The French driving licence is recognised in most countries, but specific rules apply by geographic zone. In the EU, the licence is valid as-is. Outside, an international permit or sworn translation may be required. This 2026 guide details rules by zone and documents to carry by destination.
In the EU: licence valid without formality
The French driving licence (pink paper or new plastic card format) is automatically recognised in the 27 EU countries plus European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland. No extra document needed to drive or rent. Validity follows French licence duration (15 years B category since 2013).
Local rules to know
Even with recognition, road rules vary. Alcohol: 0.5 g/L France and most countries, 0.2 g/L Poland and Sweden, 0 g/L Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Brazil, Japan. Motorway: 130 France, 120 Spain/Italy/Belgium, 100 Switzerland (except some passes), 100 Norway, unlimited on 60 % of German motorway (but 130 recommended). Daytime headlights: mandatory in Scandinavia, Poland, Croatia, Slovenia and Czech Republic 24/7. Mandatory equipment: France high-vis vest, triangle, breathalyser (recommended, not mandatory since 2020).
UK: left-hand driving and post-Brexit rules
Since Brexit (1 January 2021), the French licence remains valid in the UK for touristic stays (up to 12 months). Beyond, residents must exchange French for British licence (within year of settlement). Documents: insurance green card (mandatory since 2023 for any French vehicle entering UK), French licence. Specifics: left-hand driving, limits in mph (70 mph = 113 km/h motorway), electronic tolls in London (congestion charge + ULEZ).
Non-EU European countries
Several non-EU European countries recognise the French licence. Switzerland: recognised without formality (EEA). Turkey: recognised for 6 months for tourists, international permit recommended beyond. Serbia, Bosnia, Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo: French licence recognised, international permit advised (frequent checks). Ukraine: recognised (logistical difficulties in war zone). Russia: international permit mandatory. Belarus: international permit mandatory.
USA and Canada
Rules vary by state (USA) or province (Canada). USA: French licence recognised for tourists up to 3-6 months by state (Florida, California, New York, Texas: accept French licence). International permit practically recommended (official translation). For stay > 6 months, state licence mandatory. Canada: French licence recognised 3-6 months, then exchange possible without exam in many provinces (Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia).
Asia: China, Japan, Korea, Thailand
Widely varying rules in Asia. China: French licence not recognised. Obtain temporary Chinese permit via specialised agency (around €150) or full national permit (with exam). Japan: French licence accepted only with JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) official translation (~€40). International permit not recognised. South Korea: French licence with official translation accepted. Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia: international permit mandatory.
Africa and Maghreb
Maghreb countries close to French standard. Morocco, Tunisia: French licence recognised without formality. Algeria: French licence recognised. West Africa: anglophone countries (Ghana, Nigeria) often require international permit, francophone (Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cameroon) recognise French licence. East Africa: international permit mandatory in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia.
South America
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru: French licence recognised with international permit (mandatory in most cases). Renting without international permit can be refused. For stay > 6 months, exchange possible in some countries (Chile, Uruguay: bilateral agreement).
Insurance: international cover extension
Before leaving, check car insurance. International green card: issued by insurer, lists covered countries. Covers EU + most European countries (except Russia, Belarus, Ukraine in some cases). For green-card-free countries: buy ad-hoc extension at border or from local insurer. Car rentals: check cover (often limited to rental country unless cross-border option).
Practical documents to carry
Regardless of country. French licence (new-generation plastic card recommended, international format). Original registration document or certified copy (personal vehicle). Insurance certificate (green card). Valid passport or ID. Accommodation certificate or hotel confirmation (some countries). International permit (order free on ants.gouv.fr).
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