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Driving in Europe (EU/EEA) with a French driving license
Verified 17 August 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
What applies to you ?
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Is your French driving license accepted in Europe (EU/EEA) ? In which cases is the exchange of your permit mandatory? We tell you what you need to know in case of a short tourist stay or if you settle a European country.
Tourism
You can drive with your French license in any country European.
Your driver's license must be valid.
FYI
You can drive with your French driver's license if you are going for a short holiday in one of the following countries: Andorra, Principality of Monaco, United Kingdom, Republic of San Marino, Switzerland.
Minimum age rules may vary for certain categories of vehicles.
For example, the AM permit allows you to drive a scooter of 50 cm3 from 14 years in France, when you have to 16 yrs in some European countries.
Find out before you leave.
You can contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are going to.
Who shall I contact
You cannot drive with a temporary license in another European country.
For example, a Driver's License Examination Certificate - CEPC or a receipt for the declaration of loss or theft of the license.
If you have obtained your French license in exchange for a non-European license, you can drive with this license in another European country for a short tourist stay.
Installation
You can drive with your French driver's license if you settle in another European country (EU/EEA).
Your driver's license must be valid.
If you have obtained your French license in exchange for a non-European license, it is not not automatically recognized by others European countries.
Ask before you leave for the rules applicable in your host country.
You can contact the embassy or consulate of the country concerned.
Who shall I contact
You cannot drive with a temporary license in another European country.
For example, a Driver's License Examination Certificate - CEPC or a receipt for the declaration of loss or theft of the license.
Minimum age rules may vary for certain categories of vehicles.
For example, the AM permit allows you to drive a scooter of 50 cm3 from 14 years in France, when you have to 16 yrs in some European countries.
Ask before you leave for the rules applicable in your host country.
Who shall I contact
FYI
You can choose to exchange your French license for a license from the country where you live. Find out from the relevant authorities in that country how to proceed.
In which cases is it mandatory to exchange your French driving license?
If you reside in a European country (EU/EEA), the exchange of your French permit is obligatory in the following cases:
- The validity of your license has ended.
- Your license is lost, stolen or deteriorated.
- You committed a traffic offense in the country where you live.
- Your French permit is one old model valid for life (cardboard pink model) and your country of residence demands sound renewal after 2 years of normal residence.
Depending on the country, the validity of the new motorcycle or car license will be 10 or 15 years.
Check with the authorities in the country where you live to find out how to do this.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
- Foreigners Embassy or Consulate in France
Citizens Contact Center - Driving license
Online Contact Form
Access to contact form
By telephone
34,00 (no surtax)
09 70 83 07 07 from overseas and foreigner
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
FAQ
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