Destinations / Denmark
Driving in Denmark as a visitor
Usually yes. Denmark expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Denmark expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Denmark expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Denmark accept?
Denmark recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Denmark ask for one?
Copenhagen desks ask for an IDP for non-EU licences.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.