Exchange of a U.S. driver's license
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?
In order to exchange a U.S. driver's license for a Danish, the holder must pass a 'Control Test' (Kontrollerende Køreprøve) consisting of a road test and a traffic sign test both of which must be passed.
The U.S. license holder contacts his local Office of Citizens Services (Borgerservice*) for guidance. The initial Control Test is free of charge, however, if the holder fails the test, the fee of each additional Control Test is DKR 870. The holder is allowed an unlimited number of Control Tests. In the meantime the holder keeps his U.S. driver's license, however it cannot be used for driving in Denmark.
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
Before attempting to exchange a U.S. driver's license for a Danish license, it may be advisable to contact a driving school for a few instructive lessons. An English language version of the book on Danish traffic rules may be obtained for a fee of DKR 372.50 from:
Dansk Trafikskole Materiale
TEL: 6333 1510
FAX: 6533 2222
EMAIL: dtm@certerellested.dk
*You may find a complete list of Citizens Services Offices (Borgerservice) in Denmark via the following web site: www.borgerservicecenter.dk