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Driving in France
Driving in France
This guidance for UK licences also applies to licences from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
You cannot renew or replace your UK licence if you are resident overseas.
If you live in France and need an International Driving Permit (IDP), in addition to your UK licence to drive in another country, apply for one with the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS).
More information on how to apply is on the Interior Ministry website (in French).
If you are visiting France, and have a valid UK licence, you do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
If your UK driving licence was issued before 1 January 2021
Your UK licence is recognised in France for as long as it is valid. Paper licences are usually valid until you are 70. For plastic photocard licences, the expiry date is on the front. Check the expiry date.
If your UK licence has expired, or has less than 6 months’ validity remaining, you must exchange it for a French licence- this exchange is available from Monday 28 June as a result of the recent Franco-British agreement. You do not need to take a driving test. After you have applied you will receive your ‘attestation de dépôt sécurisée’. You can use this document to drive in France until you receive your new licence.
You can only exchange your licence if it is due to expire within 6 months. If you do not have a valid reason to request an exchange, your application will be rejected.
If you need to exchange your UK licence, apply online from Monday 28 June with the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS).
If your UK driving licence was issued on or after 1 January 2021
Your UK licence is recognised for 1 year from the date of issue of your residency permit (carte de séjour). If you intend to stay in France for longer than 1 year, you must exchange your UK licence for a French licence during this first year. You do not need to take a driving test.
If you need to exchange your UK licence, apply online from Monday 28 June with the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS).
Read the French government’s guidance on driving licences (in French).
For information on driving in France, read the guidance on:
Bringing a UK-registered vehicle to France
Read our guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK.
Read the European Union’s guidance on car registration and taxes in France. You may be exempt from some of these taxes. If so, you will need certificates of exemption.
Driving in the UK with a French licence
You can use your French licence in the UK for short visits, or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test.