Do I Need an International Driving Permit for France?

Created: Jan 2, 2024 | Updated: Feb 22, 2024

If you are planning on taking a romantic road trip through the famous city of love, or you intend to cruise the roads while you’re there, this read is definitely for you. We will take you through what an International Driving Permit is, letting you know why it is important to have one when driving in France and the steps involved in obtaining one.

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) or International Driving License is a document that allows you to drive a private motor vehicle in a foreign country without the need for further tests or applications. It is essentially a translation of your home country's driver's license into the language of the country you are visiting, making it easier for the officials in that country to interpret the information. The IDP is not a standalone document but is used in conjunction with your valid driver's license from your home country.

An IDP is required in over 140 countries of the world and you will need a different one for every country you visit. The IDP is not a universal document but is generally recognized internationally. However, the recognition of the IDP depends on the specific agreements and regulations of each country you visit.

Who Needs an International Driving Permit in France?

In France, an IDP is called Permis de Conduire International (PCI). The main purpose is that it serves as a translated driver’s license for some time. If you intend to drive in France, you will need Permis de Conduire International as a tourist or resident if:

Your driver’s license isn’t in French.
Your driver’s license wasn’t issued by an EU member state, the United Kingdom or Switzerland.

In this case, you will need to get a certified translation of your license or a Permis de Conduire International.

Driving in France with a European license

You can drive in France with a foreign license issued by a European Union or European Economic Area member country if:

You are at least 18 years old.
Your driver’s license has not expired.
Your license complies with any medical or vehicular requirements you may have, such as wearing the stipulated glasses or adhering to vehicle modifications, etc.
Your driver’s license is not under any restriction, suspension or cancellation.
When you obtained your license while you were in France, there should not have been any legal measures or restrictions in place that prohibited you from applying for or obtaining a driving license.

If you meet these conditions, you can drive in France with your European Union license as long as it remains valid.

Otherwise, you do not have the right to drive in France with your European license. You must wait to meet all the conditions or renew your license in the event of a cancellation. You can also ask to exchange your European license for a French license. If your European license was obtained by exchange, the country of issue must practice reciprocal license exchange with France.

However, if it is not exchangeable for a French license, you can use it in France for one year from the acquisition of your normal residence. To continue driving in France beyond this period, you must pass the French driving license exam.

However, this is not an obligation unless:

You are applying for a new license category (extension).
You commit an offense in France resulting in a loss of points, restriction, suspension or cancellation of your license.

How can I get an International Driving Permit for Driving in France?

You should know that IDPs are meant to be issued by your resident country and not France, so if you want to drive in France, you must apply for one before leaving your country. To get the permit, you need to do the following:

Visit the International Driver’s Permit website and search for your country. You will be redirected to the authority responsible for issuing IDPs in your country.
Fill out the online application form on your country’s IDP website.
Confirm the documents pertaining to your country and upload them. These usually include:
1. Passport photos
2. Identity documents
3. Your valid driver’s license
Pay the stipulated fee. The fee for an international driving permit varies by country. In America and Canada, it ranges between $20-$25, in the UK it is £5.50 and in Nigeria, it is between $54.99-$69.99.

Once you have followed all the steps and paid the fees, you should be issued your International Driver’s license. Issuance of the license can take anywhere between a few days and a few weeks, depending on your country’s process.

Note that you must be at least 18 years old to drive in France, even if the driving age in your country is younger. Having an International Driving Permit for France will not automatically permit you to drive.

Do I need an international driving permit in France?

How to Translate my Foreign Driver’s License

If the driver’s license issued in your country is not in French, a translated version of your driver’s license can be used in place of an International Driver’s Permit. To get a translated driver’s license, you need to get a good certified translation service in France that specializes in delivering certified translations for all kinds of international documents.

A certified translation is a translation of a document that is accompanied by a signed statement from an authorized translator or translation agency affirming that the translation is accurate and complete. This statement, often called a certification or affidavit of accuracy, attests to the authenticity and reliability of the translation.

Translayte offers access to certified translators that are qualified and sworn in by their regional Court of Appeal in France. Our turnarounds are fast, our prices are attractive and our customer service is top-notch.

Our driver’s license certified translations are accepted by the French Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Registration Office, OFII, and other institutions, such as Universities, Banks, Local authorities and Courts.

To get a certified translation, take the following easy steps:

Visit the Translayte website.
Request a free quote and select your preferred turnaround time.
Upload your driver’s license in PDF, Docx., JPG, or any other supported format.
Sit back, and expect your translation by email or by post, on or before the stipulated delivery time frame.

It’s that easy! Give it a try now.

FAQs

How do I get an International Driver’s License in France?

In France, the ANTS is the public service in charge of issuing International Driver’s Permits and the application is made only online.

Can I Drive a Rental Car With an International Driving Permit in France?

Yes, if you are a non-EU licensed driver, you are required to have an international driving permit to drive a rental car if your license is not in French.

Can I Register a Car in France With a Foreign License?

Yes. It is possible to register a car in France with a foreign driver's license although you will still have to adhere to the same requirements regarding the international driving permit.

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