Replace Your Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Danish Driving Licence

If your Danish driving licence is lost, stolen, or has become damaged to the point of being illegible, you must apply for a replacement to legally continue driving. This procedure outlines the necessary steps to obtain a duplicate licence through your local municipality's Borgerservice (Citizen Service Centre), ensuring you have valid documentation for driving in Denmark and abroad.

Understanding Your Situation: Lost, Stolen, or Damaged?

The first step in replacing your driving licence is to clearly identify the circumstances under which you need a duplicate. While the application process at the municipality is largely similar, there are crucial initial actions that differ based on whether your licence was lost, stolen, or simply damaged.

Lost Driving Licence

If you have simply misplaced your driving licence and cannot find it, you should proceed with applying for a duplicate. There is no requirement to report a lost licence to the police, but you must ensure it is genuinely lost and not just temporarily misplaced, as possessing two valid licences is not permitted. Once you apply for a duplicate, your old licence is invalidated.

Stolen Driving Licence

If your Danish driving licence has been stolen, it is imperative to report the theft to the police (politiet) immediately. A police report serves several important purposes:

• It documents the crime, which can be useful for insurance claims or if your licence is misused.
• It officially records the disappearance of your licence, providing a reference number (sagsnummer) that might be required by the municipality during your duplicate application.
• It protects you from potential identity theft or misuse of your driving licence details. You should obtain a copy or a reference number for the police report before heading to Borgerservice.

Damaged Driving Licence

If your driving licence is damaged but still available, you should bring the damaged card with you when you apply for a duplicate. The municipality will need to verify the details on the damaged licence before issuing a replacement. Ensure the damage doesn't obscure critical information such as your name, photo, licence number, or categories. If the damage is extensive and the licence is completely illegible, it should be treated similarly to a lost licence, though you should still bring any remnants you have.

Who Handles Replacement Driving Licences in Denmark?

Navigating Danish administrative procedures requires understanding which authority is responsible for what. For replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Danish driving licence, the primary point of contact is your local municipality's Borgerservice.

• Borgerservice (Citizen Service Centre): This is where you will submit your application, provide identification, present a new photo, and pay the relevant fee. Municipalities are responsible for processing duplicate driving licence applications and issuing the new physical cards. You can apply at any municipality's Borgerservice, regardless of where you are officially registered in Denmark.
• Færdselsstyrelsen (Danish Road Traffic Authority): While you don't apply directly to Færdselsstyrelsen for a duplicate, they are the overarching authority responsible for driving licence regulations, categories, driving tests, and maintaining the National Driving Licence Register (Nationalt Kørekortregister). If there are errors in your driving licence record, or if you encounter issues that Borgerservice cannot resolve, Færdselsstyrelsen is the body to contact for support and corrections. They also provide official forms and information regarding driving licences.
• Politiet (Police): As mentioned, the police are involved solely in cases of stolen driving licences, where reporting the theft is mandatory. They are not involved in the application process for the duplicate itself.
• Other Authorities: It's important to note that other authorities like Motorstyrelsen (Danish Customs Agency, for vehicle registration and taxes) or DFIM (Danish Guarantee Fund for Motor Insurance) are not directly involved in the process of replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged driving licence. This procedure is solely focused on the physical driving document.

Essential Prerequisites Before You Apply

Before you visit Borgerservice to apply for your duplicate driving licence, gathering and preparing the necessary documents and digital access is critical to ensure a smooth process. Missing even a single item can lead to delays or the inability to complete your application.

Preparing Your Digital Access: MitID and Digital Post

For many public services in Denmark, digital access and communication are standard. While a physical visit to Borgerservice is required for a duplicate driving licence, having your digital tools ready can still be beneficial.

• MitID: This is your digital ID used for secure login to public services, online banking, and other private sector services. You might need MitID to book an appointment at Borgerservice online or to access specific information about your driving licence via official portals. Ensure your MitID is active and you know how to use it.
• Digital Post: This is your secure digital mailbox for receiving official communication from Danish authorities, including your municipality and Færdselsstyrelsen. Important updates or notifications regarding your application might be sent here. Regularly check your Digital Post.

Required Documents and Information Checklist

Careful preparation of your documents is key. Here's what you generally need:

• Proof of Identity: You must be able to prove your identity. This typically involves a valid passport or other official photo identification.
• CPR Number: Your Danish civil registration number (CPR-nummer) is essential for accessing public services and confirming your identity in the national registers.
• Recent Passport Photo: The photograph must meet specific Danish requirements for driving licences.
• Damaged Driving Licence (if applicable): If your licence is damaged, bring the physical card.
• Police Report Reference (if stolen): The sagsnummer (case number) from your police report for theft.
• Payment Method: Be prepared to pay the application fee. Most Borgerservice centres accept Dankort, major credit cards, and often MobilePay, but cash might not always be preferred or accepted.

Accepted Forms of Identification

To apply for a duplicate driving licence, you must adequately prove your identity. The following documents are typically accepted:

Document Type	Description	Key Requirement
Danish Passport	A valid Danish passport is generally the strongest form of identification.	Must be valid and undamaged.
Danish National ID Card	An official Danish ID card with a photo, issued by a municipality.	Must be valid and include a photo.
Danish Residence Permit	For non-Danish citizens residing in Denmark, a valid residence permit card (opholdskort) with a photo can serve as identification.	Must be valid and contain a photo and CPR-nummer.
Health Insurance Card	The yellow health insurance card (sygesikringsbevis) contains your name, CPR-nummer, and address. While not typically sufficient on its own for photo ID, it is often required in conjunction with other photo identification to confirm your CPR-nummer.	Used to confirm CPR-nummer; usually requires supplementary photo ID.
Foreign Passport	A valid passport from your home country. If it does not include your CPR-nummer, you will need to present another document (e.g., Danish Health Insurance Card) to confirm your CPR-nummer.	Must be valid. May require supplementary proof of CPR-nummer.
Previous Danish Driving Licence	If your licence is merely damaged but still clearly identifiable, it can serve as proof of identity. However, its primary purpose in this context is to be replaced.	Only if clearly identifiable and not severely damaged/illegible.

If you are a newly arrived resident in Denmark and do not yet have a Danish passport or national ID card, your valid foreign passport combined with your Danish health insurance card (to confirm your CPR-nummer) is usually accepted. In some cases, a recent payslip or other official letter that clearly shows your name and CPR-nummer might be requested as supplementary evidence if there are doubts about identity.

Photo Requirements for Your New Licence

Your new duplicate driving licence will feature a photograph that meets strict official standards, similar to those for Danish passports. It is crucial to have a photo that complies with these requirements to avoid delays in your application.

Key photo requirements include:

• Size: Typically 35 x 45 mm (width x height).
• Background: Plain, light-coloured background (white or light grey) without patterns or shadows.
• Head Position: Face directly towards the camera, head centred, full face visible.
• Expression: Neutral facial expression, mouth closed, no smiling.
• Eyes: Eyes open and clearly visible, not obscured by hair or frames.
• Glasses: If you wear glasses, ensure there is no reflection on the lenses, and the frames do not cover your eyes. Tinted glasses are not allowed.
• Headwear: Generally not allowed, except for religious reasons. If worn, it must not obscure any part of your face from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, and no shadows should be cast on your face.
• Quality: High resolution, clear, sharp, and in colour. No red-eye.
• Recency: The photo must be recent, typically not older than six months, to accurately reflect your current appearance.

Many photo shops (fotobutikker) in Denmark are familiar with these requirements and can provide "passport photos" or "driving licence photos" that meet the official standards. You can also find photo booths in some public places, but ensure they clearly state their compliance with official photo regulations.

The Step-by-Step Procedure to Obtain a Duplicate Driving Licence

The process of replacing your driving licence is handled directly by your local municipality. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application.

Applying for a Temporary Driving Licence (Midlertidigt Erstatningskørekort)

If you need to drive abroad and anticipate that your duplicate Danish driving licence will not be issued before you leave Denmark, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary replacement driving licence (midlertidigt erstatningskørekort).

This temporary licence allows you to drive legally in most countries outside the Nordic region (Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) while you await your permanent duplicate. It is explicitly mentioned in Section 77 of the Danish Driving Licence Order (Kørekortbekendtgørelsen) that this can be issued if a duplicate is not expected to be ready before the applicant departs.

Key points for a temporary licence:

• Eligibility: You must demonstrate that you need to drive in countries other than Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden, and that your duplicate licence will not be ready in time for your departure.
• Application: The application for a temporary replacement driving licence is submitted to the municipality (kommunen). It can be submitted to any municipality, regardless of your official residence in Denmark.
• Requirements: You must provide a passport-standard photograph (refer to § 3, stk. 2 of the Kørekortbekendtgørelsen) and prove your identity (refer to § 4). The general provisions for photos (§ 3, stk. 3 and 6) and identity (§ 5) apply accordingly.
• Validity: The temporary licence has a limited validity period and is intended purely as a stopgap measure until your permanent duplicate arrives.

Costs and Processing Times for a Duplicate Driving Licence

Understanding the financial and time commitments is important when applying for a replacement driving licence.

Application Fees

The fee for a duplicate Danish driving licence is a nationally set amount. While the exact figure can change, it is generally a moderate administrative fee. You must pay this fee directly to the municipality (kommunen) at the time of your application.

Where to Verify Current Fees: The most accurate and up-to-date information regarding driving licence fees is always found on the official website of Færdselsstyrelsen (Danish Road Traffic Authority) or borger.dk, which often links to the authority's pricing pages. Search for "priser på kørekort" (prices for driving licences).

Processing Times

The typical processing time for a duplicate Danish driving licence can vary depending on the municipality's workload and national processing procedures.

• Standard Processing: You can generally expect your new physical driving licence to be delivered to your registered address within a few weeks (e.g., 2-4 weeks).
• Factors Influencing Time: Peak periods, national holidays, or issues with your application (e.g., incorrect photo, identity verification challenges) can extend these times.
• Digital Driving Licence App: Once your new physical licence is issued and registered, the digital driving licence app (Kørekort-app) will be updated. The search results indicate it may take up to 30 days from the update in the National Driving Licence Register before your digital licence register in the app is fully updated. During this interim period, your digital licence might show as 'temporary' or 'reported lost' even after you've applied for the duplicate.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even a seemingly straightforward procedure like replacing a driving licence can encounter unexpected hurdles. Being aware of common mistakes and potential blockers can help you avoid delays and frustration.

1. Not Reporting Theft to Police: If your licence was stolen, failing to file a police report (politianmeldelse) can lead to complications during your application. Always report theft immediately and keep the sagsnummer (case number).
2. Incorrect Passport Photo: Photos that do not meet the strict Danish size, background, expression, or quality requirements are a frequent reason for application rejection. Use a professional photo service that guarantees compliance with official standards.
3. Insufficient or Invalid ID: Attempting to apply without proper, valid identification (e.g., expired passport, only a health card without supplementary photo ID) will result in your application being denied. Always bring a valid passport or an equivalent document listed in the accepted ID table.
4. No Pre-Booked Appointment: Many Borgerservice centres operate on an appointment-only basis for driving licence services. Showing up without one will likely mean you cannot be served and will need to return later, causing significant delays.
5. Assuming Digital Licence is Enough: While Denmark has a digital driving licence app, it is a supplement to the physical card. In situations where your physical licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, you are legally required to obtain a replacement physical card. The digital app's status may change to "reported lost" or "temporary" and might not be sufficient proof in all contexts, especially abroad.
6. Ignoring Digital Post Notifications: Important communications regarding your application, potential issues, or when your new licence is ready for pickup/delivery, may be sent to your Digital Post. Regularly check it to stay informed.
7. Trying to Apply for a Danish Duplicate with a Foreign Licence: This procedure is strictly for replacing an existing Danish driving licence. If you have lost a foreign driving licence and are a resident in Denmark, you will likely need to apply for an exchange of your foreign licence to a Danish one, which is a different procedure with different requirements.
8. Lack of Awareness of Fees/Payment Methods: Not having the correct amount or an accepted payment method (e.g., only cash, but the Borgerservice is card-only) can halt your application. Verify the current fee and accepted payment types in advance.
9. Providing Outdated or Incorrect Contact Information: Ensure your registered address in the CPR register is current, as your new licence will be sent there. Double-check any contact details you provide on the application form.
10. Delaying the Application: Driving without a valid physical licence is illegal. The longer you wait to apply for a duplicate, the longer you risk facing fines or legal issues if stopped by the police. Apply as soon as you realise your licence is gone or damaged.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you have submitted your application and paid the fee at Borgerservice, the process moves into the issuance phase.

Issuance of Your New Physical Driving Licence

Your new physical driving licence will be produced and dispatched to your registered address in Denmark. It will typically look similar to your previous licence, bearing your photo, personal details, and driving categories.

Updating the Digital Driving Licence App (Kørekort-app)

Denmark offers a digital driving licence app as a complement to the physical card. After your new physical licence is issued and registered in the National Driving Licence Register (Nationalt Kørekortregister), the data in your digital app will be updated.

It is important to note, however, that this update might not be instantaneous. According to information from Life in Denmark, it can take up to 30 days from the update in the National Driving Licence Register before the changes are fully reflected in the driving licence app. During this period, your digital licence might temporarily show as "reported lost" or "temporary."

What to Do If Your Licence is Delayed or Rejected

If your licence is delayed:

• Contact Borgerservice: Your first point of contact should be the municipality where you applied. They can check the status of your application.
• Check Digital Post: Review your Digital Post for any messages from the municipality or Færdselsstyrelsen that might indicate issues or delays.

If your application is rejected:

• Understand the Reason: The municipality will inform you of the reason for rejection. This could be due to issues with identity, photograph, or eligibility.
• Rectify and Reapply: Address the stated reason for rejection (e.g., get a new photo, bring additional ID) and then reapply.
• Contact Færdselsstyrelsen for Register Errors: If you believe the rejection is due to an error in the National Driving Licence Register, or if you have a discrepancy in your driving rights, you should contact Færdselsstyrelsen directly. Their support service can investigate and correct errors in the register. Their telephone number is +45 72 21 88 99.

Important Definitions for Danish Driving Licences

Understanding key Danish terms used in administrative processes related to driving licences will help you navigate the system more effectively.

Official Sources and Where to Verify Information

It is always recommended to consult official Danish government sources for the most current and authoritative information, especially regarding fees, specific document requirements, or legal definitions.

• Life in Denmark (borger.dk): This portal offers a comprehensive overview of public services for citizens and residents in Denmark. You can find general information on driving licences and links to specific services.
  • How to obtain a driving licence in Denmark
• Færdselsstyrelsen (Danish Road Traffic Authority): This is the primary authority for driving licence regulations. Their website will have the latest information on fees, forms, and legal requirements. Look for pages related to "kørekort," "priser," or "blanketter."
  • Færdselsstyrelsen Blankets and Applications
  • Færdselsstyrelsen Driving Licence Prices
• Retsinformation (The Official Legal Information System): This portal hosts all Danish legislation, including the Kørekortbekendtgørelsen (Executive Order on Driving Licences), which contains the detailed legal framework.
  • Executive order on driving licenses (in Danish) (Note: Link provided in inputs refers to a specific year; always check Retsinformation for the current, consolidated version.)
• Your Municipality's Website: For specific local services such as booking appointments or local payment options, always check the website of your relevant kommune.

When checking these sources, look for direct links or search functions for "duplikat kørekort" (duplicate driving licence), "mistet kørekort" (lost driving licence), or "ødelagt kørekort" (damaged driving licence).

Preparing for Your Driving Future in Denmark

Obtaining a duplicate driving licence ensures you remain legally compliant on Danish roads. This procedure is a practical administrative step, but maintaining your theoretical knowledge and practical driving skills is equally important for road safety.