Vehicle with foreign license plate in Denmark: Rules, documents & tips for Roadsurfer customers
Basic rule: Residence in Denmark
- If you are registered in Denmark, you are generally not allowed to use a privately owned vehicle registered abroad.
- Exception: With an official permit ("Tilladelse") from the Danish registration authority (Motorstyrelsen), private use is temporarily permitted.
- The permit must be applied for in advance (cost: approx. 400 DKK/€50–55).
- Without this permit, you risk heavy fines and immobilization of the vehicle.
Exceptions: when is no "Tilladelse" required?
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No residence in Denmark: If you are a Danish citizen but registered abroad (e.g. residence in Germany), you can use your foreign-registered vehicle for up to 185 days within 12 months in Denmark.
Requirement: Main residence remains abroad and the vehicle is used only privately. - Transit journeys: For pure transits (like our Rally) through Denmark with a foreign vehicle and residence in Denmark, a prior transit permit (Form 21.072) is required.
Penalties for violations
- Danish authorities carry out strict checks. Anyone driving with a foreign license plate without a permit risks heavy fines, immobilization or even confiscation of the vehicle.
- Additional charges for registration fees and taxes may also apply.