Any foreign driver settled legally in France must eventually exchange their national licence for a French one. Rules differ by country of origin (EU or third), length of residence and licence category. This 2026 guide details the ants.gouv.fr procedure, required documents and current delays.
3 situations by country of origin
Three cases by issuing country. EU or EEA member: exchange optional, foreign licence remains valid in France. Third country with bilateral agreement with France (about 80 listed on diplomatie.gouv.fr): exchange without exam, within 12 months of settlement. Third country without agreement (USA for some states, China, India, most Asia and Africa countries): full French exam mandatory beyond one year of residence.
EU/EEA countries: optional exchange
For EU, EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) or Swiss-issued licences, exchange isn't required to drive in France. Foreign licence valid as-is throughout its validity. Exchange mandatory when: loss/theft in France; points deduction/suspension in France (exchange required to enforce French sanction); request for higher category (C, D, etc.) requiring French document.
Agreement countries: exam-free procedure
About 80 countries have a French agreement permitting exchange without exam. Among them: Canada (by province), South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Argentina, Brazil, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Ivory Coast, some US states (Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland, Iowa, South Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, Ohio). Conditions: resident in France less than one year; licence obtained while applicant resided habitually in issuing country; provide documents below.
Documents to provide
Regardless of country and category, some documents are required. Cerfa form 14879-02 (foreign licence exchange request). Both sides copy of valid foreign licence (expired < 5 years sometimes accepted case-by-case). Official translation (sworn translator) unless EU or drafted in French, English or Spanish. ID (ID card, passport, residence permit). Proof of residence in France (bill, lease, receipt) under 3 months. ePhoto-format ID photo. Proof of France settlement date (employer attestation, residence permit, etc.).
Agreement-free countries: full French exam
For countries without agreement (China, India, USA in most states, most African countries outside agreement, etc.), two options. Drive in France with foreign licence + international permit for first 12 months after official settlement. Pass full French licence (ETG code + driving) beyond 12 months residence. Candidate can register as free candidate (cheaper, ~€150 for exams) or classic school (€1,100-1,400 package). No mandatory specific training, but recommended for French-specific rules.
2026 processing times
ANTS processing times fluctuate by demand volume and origin country. EU/EEA: 1-3 months average. Bilateral-agreement countries: 3-6 months. Files needing translation or verification with issuing authority (some Africa, China, Brazil): 6-12 months, sometimes more. During processing, applicant receives a receipt allowing continued driving.
Origin-specific watch points
Some cases have specifics. US licences: vary by state, consult list on interieur.gouv.fr. States with bilateral agreement are a minority. For others, French licence mandatory. Chinese licences: no agreement, exam mandatory. Brazilian licences: agreement, exchange possible. Moroccan/Tunisian/Algerian: agreement, direct exchange, translation not required (French). UK post-Brexit: agreement maintained, exchange without exam for holders settled before 2021, complex procedure for post-Brexit arrivals.
Residence-permit holders specifics
The one-year clock starts at first long-term residence permit (>6 months), not arrival. Students with student permit: can use foreign licence throughout studies (sometimes up to 10 years). Temporary-mission employees (<1 year): foreign licence valid. Refugees: special agreement, exam-free exchange in many cases.
After exchange: the new French licence
Once exchange done, applicant receives French licence (plastic card format). Specifics. All foreign-licence categories carried over (B, A, C, D as applicable). Foreign licence must be returned to French authority on receipt of French licence. New holder starts with 12 points in France (barring special cases). No probation, unless candidate obtained original licence less than 3 years ago.
Procedure on ants.gouv.fr
Request made exclusively online. Steps. Create ANTS account or log in. Select "Exchange foreign licence for French". Scan required documents (PDF, JPEG). Upload ePhoto (ePhoto code or scanned physical photo). Submit request with completed Cerfa 14879-02. Track progress in personal account. If missing piece, ANTS sends message, regularise within 30 days.
French-licence quote to retake exam
For drivers from agreement-free countries, taking French licence may seem complex. DevisPermis.fr lists schools suited to international candidates, with English classes or foreigner-adapted. Fill our form for 3 personalised quotes within 48h.
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