Driving licence
Driving in France on a UK licence
The rule depends on when your licence was issued: before 2021 it is valid until it expires; from 2021 you must exchange within 12 months.
Reviewed 27 October 2026 · Official source checked 28 October 2026
Which rule applies depends on the issue date printed on your UK licence.
Issued before 1 January 2021
You can keep driving on it in France until it expires. You only need to exchange it for a French licence:
- when less than 6 months of validity remain,
- if it is lost or stolen, or
- after a driving offence that leads to points or a suspension in France.
Issued on or after 1 January 2021
You must request the exchange on ANTS within 12 months of the start date of your residence permit (or validated visa). After that window it is no longer recognised and you would have to pass the French test.
Documents you'll need
Practical notes
Apply through ANTS only, never through paid look-alike sites. Processing takes months; keep the receipt, which lets you keep driving while the file is pending.