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First published in March 2023
Updated August 2025
One of the most frequently asked questions by newcomers and long-term residents in France is: “Can I drive in France with a foreign licence?” The answer is yes, but with important caveats. Whether you're from the UK, USA, or another country outside the EU, the French driving licence laws can be surprisingly complex. Let’s break down everything you need to know about using or exchanging a foreign driving licence for France.
Who Can Drive in France with a Foreign Licence?
If you hold a valid driving licence issued by a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, you're in luck. Your licence is recognised in France until it expires. There's no obligation to exchange it unless:
➡️ Your licence expires,
➡️ You commit a traffic offence in France,
➡️ You wish to add new categories (e.g., towing or heavy vehicle privileges), or
➡️ Your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Once your EU/EEA licence expires, and you are still a resident in France, you must apply for a French driving licence.
Driving in France After Brexit: What UK Licence Holders Need to Know
For UK licence holders, the situation depends on when your licence was issued:
➡️ If your British licence was issued before January 1, 2021, it remains valid in France until it expires. You only need to exchange it under specific circumstances like those mentioned above.
➡️ If your licence was issued on or after January 1, 2021, you must exchange it for a French one if you are residing in France.
To begin your exchange, you must use the ANTS portal: ANTS – Driving Licence Exchange.
Licence Exchange Requirements for Non-EU Nationals
If you come from a country outside the EU or EEA, your foreign licence is generally valid for up to one year after establishing residency in France. After this one-year period, you'll need to either exchange your licence or pass the French driving test.
Key requirements for a successful licence exchange:
✅ Your licence must have been issued by a country with a reciprocal agreement with France.
✅ It must be valid and have been issued prior to your move to France.
✅ It must be either in French or accompanied by a certified official translation by a “traducteur assermenté”.
✅ If translated abroad, the document must be apostilled by the issuing country.
Check if your country (or U.S. state) has an agreement with France: Refer to the official list of reciprocal agreements provided by the French authorities.
What If Your Licence Can’t Be Exchanged?
If your driving licence is not eligible for exchange, you will need to go through the process of obtaining a new licence in France, which includes:
➡️ Completing a driving theory test (Code de la Route),
➡️ Taking a practical driving test, and
➡️ Submitting the required residency and medical documentation.
You must also:
✅ Be of legal driving age in France,
✅ Hold a valid residence permit (unless you're an EU national), and
✅ Prove that you were a legal resident in the country where the licence was first issued.
Although this might sound daunting, it is a relatively standard process for many expatriates, and several driving schools offer bilingual support.
How to Exchange a Foreign Driving Licence in France
All driving licence exchanges are now processed entirely online through the ANTS portal (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés). You will need to:
➡️ Create an account on the ANTS website
➡️ Prepare a digital copy of your residence permit
➡️ Upload a scanned copy of your licence (both sides)
➡️ Submit an official translation (if applicable)
➡️ Include proof of residence (such as a utility bill)
➡️ Provide a recent ID photo from a Photomaton booth with a digital code
The portal outlines specific requirements based on your nationality and licence origin.
Deadline Alert: You Only Have One Year to Exchange!
If you’re required to exchange your licence, you must do so within one year of your official date of residence in France. Don’t delay, processing can take months, and missing the deadline means starting from scratch by taking the French driving test.
Top Tip: Start the process early to avoid administrative delays. The ANTS site also offers information in English to make things easier.
Why Car Insurance Is Crucial
Once you're legally allowed to drive in France, don’t forget to get proper car insurance. Driving without insurance is illegal and can result in fines, licence suspension, or even vehicle confiscation. Make sure you're covered with a plan that meets French legal standards.
🔎 Need help finding car insurance? Get a quote from Fab French Insurance and drive with peace of mind.
Summary: Driving Legally in France with a Foreign Licence
➡️ EU/EEA licences: Valid until expiry; exchange only if necessary.
➡️ UK licences (pre-2021): Still valid.
➡️ UK licences (2021 or later): Must be exchanged.
➡️ Non-EU licences: Valid for one year; then must be exchanged or replaced by passing the French test.
Always check reciprocal agreements and prepare translated/apostilled documents if needed. For official guidance and the latest updates, always consult the ANTS driving portal.
Catharine's top tip:
If you do need to exchange your licence, you only have one year to do it so it makes sense to start the process as soon as possible. Use the online portal (in French) to get started!
Do you have the right car insurance? Get a car insurance quote to ensure you're fully covered on the roads in France.
