Foreign driving licences in France (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: A valid EU/EEA licence may be used without exchange except in listed cases. A licence from outside the EU/EEA is valid for short stays under six months and for one year after normal residence begins.

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceMay keep driving on a valid EU/EEA licence without exchanging it. Exchange for a French licence is mandatory only if the licence expires, a new category is requested, a traffic offence in France leads to loss of points, restriction, suspension or cancellation, or the licence is lost, stolen or damaged. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceMay be used during a short stay of less than six months (for example a holiday) if valid and any medical restrictions are respected. It must be written in French, or be accompanied by an international driving permit (not required for UK licences) or an official translation. [2]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceRecognised for 1 year from the date the holder acquires normal residence in France (185 days or more a year). An exchange for a French licence is needed to keep driving after that; students with a student residence permit are not required to exchange. Holders of a UK licence issued before 2021 do not need to exchange while it is valid, except in listed cases. [3]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The page treats a UK licence issued before 2021 like an EU/EEA licence; a UK licence issued in 2021 or later is not covered by this rule.
  • The page read for EU/EEA licences does not mention an International Driving Permit; it lists conditions for recognition (validity, minimum age, medical conditions, no suspension).

Sources

  1. Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA): Conduire en France avec un permis européen (UE/EEE) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA): Conduire en France avec un permis étranger pendant un court séjour ou la durée des études (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA): Échange de permis de conduire obtenu hors Europe (UE/EEE) - installation en France (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.