Does National require an IDP in Denmark?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Denmark: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local rules call for one. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
Denmark drives on the right with daytime headlights required year-round; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP with their licence.
In Denmark specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Denmark ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Copenhagen desks ask for an IDP for non-EU licences.
National runs a global network; at its Denmark desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Denmark drives on the right, uses the DKK, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.
What to bring to the National counter in Denmark
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the DKK deposit; Denmark drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Denmark National renters should know
- Daytime running lights mandatory.
- Watch for cyclists at junctions.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Warning triangle required.
National's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
The minimum age to rent is typically 21 (18 in Michigan and New York, as required by state law); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Youthful Surcharge" of approximately $25 per day (varies by location, lower in some states such as $5/day in New York) and may be restricted to certain car classes.
A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) in the primary renter's name with sufficient available credit is required; National generally does not accept debit cards, and renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary must provide a hold/deposit typically between $300 and $400 depending on location and vehicle class.
The renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements drives free; other additional authorized drivers cost about $15 per day (typically $5/day in New York), and must be at least 21 with a valid licence. National requires a valid, unexpired full driver's licence held by the renter; for under-25 drivers some locations require the licence to have been held for at least one year, though National does not publish a uniform minimum tenure across all locations.
Vehicles rented in the U.S. or Canada are prohibited from being driven into Mexico; U.S.-Canada cross-border travel is generally permitted but one-way US/Canada drop-offs are limited to participating locations, and rentals originating in certain Mexican cities (e.g. Tijuana, Mexicali, Hermosillo, Monterrey, Saltillo) may cross into the U.S. after purchasing an extension of liability protection (about $10 USD/day).
National states that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is commonly requested in select countries and is generally recommended when travelling abroad; specifically, overseas travelers whose licence uses a non-Roman alphabet may need to present an IDP alongside their home-country licence.
Once you collect the keys in Denmark
Denmark has no motorway tolls or vignette; charges apply only at two bridges - the Storebaelt/Great Belt (Funen-Zealand) at about DKK 260 one-way for a car, and the Oresund bridge to Sweden at about DKK 540. Pay by card or automatic plate recognition at the toll plaza; no booking needed.
Towns use paid zones via apps (EasyPark, ParkMan) and pay-and-display; a parking disc on the dashboard is required in free time-limited bays - available at petrol stations and kiosks. Copenhagen parking is expensive and restricted, with zones signposted and active enforcement.
Speeding fines are steep and percentage-based on the overage, easily exceeding DKK 2,000, with gross speeding risking vehicle confiscation; the alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l. Speed cameras and police are active, and rental companies forward camera fines to the renter with a handling fee.
Call 112 for emergencies/injury; for minor damage exchange details and complete a European Accident Statement. Do not leave the scene, and report to police where there is injury, dispute, or a parked/unidentified other party.
Full driving guide for Denmark →