Destinations / Denmark
Driving in Denmark as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Denmark drives on the right with daytime headlights required year-round; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP with their licence.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Denmark expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in DKK. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Daytime running lights mandatory. |
|---|---|
| Right of way | Watch for cyclists at junctions. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| In the car | Warning triangle required. |
On the road in Denmark
At the pump
Stations sell 95/98 octane petrol (Blyfri) and diesel and are mostly unmanned self-service with card/contactless payment; some require a chip-and-PIN card. Fuel is expensive, around DKK 14-15 per litre, and rural stations can be far apart.
After a crash
Call 112 for emergencies/injury; for minor damage exchange details and complete a European Accident Statement. Do not leave the scene, and report to police where there is injury, dispute, or a parked/unidentified other party.
Sources: rac.co.uk · tollguru.com · tyremap.com · danishnet.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Denmark?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Denmark drives on the right with daytime headlights required year-round; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP with their licence.
Which translation format is used for Denmark?
Denmark uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Denmark ask for a translation?
Copenhagen desks ask for an IDP for non-EU licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Denmark?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.