- Car Shipping Denmark
- Ship Your Car To Or From Denmark
- Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Cost & Time Examples For Shipping A Car To Denmark
- Popular Shipping Destinations
- Required Documents For Shipping A Vehicle To Denmark
- Temporary Import
- Permanent Import
- Steps Of Procedure
- Shipping Of Heavy Equipment & Oversized Cargo To Denmark
- Kinds Of Heavy Equipment And Oversized Cargo We Can Transport
- What Is The Best Way To Ship My Cargo To Denmark?
- Other Services
- Related Information

Car Shipping Denmark
Ship Your Car To Or From Denmark
Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- For most vehicles, the cost of shipping to Denmark from the U.S. comes to roughly $2,000 to $4,400.
- Because of its proximity to Western Europe, Denmark and other Scandinavian countries are fairly popular delivery routes that run frequently.
Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Denmark
To/From | Ground | Ocean | Days |
---|---|---|---|
San Jose, CA to (California port) to Aarhus | $200 | $3,500 | 5+30 |
New York, NY to (New York port) to Copenhagen | $275 | $1,000 | 5+14 |
Los Angeles to (California port) to Aarhus | $350 | $3,500 | 5+30 |
Seattle, WA to (California port) to Fredericia | $550 | $3,800 | 6+30 |
Charlotte, NC to (New York port) to Copenhagen | $575 | $1,000 | 6+14 |
Chicago, IL to (New York port) to Copenhagen | $675 | $1,000 | 6+14 |
Denver, CO to (California port) to Aarhus | $775 | $3,500 | 7+30 |
Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Copenhagen | $800 | $1,000 | 6+14 |
Miami, FL to (New York port) to Copenhagen | $925 | $1,000 | 7+14 |
Dallas, TX to (California port) to Copenhagen | $1,025 | $1,700 | 7+30 |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
*Save the ground transport cost by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
*Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
*Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.
There are two different routes you can take if you would like to import your vehicle into Denmark. Both of these options require a little research and, of course, the assistance of a reputable auto transport company.
- The first option is to apply for permission to drive the vehicle in Denmark temporarily without paying any registration fees.
- The second option is to permanently import the vehicle into Denmark and complete all steps to have it properly registered.
Popular Shipping Destinations
Required Documents For Shipping A Vehicle To Denmark
- Certificate of registration.
- Proof of insurance.
- Proof of residence for at least 12 months.
Another consideration is that registration taxes for vehicles brought into Denmark is extremely high, generally between 100% to 200% of the value of the vehicle. Make sure you include this cost when assessing how much the total cost will be for shipping a vehicle to Denmark from another country.
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Temporary Import
This scenario would only take place if you are going to stay in Denmark as a student or you are working at a temporary job. Further information, along with the required application form can be found here.
- Documents needed - Current Vehicle Registration and Proof of Length of Stay/Duration.
- In addition, you will be required to pay a fee of DKK 400 (approximately $73 US Dollars) and submit the receipt along with the application and above-referenced documents.
Permanent Import
This is a much more common situation and requires you to import and properly register your vehicle in Denmark. This process MUST be completed within 14 days of arriving in the country.
Steps of Procedure:
- After arriving, the vehicle must pass an extended registration inspection given by an approved vehicle inspection center (http://www.trafikstyrelsen.dk/EN/Vehicle-inspection-and-vehicles.aspx).
- Request a valuation from the Danish Register of Motor Vehicles at http://www.skat.dk/tastselv.
- After requesting the evaluation, you will receive a receipt that you should keep in your vehicle so that you will be able to legally drive until your registration tax has been calculated and paid.
- You will receive notification of the amount of registration tax due based on the valuation of your car and it is payable at one of four motor registry offices immediately.
- Once the registration tax is paid, you are eligible to buy a number plate (the Danish equivalent of the US license plate).
The Danish Register of Motor Vehicles also referred to as SKAT, has a great website (www.skat.dk) with an abundance of information. Because rules and regulations are constantly changing, it is really in your best interest to check the website prior to scheduling the shipment of your vehicle, and again, ensure you select a trustworthy auto transport company to make the entire process move along smoothly.
Process of registering a vehicle in Denmark.
Shipping Of Heavy Equipment & Oversized Cargo To Denmark
The process it takes to ship heavy equipment or oversized cargo outside of the United States is best left up to the professionals. The skilled transporters and specialists at A1 Auto Transport have access to everything they need from the latest in shipping technologies to the highest quality transport equipment. For decades, we have been shipping large and heavy cargo nationally and internationally as requested by our customers. We are certain we can ship your cargo to Denmark regardless of what it is.
Kinds of Heavy Equipment and Oversized Cargo We Can Transport
The list of heavy equipment and oversized cargo we’re able to ship can go on forever. However, we would like to give you somewhat of an idea before you call in to schedule your transport.
- Harvesters
- Tractors
- Combines
- Cranes
- RVs
- Yachts
- Pontoon Boats
- Bulldozers
- Asphalt Pavers
- Excavators
- Forklifts
- Industrial Equipment
- Construction Equipment
- Mining Equipment
- Engineering Equipment
Regardless of what you’re shipping to Denmark, we will pair your shipping services with free insurance coverage. If the coverage provided for free isn’t sufficient, we do offer additional insurance packages.
What Is the Best Way to Ship My Cargo to Denmark?
The best way to ship your cargo to Denmark from the U.S. is contingent on what type of cargo you have to transport. After you provide the details of your cargo and transport preferences to one of our representatives, they will let you know what methods of transport are available to you. Here are the transport methods you will have to choose from if your cargo is suitable for any of the overseas shipping options…
- Container Shipping
- Flat Rack Shipping
- Lift On/Lift Off Shipping
- Roll On/Roll Off Shipping
LoLo, RoRo and flat rack shipping are all open air services. One of them is suitable for inoperable and crated equipment while one of them is only available to those shipping operable vehicles or equipment. Flat rack shipping is the most protective of the three open air methods.
If you wish for the utmost security, you may be able to take advantage of container transport services. However, your cargo will need to fit into a 40ft shipping container. If it is at all possible, we will disassemble the equipment or vehicle so that it fits snuggly in the container for its transport.
Other Services
Related Information
- How much does it cost to ship a car to Denmark?
- The process of shipping a car to Denmark through an international transporter
- Ship a car to Denmark from the US by purchasing affordable overseas transport services
- Try shipping your car to Denmark through a reputable overseas transporter
- Use enclosed transport services to ship your car to Denmark safely
- What services should I use to safely ship my car to Denmark
- Import vehicle into USA from Denmark
- Denmark container shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major sea and cargo ports in Denmark?
Denmark (officially the Kingdom of Denmark) is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. Denmark is the southernmost Scandanavian country, consisting of a peninsula and an archipelago of 443 named islands. As you can imagine, Denmark has plenty of sea and cargo ports. We have chosen some of the busier ones to tell you about.
- Port of Fredericia – The Port of Fredericia is a centrally-located port along the European transport corridor with easy access to motorways and the railway network, offering optimal conditions for easier and more efficient handling of transshipped goods. The Port of Fredericia is one of the largest Danish ports for importing and exporting.
- Port of Aarhus – The Port of Aarhus is a deep-sea port located in Aarhus and is the largest container port in Denmark. The port handles more than 50% of the country’s container traffic. Aarhus is located at the mouth of the Aarhus River on the Bay of Aarhus.
- The Port of Copenhagen – The Port of Copenhagen is the largest Danish seaport and one of the largest ports found in the basin of the Baltic Sea. The port itself is divided into several different areas, many of which are individual harbors. The cars terminal at the Port of Copenhagen is one of the largest in Northern Europe.
- The Port of Esbjerg – The Port of Esbjerg is on the southwestern coast of Jutland and is an important hub for passenger traffic to England. It is a competitor port of Aarhus and Hamburg. The port was built in 1868 and was once Denmark’s principal fishing harbor.
- The Port of Odense – The Port of Odense was founded in 1803 and is Denmark’s only canal harbor. It consists of Inner Harbor at the end of Odense Canal and Odense Steel Terminal of Munkebo. The port is also the country’s seventh-largest commercial port for turnover.
What is the first step to importing a vehicle into Denmark?
When importing a vehicle into Denmark, there are first steps to be taken – dependent on your circumstances.
If you already live in Denmark and want to import a vehicle with foreign plates, you will have to fill out an application online before importing the car. Print the receipt and keep it in your car because you will need it in your vehicle if it has foreign plates.
If the vehicle has no plate number or you don’t live in Denmark, you will need to go through a separate process, beginning with an inspection.
From start to finish, you have 30 days to register your vehicle in Denmark.
Does a car undergo an inspection when being imported into Denmark?
A vehicle (or motorbike) must pass a comprehensive registration inspection and customs inspection at a vehicle inspection center. The inspection must be performed within a month of requesting the vehicle valuation. You can find a list of approved vehicle inspection centers through the Danish Transport Authority.
If you are importing your vehicle from a country that is outside of the EU, the Faroe Islands, or Greenland, you must show up at one of the vehicle registration offices after the vehicle passes its inspection. You will also need to bring your registration certificate or send it to the registration office in Aalborg to obtain the proper permission needed to register the vehicle.

How do I get a valuation for my vehicle?
You can request a valuation from the Danish Register of Motor Vehicles or from a private valuation business. To complete the valuation:
- Log on to E-Tax (TastSelv) using NemID
- Click on ‘Motor’ – ‘Motorregister’ (Register of Motor Vehicles)
- Select 'Registreringsafgift' (Registration tax)
- Then 'Anmod om værdifastsættelse' (Request a valuation)
- Complete the valuation request and click ‘Godkend’ (Accept).
- You can see your receipt in your ‘Meddelelsesarkiv’ (Message archive) in E-tax.
One thing to keep in mind is that the E-tax system is only in Danish. You will want to have somebody to assist you with the Danish language. You need to put in your request if you are new to Denmark or if your vehicle has foreign plate numbers.
If you don’t have a Danish CPR number (civil registration number) and NemID, you must send them to motorekspedition@motorst.dk to inquire about the valuation of the vehicle you are importing. If the vehicle is coming from a country outside of the EU, and you have not submitted your registration certificate, you will need to do so to the email supplied above.
How will I know what the decision is concerning my valuation and import?
Individual requests can be seen in E-Tax under the heading ‘Meddelelser fra Motorregistret’ (Messages from the Register of Motor Vehicles). Businesses can follow the same types of procedures to find out determinations for their valuation requests by going to the message archive but in the E-Tax for business area (TastSelv Erhverv).
Those who do not have access to E-Tax will receive their decision in the mail.
What taxes and duties will I be required to pay when importing a car into Denmark?
When registering the car, you will be required to pay a registration tax. This can be paid electronically or through a money transfer. Once the payment has settled and you have your receipt, you can get the plates for your car.
Importing does require the payment of taxes and duties in certain scenarios. If you are importing from within the EU, you luck out because you won’t have to pay customs duties. However, be prepared to pay a 25% VAT if the car is brand new.
If you are importing from outside of the EU, there is a bit more to taxes and duties. You will need to report to a clearing agent to have customs clearance made when first arriving at the customs duties office within the EU. You will be required to pay the applicable VAT and customs duties required while there.
After customs clearance is made and the payment has been made, the vehicle is released. Custom’s duties are 10%, and VAT is 25% of the invoice price of the car plus freight and costs. In cases where the vehicle is a part of removal goods, it may be exempt from customs duties and VAT or receive a reduced rate of less than 10%.
What documents will be required to import my car into Denmark?
To import your car into Denmark, you will need to supply the following:
- Original certificate of title
- Vehicle registration
- Valid driver’s license
- Insurance card
In many circumstances, your shipping company will help you make sure you have all of your paperwork together before importing the car into Denmark. Car shipping companies often work as customs brokers or freight forwarders and know exactly what you will need to take care of before shipment occurs.
Keep in mind when you do bring your car into the country, it must be in your possession for at least six months before import. You will also not be able to sell, lend, or dispose of the car within the first 12 months of residency in Denmark.

How much will it cost, and how long will it take to ship my car to Denmark?
When transporting your vehicle, remember that where the car is picked up most likely won’t be at the port it will be leaving from. In most circumstances, you should expect to be paying for some ground transport, too. You can expect charges for ground shipment, ocean shipment, and time for both.
Origin | Destination | Ground | Ocean | Total Days |
San Jose, CA (California port) | Aarhus | $200 | $3,500 | 35 |
New York, NY (New York port) | Copenhagen | $275 | $1,000 | 19 |
Los Angeles (California port) | Aarhus | $350 | $3,500 | 35 |
Seattle, WA (California port) | Fredericia | $550 | $3,800 | 36 |
Charlotte, NC (New York port) | Copenhagen | $575 | $1,000 | 20 |
Chicago, IL (New York port) | Copenhagen | $675 | $1,000 | 6+14 |
Denver, CO (California port) | Aarhus | $775 | $3,500 | 37 |
Memphis, TN (New York port) | Copenhagen | $800 | $1,000 | 20 |
Miami, FL (New York port) | Copenhagen | $925 | $1,000 | 21 |
Dallas, TX (California port) | Copenhagen | $1,025 | $1,700 | 31 |
What methods are available for shipping my car to Denmark?
When you ship a car or other piece of heavy equipment, there are a few different ways that this can be done. The most common vehicle and equipment shipping methods are container, flat rack, LoLo, and RoRo.
Container Shipping | Container shipping is the most expensive form of shipping for vehicles. A container is a box protected on all four sides, top and bottom. It is dedicated to whatever is put inside it, which is then locked and transported onto the ship by a crane. These containers come in 20-foot and 40-foot varieties, but keep your vehicle out of the elements. For especially long shipments, this might be a better option. |
Flat Rack Shipping | Flat rack shipping is like a container, but without the four walls and roof surrounding it. This method is considered the most protective of the three open-air methods used by shipping companies. |
Lift-on/Lift-off – LoLo | LoLo is used when there is a vehicle or piece of equipment that is inoperable. The only way to get this piece of equipment onto the ship is to lift it on at the port of origin and lift it off the ship at the destination port. |
Roll-on/Roll-off – RoRo | RoRo is the opposite of LoLo. Cars and equipment that can be driven on and off the ship are done so with this method. RoRo is also the cheapest method of transporting your vehicle. It doesn’t come without its downsides, so it is best to do your research first. |
What should I look for in an auto transport company when shipping my car to Denmark?
Not all auto transport companies are the same. Some only specialize in local and interstate vehicle transport, which does you no good if you need to ship your car to Denmark (or any other country in the world). When choosing your auto transport company, you will want to do your homework. Don’t rush the process, or you could end up over your head and out a lot of money.
- Focus on the quality of the company over the price of the company. Many people don’t think about this when they are looking for a shipping company. If you are moving to Denmark and taking your car, you should expect to be spending a few grand on the process – especially if you are moving your belongings with you. Cheaper is not better in these instances.
- Find the company that meets your needs. Not sure what your needs are? First, you want a company that can handle the process from start to finish. If you need to hire two and three different companies to do the job, you aren’t accomplishing anything. Second, you want to find a company that is knowledgeable about the process and has shipped to Denmark before. These are two good places to start when determining what your needs are.
- All shipping companies are required to have licensing and registration. You are well within your rights to ask for it, plus the insurance information for the company. After all, they will be handling your car and be in charge of the freight forwarding. That is another thing you will need to check as well. Is the company a freight forwarder or licensed customs broker? If so, they can handle the paperwork portion of your shipment, too.
- Look for trustworthiness and credibility. Yes, we all want to give the newcomer a shot when it comes to small or homegrown businesses. The problem with this is that they may not have the knowledge needed to ship internationally yet. Save the new transport companies for the local car shipments and stick to a reputable international shipping company to handle your needs for shipping your car to Denmark.
Finding a car transport company that can do it all – from start to finish – can be hard to find. If you are reading this, you know that we handle international car shipments and even residential moves. Why look any further than a sure thing?