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Driving with a foreign licence (Conduire avec un permis étranger)

Your right to drive in France depends on where you obtained your driving licence (permis de conduire). With a non-European licence, you may drive during a short stay or your studies, subject to conditions. If you settle in France, you must request a licence exchange (échange de permis).

Steps

Your licence was issued in an EU/EEA country

  1. You must request a licence exchange (échange de permis) if your licence has expired.
  2. You must request a licence exchange (échange de permis) if you apply for an additional licence category.
  3. You must request a licence exchange (échange de permis) if you commit a traffic offence in France resulting in lost points, a restriction, suspension or cancellation of your licence.
  4. You must request a licence exchange (échange de permis) if your licence has been stolen.
  5. You must request a licence exchange (échange de permis) if you have lost your licence.
  6. You must request a licence exchange (échange de permis) if your licence is damaged.

Your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA

  1. If you settle in France, request a licence exchange (échange de permis) for a French licence.
  2. If your foreign driving licence (permis de conduire) cannot be exchanged, you must pass the French driving test to continue driving in France.

Key facts