Denmark license plate (DK) in 2025 ✅
Current Danish car license plates use the European size. On the left side of the license plates of Denmark it is possible to display the Euroband with the DK code. The configuration is two letters, two numbers and three numbers. The plate has a uniform red border.
Language: Danish
International code: DK
In Denmark they drive on the right
First plate was registered on: 1903.
There are 4 8 0 cars per 1000 inhabitants.
Continent: Europe
Table of contents of Denmark license plates
Current Danish Car License Plates
Danish license plates typically consist of two letters followed by five digits. On the left side, an optional euroband with the international code DK has been available since October 12, 2009, making Denmark likely the last EU country to adopt it. The letters do not have any geographic meaning. Private vehicles display black characters on a white background. Since May 2014, all Danish plates include a vertical hologram next to the euroband, regardless of the plate type.
Personalized Danish License Plates
Personalized car plates in Denmark have been available since March 1992, with black characters on a white background and a red border. These plates may include letters and numbers, and even be made entirely of letters. Like standard plates, the euroband is optional.
Some private trailers use plates similar to regular ones but with only four digits instead of five.
You can also learn about Greenland license plates and Faroe Islands plates, which follow a system similar to Denmark’s.
Other Types of Danish License Plate Systems
Commercial Vehicle Plates
Commercial vehicles have their own plate type, with black characters on a yellow background. For instance, truck trailers often use this type. They may follow an AA-11-11 format or the same format as private vehicles.
Parrot Plates for Mixed-Use Vehicles
Denmark has a unique plate type called the "parrot plate" (papegøjeplader in Danish). These plates are issued to commercial vehicles that can also be used for private transport. One of the key benefits is a tax reduction for the owner.
Bicycle Rack Plate
Since 1999, Danish plates for bicycle racks use red characters on a black background. This plate must be used as a third plate in addition to the vehicle's regular front and rear plates.
Moped Plate
Mopeds also use yellow backgrounds with black characters, but the plates are smaller in size.
Danish Export License Plates — Everything You Need to Know
Danish car export license plates are a special category issued for vehicles used temporarily or exported outside the country. They are commonly used by foreigners buying vehicles in Denmark to export abroad or drive outside Danish territory.
Features of Danish Export Plates
Since October 2009, export plates have a distinct design that sets them apart from other types:
• Reflective white background with a red border.
• Sequential five-digit numbers (formats like XX XXX or XXX XX).
• A blue euroband with the "DK" code on the left edge.
• A red box with two white digits showing the expiration year (e.g., “22”).
Who Can Apply for an Export Plate?
• Foreigners without Danish residency buying a car to export.
• Those wishing to drive temporarily in Denmark before removing the car from the country.
• Users planning to drive outside Denmark for 6 to 12 months.
Validity Period
The validity is indicated on the registration certificate. Depending on the situation:
• Valid for 24 hours within Denmark.
• Valid abroad for up to 1 year.
• Extensions possible if vehicle use continues outside Denmark.
Visual Identification
Export plates are easily recognized by their red-box year label and red border. The numbers appear in black on white.
On motorcycles, the year label is placed at the top-left, and the number is divided into two vertical blocks.
Use Cases
• A foreign buyer can drive temporarily before exporting the car legally.
• A tourist using a Danish-registered car to travel across Europe can opt for this plate.
Requirements for Issuance
• Vehicle registration certificate.
• Proof the vehicle will leave Denmark.
• Payment of applicable fees.
• Temporary insurance may be required.
Advantages of Danish Export Plates
• International legality for driving abroad.
• Distinctive design allows easy recognition.
• Quick processing for used vehicles.
• Ideal for temporary stays or travel.
Danish Temporary Plate — Usage and Features
The Danish temporary plate is a vinyl sticker attached directly to the vehicle body. It is used only for temporary purposes within Denmark. It features a seven-digit number at the top and the validity dates (from – to) in dd/mm/yyyy format separated by the word SKAT and its emblem. Temporary plates are valid for 1 to 7 days, depending on payment, and are regulated by authorities.
Intended Uses
• Testing a new vehicle (inside Denmark only)
• Importing or exporting a car
• Temporary driving after repairs
• Technical inspections or occasional transfers
• Short-term authorized travel
The sticker must be used only during the specified period and for the authorized purpose. Misuse may result in legal penalties.
Airport Duty‑Free Vehicle Plates
In Europe, most airport vehicles usually use specialized plates not governed by national standards. In Denmark, especially at Copenhagen Airport, most airport vehicles use distinct plates: since 2012 yellow, and from 1997 to 2012 red.
Military License Plates
The current Danish military plates feature white characters on a black background with the service’s emblem at the top. Since September 2008, the Danish Defence Force uses its own plates: five digits separated in a 2‑3 pattern by a small dot below, and a yellow crown on the left. The first two digits reportedly indicate the registration year minus 30.
Diplomatic Corps
Diplomatic license plates use white characters on a blue background, generally start with “DF”, and lack a euroband. They use numbers from 76000 to 77999 with no coding scheme.
Historical Danish License Plate Systems
From April 1, 1976, Denmark adopted a system similar to today's. A typographic update in 2009 accommodated the optional euroband. Before March 31, 1976, plates featured white characters on a black background, with identical format. Between 1950 and 1958, plates began with a single letter instead of two. From October 1930 to July 1, 1950, the first letter was placed over a stylized pointing hand. Plates consisted of five digits separated 2‑3 by a mid‑dot hyphen.
Old Dealer/Test Plates
Dealer or test vehicle plates from 1950 to 1999 were numbered from 50 00 to 53 99, with the first two characters in red. Since 2012, test plates are fully red, consisting of two letters and two digits.
Examples of Current License Plates from Denmark
Euroband Plate System (2008–Present)
Old System (1976–2008)
Trailer License Plate
Modern Commercial Plate (2008–Present)
Old Commercial Plate (1976–2008)
Commercial License Plate
Commercial plates since 1976
Numbers between 88000 and 97999 are used for rectangular plates.
Standard Private Vehicle Plate
Features a yellow stripe on the left side.
Customized License Plate
Test Vehicle Plate from Denmark
Danish Defense Force License Plate
Danish Diplomatic Plate
☛ Which code identifies cars from Denmark?
The code DK identifies Denmark. The license plates of Denmark may be used with the international registration code DK next to it on the back part of the car.
Example of a car with the international recognition code of Denmark
Below you can find a car with the oval code and international recognition of Denmark which is DK.
Questions and answers about car license plates in Denmark 🥇
Where is the code DK in a license plate from?
The international code DK identifies Denmark, in Europe.
Which country uses the code DK on its license plate?
The country that uses the code DK on its car license plate system is Denmark.. The letter or letters DK always identify Denmark. The international code DK must always be displayed on the rear of the vehicle inDenmarkSpain in an oval in black characters on a white background when travelling abroad, except in very rare cases.
When did Denmark have its first ordinary car license plate?
The date of the first car license plate registration officially issued in Denmark was in 1903.
Which side of the road do people drive on in Denmark?
In Denmark, you drive on the right side of the road.
On which continent is Denmark located?
Denmark is located in the continent . You can check how are the license plates of Europe following the link to the general section within matriculasdelmundo. Car license plates in Europe
What are license plates from Denmark called in other English-speaking couuntries?
In English, license plate of Denmark is commonly called a license plate of Denmark in the United States and Canada. In the UK and Australia, it’s often known as a number plate of Denmark. Another term, registration plate of Denmark, is understood globally and is slightly more formal. All these terms refer to the same vehicle identification plate of Denmark, with usage varying by country. Car plate of Denmark can be used in more technical situations.
Is it the same a license plate of Denmark and a registration plate of Denmark?
Yes, both license plate of Denmark and registration plate of Denmark can be used to refer the same vehicle registration unique number of Denmark.
Cite this section about the license plates of Denmark
Matriculasdelmundo. License plates of Denmark. Reviewed and updated information. Matriculasdelmundo.com. Retrieved on 12/09/2025 from https://
License plates from other states and territories that you may be interested in:
Map of the Denmark license plates
Copyright 2025 www.matriculasdelmundo.com
Official Sources on License Plates of Denmark
All the information about the license plates of cars and motorcycles in Denmark and vehicle plates shown here has been extracted from official state archives (such as the BOE and the DGT in Spain), from personal sightings, by contacting automobile clubs from other countries, or through media or files referenced in the text. This information on car and motorcycle plates in Denmark has been collected since 2009, so we hope you find the information you're looking for about Denmark license plates.
😊 You can send us your comments and photos via the form or email us at matriculasdelmundo@gmail.com, and we will be happy to respond.
Copying, either in whole or in part of the information displayed on each section of matriculasdelmundo is prohibited, except in specific cases and with the site's administration's permission.
