A driving licence remains a professional passport, particularly in Paris where nearly 80% of logistics, delivery and personal-services job offers require a category B licence. For young Paris-region residents in employment-insertion programmes, the Île-de-France Regional Council has offered since 2017 a financial aid called « Chèque permis », revised in October 2024 to reach up to €1,000 co-financed with the European Union. Here is how to qualify in 2026.
The Chèque permis in 2026: amount and mechanism
Two €500 instalments paid directly to the driving school
The aid is structured as two €500 coupons, paid not to the beneficiary but directly to the partner driving school. Result: the young person advances no money. The first coupon is activated when signing the teaching contract with the school and the provisional schedule. The second is triggered when the school submits proof of driving hours actually delivered since the first payment.
Up to €1,300 with combinations
The regional aid can in some cases be combined with departmental, municipal or national aids. For example, a young Parisian on an insertion contract can combine the Chèque permis with the national « €1 a day licence loan » for up to €1,300.
Eligibility conditions in 2026
To benefit from the Chèque permis in 2026, the applicant must:
Be aged 18 to 25
The age bracket is strict: 18 to 25 inclusive at the time of application. Seventeen-year-old candidates (accelerated licence) are not eligible.
Live in Île-de-France
Main residence must be in one of the eight Île-de-France departments (75, 77, 78, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95). Proof of address less than 3 months old is required.
Have already passed the theory test
The aid specifically targets the practical phase of the licence. The applicant must already have passed the theory (ETG) - its €30 cost at approved centres is not covered.
Be in an employment-insertion programme
The applicant must be engaged in one of the recognised insertion schemes: trainee in vocational training (Compétences +, E2C, PEE, regional e-learning), RSA beneficiary, youth followed by the Mission Locale, apprentice, or on a youth engagement contract (CEJ).
How to submit your application in 2026?
Step 1: create a LABAZ account
Since 1 October 2024, all applications go through LABAZ, the Île-de-France Region app that centralises aids and perks reserved for young people. Create an account with an email, enter civil-status information, upload supporting documents (proof of address, theory certificate, insertion attestation).
Step 2: choose a partner driving school
Not all driving schools are Chèque permis partners. LABAZ displays the updated list of conventioned schools. In Paris, around 150 schools are partners, distributed across all arrondissements. DevisPermis.fr can direct you to those in our network that accept the scheme.
Step 3: processing and notification
Average processing time is 3 to 4 weeks. If approved, the first coupon is activated and the school receives the payment directly upon contract signature. Coupon validity: 12 months from approval, without extension.
Useful special cases in Paris
Combining with Mission Locale Youth Guarantee
Young Parisians followed by the Missions Locales in the 13th, 18th, 19th or 20th arrondissement (which concentrate most beneficiaries) can combine the Chèque permis with personalised support. The Mission Locale can also help build the LABAZ application.
Student grant-holders
Student status alone does not open entitlement to Chèque permis. However, a student entering a parallel insertion scheme (apprenticeship, CEJ) becomes eligible again. Note also that since 2020, Crous offers grant-holders a 0% loan dedicated to the licence, combinable with the Chèque.
Possible refusals and appeals
The main reason for refusal is insufficient proof of insertion. In case of refusal, the application can be re-filed after effectively entering a new scheme (e.g.: signing a youth engagement contract). The Region accepts several applications per year, within the available budget.
Other Paris aids to know in 2026
€1-a-day licence loan (State)
0% loan up to €1,200, repayable over 36 months at €1/day. Accessible from age 15. Combinable with the Île-de-France Chèque permis.
France Travail licence aid
Up to €1,200 for jobseekers in insertion programmes, under strict conditions and after advisor validation. Not combinable with the regional Chèque.
Arrondissement town-hall grants
Some arrondissements (18th, 19th, 20th) occasionally offer licence grants to their young residents. Variable amounts (€200-500), one-off ceiling, often conditioned on associative or professional commitment.
Find a partner driving school in Paris
DevisPermis.fr can connect you with Paris driving schools accepting the Île-de-France Chèque permis in your arrondissement. Fill in our free 2-minute form indicating that you benefit from regional aid: we direct you to a conventioned school that will simplify your procedures.
Next step
How to get the right support?
DevisPermis.fr connects you for free with a certified driving school near you. Answer 5 questions in 2 minutes, and an advisor will call you back within 48h* to offer a tailored package.
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