International Driving Permit
Once you have completed your application on the ANTS website, you will receive a certificate of receipt.
In order for this application to be processed, you must send by post:
- the certificate of receipt for the application for an international driving licence
- a passport-size photo
- an A5 envelope with two stamps at the current rate and a "lettre suivie" sticker affixed
These items should be sent to the address shown on your certificate of receipt within 15 days of the application.
The time taken to issue an International Driving Permit varies from period to period, so we recommend that you apply 6 months before your departure.
What's more, some cases may take longer, depending on the situation and the checks to be carried out.
The application for an international permit is processed solely by the receiving department.
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
CS 20001
50653 Cherbourg en Cotentin Cedex
Note: Even if the initial application was made to CERT Nantes, you must contact CERT Cherbourg. CERT Nantes no longer handles this type of application.
For users living in Paris:
Préfecture de Police de ParisDPG / SDCLP
CREPIC
1 bis rue de Lutèce
75195 Paris Cedex 04
The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your French driving licence. You must therefore be in possession of your driving licence in order to apply for an International Driving Permit.
Your IDP is only valid when accompanied by your French driving licence.
No, it is not compulsory in all countries.
To find out which countries require or recommend an International Driving Permit, please contact the consular services of the country(-ies) you intend to visit.
You can also consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If you are travelling to a country in the European Union, you do not need an International Driving Permit.
You hold a category A1 driving licence, which is equivalent to your category B driving licence.
Legally, this principle of equivalence is not applied by foreign countries.
In France, you can drive a light motorbike (125cm3) with a "B" licence, but abroad you need a motorbike licence obtained by taking a test. This is why your international licence does not include category A1 and has been returned to you as such.