Who Must Exchange Their Foreign Licence?

The rules differ for EU, EEA, and non-EU nationals.

If your licence is from the EU/EEA

• You can continue driving with your existing licence.

• You only need to exchange it if it is lost, stolen, expired, or if you commit a driving infraction requiring point deductions.

If your licence is from a non-EU country

You must exchange it if France has a reciprocity agreement with your country.

You generally need to exchange your licence:

• Within 1 year of the date you become a resident in France

• Before your licence expires

• If your visa or residence permit allows you to drive temporarily

Common countries with agreements include the UK, USA (some states), Canada (some provinces), Australia (some states), and many others. The list is updated often.

The Official Source for U.S. State Reciprocity

France maintains an official, updated list on the Ministry of the Interior / ANTS / Service Public websites

Service Public – Permis étrangers: États américains
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1758
(Scroll to "États des États-Unis ayant un accord avec la France")

This is the only list the prefectures rely on.

If your issuing country does not have an agreement with France, you must take the French driving test (theory + practical) in order to obtain a French licence.

Where to Submit the Exchange Request

All driving licence exchanges are now done online through the French ANTS platform:

https://ants.gouv.fr

You need to create an account using:

• Your email

• A French phone number

• Your FranceConnect login if you have one

Important Note for Foreigners

Foreigners cannot create a FranceConnect login unless they already have a French national digital identity, such as:

• A Carte Vitale with an Ameli account

• An Impôts.gouv.fr tax number and online account

• A La Poste Identité Numérique

• France Identité (French national ID app – citizens only)

If you are a non-EU expat, especially during your first year in France, you will not be able to use FranceConnect.

Instead, you must create a standard ANTS account using:

• Your email address

• A French mobile phone number

• A password

This basic login works fine for:

• Driving licence exchanges

• Vehicle registration

• Updating personal details

FranceConnect is optional — not required — and is not accessible to most new foreigners.

Documents You Will Need to Upload

Prepare clear scans or photographs of the following documents. Requirements may vary slightly based on nationality and prefecture instructions.

Identity and Residency

• Passport

• Valid residence permit (or visa + OFII validation)

• Proof of address in France (recent utility bill, lease, or attestation d’hébergement)

Licence and Driving Documents

• Original foreign driving licence (front and back)

• Official translation of your licence into French (by a certified translator)

• Driving record or certificate of authenticity from the issuing authority

• For UK, US, Canada, Australia: certificate from your state/province if required

Additional Documents

• Recent photograph (meeting French passport standards)

• Signature on a blank white sheet (photographed or scanned)

Important: Your foreign licence must have been valid when issued and must still be valid at the time of exchange.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Create Your ANTS Account

Visit ants.gouv.fr and register.
Select:
Demarches > Permis de Conduire > Échange de permis de conduire étrangers

Step 2: Complete the Online Form

You will be asked for:

• Personal details

• Licence details

• Residency information

• Country and date of licence issue

You will then upload all required documents.

Step 3: ANTS Reviews the Application

Administrative review can take several weeks to several months.
Delays are common, especially for licences from outside the EU.

During this period, the ANTS portal may request:

• Additional documents

• New translations

• Clarifications about your issuing country or residency date

Step 4: Surrender of Your Foreign Licence

If approved, ANTS will ask you to send your original licence by mail.
In exchange, you will receive a certificate allowing you to continue driving while waiting.

Step 5: Receive Your French Permis de Conduire

Once issued, your French driving licence will be sent to you by post as a secure, credit-card style card.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times vary significantly. Typical timelines:

• EU licences: 2–4 weeks

• Non-EU licences with reciprocity: 2–6 months

• Licences requiring additional checks: up to a year

If your application is pending, you may receive temporary driving authorisation through ANTS.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

1. Missed the one-year deadline
   France is strict about the residency deadline. Apply early.

2. Untranslated documents
   Use a certified translator approved in France to avoid rejection.

3. Country not recognised
   Some states/provinces in the US, Canada, and Australia have separate rules. Always check your state's reciprocity status.

4. Unclear scans or poor-quality photos
   Upload clear, well-lit PDFs to avoid delays.

5. Licence issued while already in France
   Licences obtained after moving are often rejected unless strict rules were followed.

Can You Drive While Waiting?

Yes, in many cases. Once your application is accepted and under review, ANTS may issue temporary driving rights.
However, this depends on:

• Your nationality

• The status of your licence

• Whether France recognises licences from your issuing country

Always check your ANTS account for updates.

If Your Licence Cannot Be Exchanged

If your country does not have an agreement with France, you must:

• Take the French theory exam (Code de la Route)

• Take the practical driving exam

This applies to many countries without a reciprocity treaty.

Conclusion

Exchanging a foreign driving licence for a French permis de conduire can be straightforward if your issuing country has a reciprocity agreement, but the process can still take time. Preparing the correct documents and applying early will help avoid delays.

For a smoother experience, FranceForms offers a dedicated pack with guidance, templates, and checklists.

Driving Licence Exchange Pack (CTA)

Get the complete pack with:

• Step-by-step instructions

• Required documents checklist

• Template letters

• Guidance on ANTS uploads

• Translation requirements

• State/province reciprocity lists

[Download the Driving Licence Exchange Pack]

Free Expat Paperwork Checklist

If you’re still settling in, download the free checklist covering the essential documents every expat needs.

[Get the Free Checklist]