The good news first: a driving licence from an EU or EEA country is valid throughout France for as long as it is valid in the issuing country. If you move to France or own a second home here, you generally do not need to exchange it. There are, however, situations in which a French licence becomes necessary – and one deadline that many people overlook.
When an exchange is compulsory
- After a traffic offence in France: if the authorities ask you to, so that points can be deducted from the French points system
- After loss or theft: if you live in France, the replacement is issued in France, not in your home country
- When the licence expires or a category is only valid for a limited time (e.g. HGV categories with medical checks)
Note for German licence holders: mandatory replacement until 2033
Germany is gradually replacing all old licences with forgery-proof EU card licences. Paper licences have already expired; card licences follow by year of issue:
- issued 1999–2001: exchange by 19 January 2026 (deadline passed)
- issued 2002–2004: by 19 January 2027
- issued 2005–2007: by 19 January 2028
- issued 2008: by 19 January 2029
- then year by year, up to cards issued 2012 to January 2013: by 19 January 2033
The date of issue is shown on the front under item 4a. Important if you live in France: the German licensing authority is then usually no longer responsible. The exchange is handled by the French authority and you receive a French licence. Driving on an expired licence can lead to a fine at a roadside check.
How the exchange works in France
- The responsible authority is ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés). Applications are made online only at ants.gouv.fr
- You need: your licence (scanned front and back), ID, recent proof of address in France (justificatif de domicile) and a digital photo with signature (photo signature numérique), available from photo booths and ANTS-approved photographers
- While your application is processed you receive a certificate allowing you to keep driving
- Processing usually takes several months, so apply early – at least six months before any deadline
Special cases
- Swiss licences are not automatically valid indefinitely. If you live in France, they must be exchanged within one year of moving
- Licences originally obtained outside the EU and later converted into an EU licence follow their own rules – have your case checked individually
What counts as proof of address is explained in Justificatif de domicile. Other official portals are covered in French online services without the frustration.
All information without guarantee, as of November 2026. It is for general guidance only and does not replace legal or tax advice.
