Documents to carry while driving in France (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: A driver must show a valid driving licence and the registration certificate at a road check. Since 1 April 2024 insurance papers no longer have to be shown. Not showing documents at once is punished by a fine of up to EUR 38.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Identity documentCarrying documents while driving | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Driving licenceCarrying documents while driving | During a road check by the police or gendarmerie the driver must show a valid driving licence, on paper or in digital form through the France Identité application. A secure driving-entitlement certificate (ADCS) can be shown instead. [1] |
| Vehicle registration papersCarrying documents while driving | The driver must show the registration certificate (carte grise), even if the vehicle belongs to someone else. A copy is accepted for a short-term rental car. A provisional registration certificate counts if registration is pending. [1] |
| Proof of insuranceCarrying documents while driving | Since 1 April 2024 the insurance papers no longer have to be shown at a road check. The officers look up the vehicle's registration number in the file of insured vehicles. [1] |
| Fine for not carrying documentsCarrying documents while driving | Not showing the required documents at once is punished by a fine of up to EUR 38. The driver is invited to prove within 5 days that he or she holds them. Failing to do so within 5 days is punished by a fine of up to EUR 750. [1] |
Notes
- This rule has not been checked against an official source yet.
- Service Public states this as a change from 1 April 2024. Other documents still have to be shown.
- Service Public gives the amounts as 'up to'. The identity document is not listed on that page, so that field is still being checked.
Sources
- Service Public / Direction de l'information légale et administrative: Quels documents du véhicule sont obligatoires lors d'un contrôle routier ? (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.