passenger car) are filed with the local Citizens Services Offices (Borgerservice.) The applicant must sign a sworn statement to the effect that 1) the holder has been driving a car regularly for the past two years, 2) the U.S. license has not been revoked in the past five years, and 3) the U.S. license is in no way restricted or issued on special conditions. Forms containing the text of the statement are available in Danish as well as in the English language at Citizens Services offices throughout Denmark.
Holders of U.S. driver’s licenses, who had already begun the process of exchanging their license for a Danish driver’s license before the new rules entered into force on April 1, 2016, can withdraw their application and instead apply for the exchange under the new rules.
Further information can be found via the web site of the Danish Road Traffic Authority
What happens to the U.S. Driver’s License after the exchange?
Pursuant to Danish law, an individual may not be in possession of two driver’s licenses at any one time. When a U.S. driver’s license is exchanged for a Danish license, the U.S. license is kept on hold by Danish police. If the holder needs his license, i.e. for a trip or for permanent return to the U.S., the U.S. driver’s license is returned by submitting the Danish license. Contact your local Office of Citizens Services (Borgerservice.)
Getting to know Danish traffic rules
An English language version of the book on Danish traffic rules may be obtained for a fee of DKR 372.50 from:
Køreskolemateriale ApS
TEL: 6333 1055
Email: salg@dku.dk
*Complete list of Citizens Services Offices (Borgerservice) in Denmark