You Help! How Do I Swap My Driving Licence for a French One?

Moving to France comes with its fair share of bureaucracy, but exchanging your driving licence shouldn’t be a roadblock. At SOS Anglo, we’ve guided countless expats through the process, so let’s tackle the most common questions together!

Who Needs to Exchange Their Licence?

It depends! If your licence was issued in the EU, you only need to renew it once it expires, or if it’s been damaged or lost. However, if you're from the UK, the U.S., or another non-EU country, and have a Visa, exchanging it is mandatory within the first year of residency. Specific residency conditions may apply, so it’s important to check your status.

If you’re from the UK, arrived in France before Brexit, and hold a five or ten year WARP card/Titre de Séjour, then you can apply to exchange your licence if it will expire in the next twelve months.

When Is Exchanging Mandatory?

You must exchange your driving licence for a French one in the following cases:

• Your licence has expired or will expire in the next twelve months.
• You are applying for a new licence category (extension).
• You commit a traffic offence in France resulting in a loss of points, restriction, suspension, or cancellation of your licence.
• Your licence has been stolen, lost, or damaged.

What Documents Do I Need?

The process requires precise documentation. Here’s what you need:

• A copy of your existing licence (front and back)
• Proof of residency (utility bill, rental contract, etc.)
• A certified translation of your licence (if required)
• A medical certificate. This only applies in some cases, for example to professional drivers needing special categories (like C, D, etc). Additional certifications or tests may apply.

Depending on your circumstances, we will check what is needed and ensure that all the correct documents are submitted with your application.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times vary but expect up to 12 months, due to huge backlogs of applications.  This is one of the reasons you can now apply up to twelve months before your licence expires rather than previous six months. If you live in Paris you’re in luck as it only takes a matter of weeks!  The good news? Once your application is submitted, you can legally drive with your old licence while waiting for the French one.

Will I Have to Take a Test?

No! Most licence holders don’t need to. Countries such as the UK, USA, Canada and Australia have reciprocal agreements with France, you can swap your licence without taking a test. Again, we can check this for you.

What does it cost?

In most cases the new licence is issued free of charge.

How long is it valid for?

Your new French driving licence will be valid for 15 years.

What If My Application Is Rejected?

Bureaucracy can be tricky, and mistakes happen. If your application is denied, don’t panic! Common reasons include missing documents, incorrect translations, or issues with residency proof. We can help you appeal or troubleshoot the issue to get you back on track.

Need a Co-Pilot for French Paperwork?

Navigating French bureaucracy can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. At SOS Anglo, we handle the hard parts so you can enjoy life in France stress-free. Ready to get started? Contact us today!

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