Can i exchange my foreign driver license in the us

NOTE: The information below is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as legal advice. This supplemental information was provided to the Embassy by local authorities after a recent change in regulations.

U.S. Driver’s license Exchange- APPLY ONLINE 

U.S. Citizens are entitled to drive in Portugal with their U.S. issued driver’s license for a period no to exceed 185 days, provided they are not legal residents.
After acquiring legal residency, U.S. citizens have 90 days in which to request the exchange of the driver’s license without being required to take a driving test. During that period, U.S. citizens may continue to drive with their driver’s license.
After exhausting the 90 days without making the request, U.S. citizens will not be allowed to continue driving, but they will be allowed to request the exchange without being subject to completion of driving test. They have a deadline of two years counting from the date of acquiring residency to make the request.

U.S. citizens need to present the following document issued in the USA to the local authorities:

An abstract of driving record from the issuing authority in the last state of residence in the United States. Here is the contact info for the DMV The Abstract must attest the authenticity of the driving license, date of issue and expiration date, class of vehicles that you may drive and any suspension and revocation.
The Abstract must be authenticated. The authentication process called an “Apostille” is requested from the State authority. Please follow the link to the US States Designated authorities for authentications

For further information about the driver’s exchange, please visit the Portuguese Government authority website IMT .

In December, the Ministry for Transportation and Buildings announced its plans to lessen the bureaucratic process for U.S. citizens to exchange their U.S. driver’s license with a Danish one. On April 1, 2016, the Danish Road Safety Agency released an Administrative Order allowing for a driver’s license issued in the United States to be exchanged for a Danish license with a sworn statement rather than a driving test. The Administrative order entered into force on April 1, 2016.

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?

Applications for the exchange of a U.S. issued driver’s license for a Danish Category B License (regular passenger car) are filed with the local Citizens Services Offices (Borgerservice.) The applicant must sign a sworn statement to the effect that 1) the holder has been driving a car regularly for the past two years, 2) the U.S. license has not been revoked in the past five years, and 3) the U.S. license is in no way restricted or issued on special conditions. Forms containing the text of the statement are available in Danish as well as in the English language at Citizens Services offices throughout Denmark.

Holders of U.S. driver’s licenses, who had already begun the process of exchanging their license for a Danish driver’s license before the new rules entered into force on April 1, 2016, can withdraw their application and instead apply for the exchange under the new rules.

Further information can be found via the web site of the Danish Road Traffic Authority

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

An English language version of the book on Danish traffic rules may be obtained for a fee of DKR 372.50 from:

Køreskolemateriale ApS

TEL: 6333 1055

Email:

*Complete list of Citizens Services Offices (Borgerservice) in Denmark

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