Danish Driver’s License: Photo Requirements and Application Process

About Danish Driver’s License

The Danish driver’s license is an official document that authorizes the holder to operate motor vehicles in Denmark and throughout the European Union. It follows EU standards and is valid for 10 years for most categories.

What is it used for?

• Legal authorization to drive motor vehicles in Denmark and EU
• Primary identification document within Denmark
• Age verification and proof of identity
• Employment verification for driving-related jobs
• Car rental and insurance purposes
• International driving with International Driving Permit

How to Obtain a Danish Driver’s License

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum age: 18 years for Category B (cars)
• Legal residence: Must be legally residing in Denmark
• Health requirements: Meet medical and vision standards
• No disqualifications: No current driving bans or restrictions

Required Documents:

For First-Time Applicants:

1. Identity Documentation:
   • Valid passport or Danish ID card
   • CPR number (Danish personal identification)
2. Health Certificate: Medical examination if required
3. Driver’s License Photos: 2 identical copies meeting specifications
4. Theory Test Certificate: Proof of passing theory exam
5. Practical Test Certificate: Proof of passing practical exam

For EU License Exchange:

1. Current EU driving license
2. Identity documents
3. Residence documentation
4. Driver’s license photos
5. Translation (if license not in Danish/English)

Application Process:

Step 1: Theory Preparation and Test

• Study Materials: Official theory handbook and online tests
• Driving School: Optional but recommended preparation courses
• Theory Test: Book through authorized test centers
• Test Format: Computer-based multiple choice questions
• Pass Requirements: Minimum score varies by category

Step 2: Practical Training and Test

• Driving Lessons: Minimum required hours with certified instructor
• Practice: Additional practice with licensed supervisor
• Practical Test: Book through police or authorized centers
• Test Duration: Typically 45-60 minutes
• Assessment: Driving skills, traffic rules, and safety

Step 3: License Application

• Documentation: Gather all required documents and photos
• Application: Submit at police station or online
• Payment: Pay required fees
• Processing: Wait for license production and delivery

Step 4: License Collection

• Notification: Receive notification when ready
• Collection: Pick up at designated location
• Verification: Check all details are correct

Processing Times:

• Theory test results: Immediate
• Practical test results: Immediate
• License production: 5-10 working days
• Postal delivery: Additional 2-3 days

Fees (2024):

• Theory test: DKK 600
• Practical test: DKK 700
• License issuance: DKK 290
• Driving lessons: DKK 400-600 per lesson
• Total cost: Typically DKK 15,000-25,000 including lessons

Photo Requirements for Danish Driver’s License

Key Technical Specifications

• Size: 35 × 45 mm (passport format)
• Face Height: 32–36 mm (measured from chin to crown)
• Background: Light, plain, uniform (white or light grey)
• Quality: High resolution (minimum 300 DPI), sharp focus, color only
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

Composition Requirements

• Head Position: Centered, facing directly forward
• Eye Level: Eyes positioned in upper half of photo
• Shoulders: Both shoulders visible and level
• Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible
• Lighting: Even lighting without shadows or glare

Danish Standards for Driver’s License Photos

• Background: Plain light background, preferably white or light grey
• Glasses: Prescription glasses allowed if no reflections
• Contact Lenses: Colored contacts not permitted
• Headwear: Only for religious or medical reasons, face must be fully visible
• Expression: Neutral expression with mouth closed
• Eyes: Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Natural Appearance: No digital alterations or heavy makeup

Digital Photo Requirements

• File Format: JPEG preferred for digital submission
• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for printing
• Color: Full color only, no black and white
• File Size: Typically under 2MB
• Quality: High quality, no compression artifacts

Driver’s License Categories

Category B (Cars):

• Vehicles: Cars up to 3,500 kg with up to 8 passenger seats
• Age Requirement: 18 years minimum
• Validity: 10 years
• Most Common: Standard car license

Category A (Motorcycles):

• A1: Light motorcycles (125cc) - Age 16
• A2: Medium motorcycles (35kW) - Age 18
• A: All motorcycles - Age 24 (or 20 with A2 experience)

Category C (Trucks):

• Age Requirement: 21 years minimum
• Medical Requirements: Enhanced medical examination
• Validity: 5 years with regular medical checks

Category D (Buses):

• Age Requirement: 24 years minimum
• Professional Requirements: Additional qualifications needed
• Validity: 5 years with regular medical checks

Common Photo Rejection Reasons

Technical Issues

• Incorrect dimensions: Not exactly 35×45 mm
• Poor resolution: Pixelated or low-quality images
• Wrong format: Black and white or sepia tones
• File problems: Corrupted or incompatible files

Composition Problems

• Face size: Height outside 32-36 mm range
• Positioning: Head not centered or tilted
• Background: Colored, patterned, or uneven
• Lighting: Shadows, glare, or uneven illumination

Appearance Issues

• Expression: Smiling, frowning, or inappropriate expression
• Eyes: Closed, looking away, or obscured
• Glasses: Reflections, tinted lenses, or heavy frames
• Hair: Covering eyes or face significantly

Quality Problems

• Sharpness: Blurry or out-of-focus images
• Exposure: Over or under-exposed photos
• Color: Poor color reproduction or saturation
• Age: Photos older than 6 months

Tips for Perfect Driver’s License Photos

Professional Photography

• Specialized photographers: Use those experienced with Danish requirements
• Equipment: Ensure proper lighting and background setup
• Verification: Confirm exact 35×45 mm dimensions
• Multiple copies: Get several copies for applications

DIY Photography Guidelines

1. Camera Setup: High-resolution camera at eye level
2. Lighting: Natural daylight or professional lighting
3. Background: Plain white or light grey wall
4. Distance: Maintain proper distance for correct face size
5. Expression: Practice neutral, serious expression
6. Clothing: Dark colors for contrast with background

Quality Assurance

• Measure dimensions: Verify exact 35×45 mm size
• Check face height: Ensure 32-36 mm measurement
• Review quality: Sharp focus and proper exposure
• Print quality: Use high-quality photo paper
• Recent photos: Ensure taken within 6 months

License Renewal Process

When to Renew:

• Category B: Every 10 years
• Professional categories: Every 5 years
• Age-related: More frequent renewals after age 70
• Medical conditions: May require more frequent renewals

Renewal Requirements:

• Current license: Original or certified copy
• New photos: Meeting current specifications
• Medical certificate: If required for age or health reasons
• Application form: Completed renewal application
• Fees: Current renewal fees

Renewal Process:

1. Prepare documents: Gather required documentation
2. Book appointment: Schedule at police station
3. Submit application: Provide documents and photos
4. Pay fees: Complete payment
5. Receive license: Collect new license when ready

International Driving

International Driving Permit (IDP):

• Required for: Driving outside EU/EEA
• Application: Through Danish motoring organizations
• Validity: 1 year from issue date
• Requirements: Valid Danish license and photos

EU/EEA Driving:

• Recognition: Danish license valid throughout EU/EEA
• Temporary visits: No additional permits needed
• Permanent relocation: May need to exchange license

Special Circumstances

Medical Conditions:

• Disclosure: Must report relevant medical conditions
• Medical examination: May be required
• Restrictions: License may have specific limitations
• Regular checks: Periodic medical reviews may be needed

Traffic Violations:

• Point system: Denmark uses penalty point system
• License suspension: Serious violations can result in suspension
• Reinstatement: Process for regaining license after suspension

Lost or Stolen License:

• Report immediately: Contact police
• Replacement application: Apply for duplicate license
• Temporary permit: May be issued while waiting
• Additional fees: Replacement fees apply

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