Car Shipping to Denmark
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Denmark is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Denmark, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Danish and EU regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to Denmark
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to Denmark – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Denmark— before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Denmark – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 25% (plus registration tax / registreringsafgift, which can exceed 100% of the vehicle’s market value)
Cost: $1,700–$7,700+ (ocean), $17,000+ (air)
Main ports: Aarhus, Copenhagen
Import duty: 10%
Required inspection: extended registration inspection at an approved vehicle inspection centre (synsvirksomhed)
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to Denmark
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Denmark
Our local broker handles all Danish customs paperwork, VAT, duties, and other considerations.
Delivered & Registered in Denmark
Your vehicle undergoes the extended registration inspection and customs inspection before registration and release.
Denmark Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to Denmark starts around USD $1,700, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. As Denmark is coastal, vehicles can be shipped directly to a Danish port such as Aarhus or Copenhagen for onward delivery to your final destination. The estimated transit time is 18–28 days, but this can also vary.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Aarhus / Copenhagen | $1,700 | $2,400 | $4,200 | |
US West Coast → Aarhus / Copenhagen | $2,800 | $3,800 | $6,500 |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Danish Destination Ports
LogisticsDenmark is a coastal country, so vehicles can be shipped directly to a Danish port. Here are the entry ports we can ship to for delivery into Denmark. Our agents can also arrange for shipment to an inland location in Denmark or Europe, depending on your needs.
Ports Served in Denmark
Aarhus
Copenhagen
Grenaa
Esbjerg
Odense
Fredericia
Bremerhaven (Germany)
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Danish government. Some of these fees could include:
Danish Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty
Value-added tax (VAT)
Vehicle registration tax (registreringsafgift), based on the vehicle's market value in Denmark
Technical inspection fees
Undercarriage cleaning costs (to meet Danish biosafety requirements)
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Motor-related insurance (third-party liability)
Registration fee
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. When importing from a non-EU country, you can generally expect to pay a 10% customs duty and 25% VAT on the vehicle’s invoice price plus freight and costs. Once VAT and duties have been paid, your vehicle will be released. The most important cost to consider, however, is the Danish vehicle registration tax (registreringsafgift): it is based on the vehicle’s market value in Denmark, must be paid before the vehicle can receive Danish number plates, and can be very high — often exceeding 100% of the vehicle’s value depending on the vehicle and its emissions. You can request a binding ruling from the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency to find out the registration tax amount in advance.
Danish Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 25% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
US Citizen or Resident Relocating to Denmark | If you are changing your normal place of residence to Denmark from a country outside the EU, your personal belongings — including a motor vehicle for private use — may be brought in duty-free and VAT-free as removal goods, provided you meet the requirements. You must have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months, intend to keep using the belongings for the same purpose, bring them to Denmark no later than 12 months after moving (and no earlier than six months before your move), and not lend, pledge, rent out or sell them within the first 12 months. You must submit a declaration of personal property to the Danish Customs Agency (Toldstyrelsen) and document that you meet these requirements. Note that this customs/VAT exemption does not remove the obligation to pay Danish registration tax. |
Importing from Within the EU | If you import your car from another EU country, you will be exempt from paying customs duties. However, you will still be required to pay VAT at a rate of 25% if the vehicle is new, and registration tax still applies before the vehicle can receive Danish plates. |
Temporary Import | Vehicles imported into Denmark temporarily are exempt from import taxes and duties. Temporary use usually applies if you are staying in Denmark for less than 185 days within a 12-month period; in that case you may drive on foreign number plates and pay the tax in your country of residence. Residents moving to Denmark must typically register the vehicle within 30 days. |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles | Vehicles older than 35 years may be treated as veteran (classic) vehicles and are valued differently for registration tax purposes — private valuation businesses are not permitted to settle the tax on them, so the valuation goes through the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency. Eligibility and any applicable relief should be confirmed with the authorities before shipping. [TBD — confirm specific veteran-vehicle registration-tax relief; the sources confirm a 35-year valuation distinction but do not state a relief percentage.] |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in Denmark.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to Denmark, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to Denmark.
- Your vehicle must comply with all the legal and technical requirements stipulated by the Danish government, including Danish and EU emissions and safety standards.
- US vehicles may require modifications to achieve compliance, such as headlight adjustments, a km/h speedometer, and emissions testing or modifications.
- If your vehicle does not conform to safety or emissions standards, it will need to undergo a homologation process, which will be an additional expense.
- You can only register a vehicle in Denmark if the vehicle’s primary owner or user has a Danish address. Whether you have owned the car for at least six months, and whether it is new or used, can affect eligibility and your tax rate.
- Your car must be thoroughly cleaned and the undercarriage free of foreign soil to meet strict Danish biosafety regulations, and it must not contain more than a quarter tank of fuel while in transit.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Denmark:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Danish authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in Denmark, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Original Car Title Certificate (a copy or photo of the Certificate of Title is accepted for US imports when applying for registration approval)
Copy of Passport / photo ID
USA Car Registration Documentation
Driver's License
Invoice clearly stating the price of the vehicle, if there has been a sale
Proof of insurance (third-party liability)
Proof of car ownership and proof of residence in Denmark
Customs declaration and VAT/duty payment documentation
Documentation of the extended registration inspection
Vehicle Registration in Denmark (Motorstyrelsen)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to Denmark must be registered before they can be legally driven on public roads. As part of this process, the vehicle must pass an extended registration inspection (registration inspection and customs inspection) at an approved Danish vehicle inspection centre, which ensures it meets local safety and environmental standards. You can only register a vehicle in Denmark if the primary owner or user has a Danish address.
If your vehicle requires any modifications or homologation to meet Danish requirements, such as headlight adjustments, a km/h speedometer, or emissions compliance, these will need to be handled before registration. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic.
To register your car, you’ll need a copy of the customs declaration, proof of ownership (registration documentation or a sales contract), details of the car’s specifications (such as make and model), proof of valid car insurance, and a valid driver’s license. You can drive for up to six months on a foreign driver’s license, after which you’ll need to apply for a Danish one. You must register your vehicle with the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency (Motorstyrelsen) within 30 days of importing it into the country, and you’ll be required to pay the registration tax (registreringsafgift), which you should anticipate being a significant cost. The registration tax can be paid at SKAT registry offices.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Denmark, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process
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Denmark Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Denmark.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in Denmark?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
What is the registration tax (registreringsafgift)?
Registreringsafgift is Denmark’s vehicle registration tax. It must be paid before a vehicle can receive Danish number plates and is based on the vehicle’s market value in Denmark. It can be very high — often exceeding 100% of the vehicle’s value depending on the vehicle and its emissions — making it the single most important cost to plan for when importing a car to Denmark. You can request a binding ruling from the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency to find out the amount in advance, and the tax can be paid at SKAT registry offices.
Can I drive my car in Denmark on foreign plates while registration is pending?
Generally, if you live in Denmark and import a vehicle with foreign number plates, you must inform the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency before importing and you have 30 days to register it. If you have not received a response within 30 days, you are no longer allowed to use the vehicle on foreign plates in Denmark. You should complete Danish registration within the permitted time limit to avoid penalties — your agent can help you stay compliant.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.