Driving in France and exchanging a foreign driving license
Driving in France with a foreign driving license is permitted under certain conditions. These conditions depend on the issuing country and, in some cases, involve other specific procedures, such as a mandatory exchange of the license.
In a nutshell
- A European driving license is valid in France indefinitely (except in the case of traffic violations).
- A non-European driving license is valid for a maximum of one year after moving to France.
- Exchange is mandatory before the end of the first year if the country has an exchange agreement with France. Applications are made online on the France Titres website.
- Without an exchange agreement, it will be necessary to obtain a French driving license by passing a driving test.
Is it possible to drive in France with a foreign driving license?
Yes, provided that the license:
- Is valid.
- Has not been suspended, revoked or restricted in its country of issue.
- Complies with any medical requirements (e.g. wearing glasses).
- Meets the minimum age requirement in France (18 years for a category B license).
The rules then differ depending on whether it is a European or non-European license.
What are the rules for a European driving license?
A driving license issued by a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area is recognized in France and can be used freely without time limit.
The license holder may voluntarily request to exchange it for a French license.
The license may be revoked if the holder commits a traffic violation resulting in an administrative penalty.
What are the rules for a non-European driving license?
A driving license issued outside Europe is valid for a maximum of one year:
- From the issuance of the residence permit by the Prefecture.
- Or validation of the long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) by the OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration).
Beyond this period, it is no longer possible to drive with this license.
Specific conditions for non-European driving licenses
To be recognized during this first year, the license must:
- Have been issued in the country of normal residence.
- Have been obtained before the start of the validity period of the residence permit.
- Be written in French or accompanied by an official translation.
- Be valid and not suspended in its country of issue.
How to exchange a non-European driving license for a French driving license
If the country of origin has signed an exchange agreement with France, the exchange must be requested before the end of the first year of residence.
If no bilateral agreement exists, the license is not exchangeable. The holder must pass the French driving test (theory and practical) before the end of the first year of residence in France.
An official simulator enables you to check if your country of origin is covered by an exchange agreement.
The application is made exclusively online on the France Titres website (National Agency for Secure Documents).
The exchange must be requested:
Before the expiry date of the permit.
And no later than one year after the issuance of the residence permit or the validation of the long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS).
- Valid proof of identity.
- Valid residence permit.
- Proof of address less than six months old.
- Original driving license.
- Certificate of right to drive less than six months old (confirming the absence of suspension or cancellation).
- France Titres-compliant digital photo (e-photo).
Documents written in a foreign language must be accompanied by an official translation into French.
In case of suspension or cancellation of a license, you must provide:
- The administrative decision.
- The letter from the Prefecture.
- A medical opinion.
A medical certificate of fitness or a waiver of rights is required for a license that includes heavy vehicle categories.
In case of loss or theft, a declaration of loss will be required (only for European, Swiss, Andorran and Monaco licenses).
If the holder has been naturalized, the decree or declaration of French nationality must be included in the application.
What is the validity period of the French driving license obtained?
The French driving license issued after exchange:
- Is valid for 15 years.
- Contains 12 points.
If the foreign license is less than three years old, the holder will receive a probationary license with six points, which will increase to 12 points after three years without any traffic violations. The exchange process requires surrendering the original license to the French authorities.
At a glance
This page explains the rules for driving in France with a driving licence issued by another country, and the exchange of a non-European driving licence in France. It is based on institutional sources such as ANTS, Service-public.fr and Business France. It presents information covering the validity of a foreign driving licence in France, exchange procedures and the rules applicable depending on the country of issue. It uses the example of a foreign driver wishing to drive in France and, where necessary, exchange their licence for a French driving licence.