Apply for an International Driving Licence

In some countries, an international driving licence is required or recommended in addition to your French licence in order to drive. It must be accompanied by a valid national driving licence.

Start your application

Information

The secure "credit-card-sized” driving licence issued in France since 2013 complies with European and international law (Vienna Convention - 1968).
As a result, an International Driving Permit is, in principle, not needed for driving in a number of countries (all the countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Turkey, etc). You can find the list of countries on the French savety road website

Les grandes étapes de la démarche

  1. 1

    Prepare the required documents

    Here are the documents you will need to provide during your application:

    • A proof of identity (national identity card, passport, etc)
      • For French nationals with a digital identity, the single-use photo ID generated during the process from the France Identité application is accepted.
    • A proof of address less than six months old
    • A passport-size photo less than six months old
      • If you wish to send this photo in paper format: Download and send in the photo-signature submission form  (available at the end of your application).  Any envelope containing the photo signature form without sufficient postage will not be processed and the envelope will be destroyed.
      • If you use an e-photo code: this code is only valid once
    • A valid national driving licence in good condition (all details must be legible, the licence must not be torn or taped, and the photo of you must be recognisable)
      • If your national driving licence has been damaged, your application for an International Driving Permit will be rejected immediately. If you notice any significant damage, you should renew your document immediately via the ANTS website
      • Once you have received your new national driving licence, you can apply for an International Driving Permit.
    • A pre-stamped 50g envelope with your name and address written on it

    Depending on your situation, other documents may be required:

    • If you are not a French national but are a citizen of the European Union (including Switzerland and Monaco), proof of normal residence in France on the date of application
    • A proof legal residence in France, if you are not a French national or a citizen of the European Union
    • A medical opinion from an approved doctor, if required

    For professional emergencies involving users who do not reside in Paris, additional supporting documents are required:

    • a dated and signed statement from your employer justifying the trip abroad 
    • if you are a self-employed entrepreneur or the representative of your company/brand: 
      • a dated and signed sworn statement promising, in particular, not to make any misrepresentations, which would expose you to criminal prosecution, and justifying the business trip
      •  a K-Bis excerpt or any official document less than 3 months old attesting to your business.

    Business applications must be sent to the following postal address (except for residents of Paris - please note that sending by post does not exempt you from completing the online process):

     

    CERT Permis de conduire internationaux

    TSA 90098 URGENCE PROFESSIONNELLE

    CS 20001

    50653 CHERBOURG EN COTENTIN Cedex

     

    • For users who nevertheless used the standard postal address, if you have not received an automatic message informing you that your complete file has been received, it is impossible for the agency to retrieve it within a timeframe compatible with a professional emergency.
    • For users sending an incomplete file or one without supporting documents,  the application will be processed according to the timeframe in effect at the time of receipt of the mail and will not receive priority treatment.

    Information

    The processing time to issue an international driving licence depends on the time of year, so we recommend you submit your application at least six months before your departure. Some applications may take longer to process depending on the circumstances and the checks that need to be carried out.

    The International Driving Licence Processing Centre (CERT-PCI) is currently experiencing a high volume of applications for international driving licences.

    The current processing time is approximately 4 months from receipt of your letter via the postal service.

  2. 2

    Log in or create an account

    Once you have logged, on the category "Start a new transation" click on "Driving licence"

    Log inCreate an account
  3. 3

    Start your application

    • Choose the reason "Je demande un permis de conduire international " (I am applying for an international driving licence)
    • Complete your situation :
      • majeure, mineure émancipée ou mineure (adults/minors) registering for the driving test or return to driving licence (following invalidation or cancellation of driving licence)
      • Driving licence category asked
    • Click on "Valider définitivement ma situation" (Definitively confirm my situation)

  4. 4

    Add your personal details

    • Fill in your marital status
    • Fill in your postal address
    • Add your contat details

  5. 5

    Add your documents

    • For French nationals with a digital identity, the single-use photo ID generated during the process from the France Identité application is accepted.

    Use the single-use identity document from France Identité
  6. 6

    Confirm the summary of the application

  7. 7

    Send your photo

    You must send by post:

    • your passport-size photo
    • the application form given at the end of application form
    • the envelope ready to post in the format of a 50g registered letter addressed to the applicant

  8. 8

    Track the progress of your application

    The progress of your application is available on your account

    Track the progress of my application

    Information

    If you discover an error when you receive your permit, you should contact the relevant department:

    • For users living outside Paris:
      CERT permis de conduire internationaux
      TSA 10099
      COMPLEMENT DE DOSSIERS USAGERS
      CS 20001
      50653 CHERBOURG EN COTENTIN CEDEX
    • For users living in Paris: Préfecture de Police de Paris DPG / SDCLP - Crepic - 1bis rue de Lutèce - (75195) Paris Cedex 04