Do I need to exchange my current licence in France? What are the regulations for EU, non-EU, and UK licenses
If you are planning to travel to France to study or work, or you are already in the country, and you are wondering whether you can drive with your foreign licence, the following information will help to clear up your doubts. Licences issued in non-EU countries are valid for a short period (less than 185 days) or up to one year from the acquisition of a residence permit in France, with the exception of UK licences issued before 2021.
Here you can find out about the rules and how to change your permit.
For those who are holding a student visa, it is not necessary to change your licence as you are allowed to drive with yours. In a different situation you must request the exchange of your driving licence no European for the French permit if you would like to live in the country. The licence would be just valid only for 1 year since the acquisition of your normal residence in France.
In principle, if your UK driver’s licence was issued before 1 January 2021, you can drive in France with it and do not need to homologate it or change it.
However, you must exchange your driving licence for a French licence only in the following cases:
- The validity of your licence has expired
- You are applying for a new category of licence (extension)
- You commit a traffic offence in France resulting in a loss of points, a restriction, suspension or cancellation of your licence
- Your licence has been stolen
- You have lost your licence
- Your licence has been damaged
If your licence was delivered from 1 January 2021, or if it expires, you must request the exchange of your permit within one year to the French administration.
Which non-EU countries allow drivers to exchange their driver’s licence for a local one?
To be able to change your driving licence to a French one, the driver licence must comply with the following conditions:
- To have been issued by a country whose category of driving licence concerned can be exchanged for a French license
- To have been issued by the country in which you had your normal residence before settling in France
- Be valid
- Be written in French or be accompanied by an official translation. The translation must be legalized or apostillate if it’s done abroad. If the translation is done in France, it must be done by an authorized translator or by the embassy in France of the country which issued the permit.
This simulator indicates which countries out of Europe (EU/EEA) whose national driving licences can be exchanged for the French licence.
Check if your country is eligible for driver exchange.
The translation of the documents must be legalized or apostilled in case that it is done abroad, or if you do the translation in France, it must be performed by a authorized translator or by the embassy in France of the country which issued the permit.
These are the conditions that the applicant must follow:
- Have the minimum age to drive in France vehicles of the equivalent category of your licence
- Have your normal residence in France
- Have a valid residence permit if you are neither European nor French
- Passing the license exam when you had your normal residence in the country where the licence was issued
- Follow any medical prescriptions noted on your licence. For example, eyeglasses are mandatory.
- To have passed, if necessary, a medical examination for fitness to drive. For example, if your health condition involves a restriction on the validity of the licence.
- Not to have been sanctioned by a suspension, withdrawal or cancelation of your right to drive in the country of issue of the license
- Not to have been sanctioned in France, before having obtained a driving licence in another country, by a cancelation or an invalidation your right to drive.
When do you have to exchange a Foreign Driving License in France?
General Rules:
As a foreigner, you have a 1-year period from the date you establish your normal residence in France to request the exchange of your foreign driving licence. This rule does not apply to licences obtained within the European Economic Area (EEA).
If you have a First Residence Permit:
- When to apply?
Within 1 year of getting your first residence permit.
- Important
This 1-year period does not restart if you renew your residence permit or change your residence status.
Getting a new residence permit or a permanent resident card does not give you a new 1-year period to exchange your driving license.
If you have a Long-Stay Visa as a Residence Permit:
- When to apply?
Within 1 year of:- Validating your visa online, or,
- The date on the sticker from the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) on your first long-stay visa.
- Important
The 1-year period does not reset if you renew your residence permit or change your residence status.
If you have a Receipt Recognizing International Protection (Ofpra):
- Residence Permit Requirements:
The residence permit must indicate one of the following:- ‘Recognized refugee’
- ‘Granted subsidiary protection’
- ‘Applied for the issue of a first residence permit with stateless status’
- When to apply?
Within 1 year of receiving the Ofpra receipt.
- Important note
This 1-year period does not restart if you renew your receipt or change your residence status.
You are European:
If you are from EEA, Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland:
- When to apply?
After 6th months of arriving in France and before the 18th month
- Important note
If you obtained your driving licence in France, you must request the restoration of your driving privileges.
If you are French:
- When to apply?
You must request the exchange of your licence within 1 year of establishing residence back in France.
- Important note
If you obtained your driving license in France, you must request the restoration of your French driving privileges.
What is the best way to apply for an exchange of a foreigners driving license?
All applications are made through the website Agence nationale des titres sécurisés (ANTS). Documents might be required depending on your specific situation.
While your driving licence is being processed, you are allowed to drive with your national licence because you will keep it. Finalizing the investigation, which can take several months depending on the complexity of the case, your original foreigners driving licence will be required for an authenticity check, and e-mail or SMS will be sent to notify.
The email explains the steps to send the original of your driving licence by registered mail. Once the instructor service receives your license, you can download a Secure Deposit Certificate (ADS) from the ANTS website. The ADS is valid for 4 months and allows you to drive while waiting to receive your French licence, within the validity period of your foreign permit.
Moreover, the manufacturing and sending of your driver licence can be tracked through online services.
The French driving license is valid for 15 years from the date of issue indicated on the permit.
Exceptions:
- Medical Restrictions: The validity period may be shorter if there are medical concerns requiring restrictions.
- Heavy Vehicle Categories: Validity is linked to the driver’s age (e.g., 5 years for drivers under 55).
Important note: The French licence issued to you will be a probationary permit if your original permit was also a probationary license.
Navigating the rules and regulations surrounding driving licences in France can be complex, especially with varying requirements for different countries. If you have any questions or need assistance with exchanging your driving licence advice, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Our services are here to help guide you through processes smoothly and efficiently in France. Contact us today to ensure you remain compliant and confident on the road.
Reference:
Service-public.fr. (n.d.). Exchange of driving licenses obtained outside Europe (EU/EEA) – installation in France. Retrieved January 31, 2024, from https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1460?lang=en
