Foreign Driving Licence Exchange in France | Complete Guide

Which countries have licence exchange agreements with France?

France has exchange agreements with various EU, EEA, and non-EU countries allowing residents of these nations to exchange their foreign driving licence for a French one without undergoing a driving test. These countries include:

The categories above determine what your licence allows you to legally drive in France. 

Driving in France with a U.S. licence

U.S. citizens can legally drive in France for a limited period using their valid U.S. driver’s licence, but there are a few important conditions to keep in mind. 

If you’re visiting France as a tourist, you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your U.S. licence. The IDP serves as an official translation and is required by French authorities.

The rules change if you become a resident in France. As a general guideline, U.S. licences are valid for up to one year after establishing residency. After that, you’ll need to exchange your U.S. licence for a French one if you’re from a U.S. state that has a reciprocal agreement with France. Not all states are eligible, so it's important to confirm whether your state is on the approved list.

To stay compliant and avoid penalties, ensure you have the correct documents when driving, including your passport, IDP, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

Driving licence categories in France

• Category AM - Moped & Light Quadricycles: For ages 14 and up. Allows driving mopeds (motorbikes under 50 cm³) and small four-wheelers. Requires 8 hours of training and is the only category excluded from the point-based system.
   
• Category B – Car licence: For vehicles under 3.5 tonnes carrying up to 8 passengers. Requires training and passing written and driving tests.
   
• Category A – Motorcycle licence: Covers three types: A1, A2, and A, depending on engine size and rider experience. Each requires a specific test.
   
• Categories C & D – Professional licences
  
  • C: For driving heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. Subcategories include C, C1, and C1E.
  • D: For buses and passenger vehicles with over 8 seats.
     
• Category E – Trailer licence: Allows driving B, C, or D vehicles with trailers. Subcategories: BE, CE, and DE.

For example, the standard driver’s licence in Texas is a Class C licence, which allows you to drive a car. In exchange, you’ll receive a French Class B licence allowing you to also drive a car. 

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Eligibility criteria to exchange a foreign driving licence in France

To exchange your foreign driving licence to a French one, you must;

• Have a normal residence in France. This means you've been living in France for at least 185 days per year for personal or professional reasons. 
   
• Hold a valid foreign driving licence. Your licence must be current and not suspended, revoked, or expired.
   
• Have obtained your licence from a country with a reciprocal agreement with France. 
   
• Have lived in the country where your licence was issued at the time of issuance.
   
• Be at least 18 years old to drive a car in France.
   
• Comply with any medical requirements. If your licence has medical restrictions (e.g., requiring glasses), you must adhere to them.

Key considerations

• Your foreign driver’s licence is valid for one year after you move to France. If you’re eligible for an exchange, you must do it within that first year of your residency. 
   
• The process of getting your France licence may not be completed within that one year, but you must apply before the deadline. The one-year countdown starts from the moment you become a resident in France.
   
• If you miss the one-year deadline, you’ll need to pass the French driving test to get a new driver’s licence. 
   
• If your licence was issued by an EU or EEA member state, you can use it in France as long as it's valid. However, you must exchange it if it expires, you commit a traffic offence in France, or it’s lost, stolen, or damaged. 
   
• If your licence was issued by a non-EU/EEA country with a reciprocal agreement with France, you can exchange it within one year of establishing residence in France.
   
• If you're in France on a student visa, you can use your foreign licence for the duration of your studies without exchanging it, provided it's valid and accompanied by an official translation if not in French.
   
• If you have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection, you can exchange your licence within one year of receiving your residence permit. Your licence must be valid and from a country with a reciprocal agreement with France.

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Where do I apply for the licence exchange?

You can apply for the foreign driving licence exchange in France online through the official French government portal: the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS). You’ll also need to upload all required forms and paperwork to the ANTS online portal.

How to apply for a foreign driving licence exchange in France

1. Create or Log in to your ANTS account: Visit the ANTS website and either create an account or log in using FranceConnect, which allows access through existing accounts like those from the tax office or health insurance.

2. Initiate a new application: Once logged in, select "New Request" and choose "I request the registration or an exchange of my foreign driving licence" as the reason for your application.

3. Upload your photo signature: You can submit your photo signature in two ways;

• Use an e-photo code: This is a digital photo and signature you get from a photographer approved by ANTS.
• Send it by mail: You can also mail a printed photo of yourself along with the deposit form you'll receive at the end of your application.

4. Complete the application form: Fill in the required information and upload the necessary supporting documents.

5. Submit your application: After ensuring all information is accurate and all documents are uploaded, submit your application.

6. Track your application: You can monitor the status of your application through your ANTS account. Processing times can vary, so we advise that you check in regularly.

What documents are required to exchange a foreign driving licence in France?

When applying for your foreign licence exchange in France, you need to be careful and upload clear colour copies of each document in its specified slot. Here are all the documents required to change a foreign driver's license;

• Proof of identity: Your passport or national ID card. If you're French and using the France Identité app, you can upload the single-use digital ID with a photo.
   
• Proof of legal stay: A valid residence permit or visa.
   
• Proof of address: A recent document (less than 6 months old) showing where you live in France, like a utility bill or rental agreement.
   
• Your current driving licence: Both sides, in colour.
   
• Certificate of driving rights: A document from the licensing authority in your home country confirming your licence is still valid (must be less than 6 months old).

You may also need:

• Proof you lived in the country that issued your licence: If you're not a citizen of that country, you may need to show that you lived there when the licence was issued. This could be school records, work contracts, pay slips, or consular documents.
   
• Certified translations by an approved translator (if your documents are not in French): Translation of your driving licence and/or certificate of driving rights
   
• If you became French recently, your naturalisation certificate or declaration of nationality
   
• Medical certificate: If your licence includes categories for heavy vehicles, you may require a medical certificate confirming your fitness to drive such vehicles.

For certified translations by approved translators, we can help. We offer quick and reliable certified translations that meet the requirements of French authorities in 12 hrs or less. Request a quote to order your translation.

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Do I need a translation of my foreign licence?

Yes, you do. If your driving licence or certificate of driving rights is not in French, you’ll need a certified sworn translation. 

French authorities need to fully read and understand the details of your documents, like the licence type, issue date, and categories. They also need sworn translations to prove the accuracy and validity of your document. 

Sworn translations in France can only be done by a sworn translator (assermenté) or a translator approved by the French embassy or consulate.

Translayte provides Sworn Translations in French that are accepted by all government authorities in France in 12 hrs or less. Our sworn translations include the translator’s signature and stamp on the document translation, making it legally valid and acceptable throughout France. 

Conclusion

Understanding how to use or exchange your foreign driving licence in France is essential for avoiding fines or legal issues. The rules depend on your nationality, the type of licence you hold, and how long you plan to stay. If you're required to exchange your licence, start the process early and ensure all your documents, including certified translations, meet French administrative standards. Translayte can help with fast, certified translations that are fully accepted by French authorities, so you can drive with confidence.