Exchanging a foreign or overseas licence for a French licence

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 legal residence (valid residence permit)
• A proof of address less than six months old
• The current driving licence
• A certificate of entitlement to drive less than 6 months old issued by the foreign authorities that issued the driving licence
• A passport-size photo less than six months old (in paper or digital format) . 
  • 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

Depending on your situation, other documents may be required:

• a medical opinion or a statement waiving the right to drive such vehicles, for a licence including heavy-vehicle categories
• the declaration of loss, if the driving licence was lost
• the theft report (made at the gendarmerie or police station), if the driving licence was lost
• a translation (by an approved translator) of the certificate of entitlement to drive if it is not written in French  
• a translation (by an approved translator) of the driving licence if it is not written in French
• the naturalisation decree (declaration of citizenship), If you have acquired French citizenship
• The individual certificate of attendance at the Defence and Citizenship course (JDC) or of non-participation, for applicants who have reached the age of 17 but not yet 25, and for a first application
• A medical opinion from an approved doctor, if required
• A proof of normal residence in the foreign country at the time the foreign licence was issued, if the applicant is not a national of the country issuing the licence. Examples: Certificate of registration and deletion from consular registers, employment contract, payslips, employment certificate, etc.
• A proof of identity of their legal representative, for minors or persons under legal guardianship

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

Log inCreate an account

• Choose the reason " Je demande l'enregistrement ou un échange de mon permis de conduire étranger" (I want to exchange my foreign driving licence for a French 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)

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

There are two ways to provide your photo and signature:

• Use an e-photo code (digitised photo + signature) obtained from an authorised photographer
• Mail your passport-size photo and the submission form available at the end of the process

Locate an authorised photographer

• 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

The progress of your application is available on your account

Track the progress of your applicationKnow the steps involved in obtaining a French driving licence