Since 2013, the French driving license has taken the form of a credit card-sized plastic card with an electronic chip: the European biometric license. In 2026, more than 30 million French citizens hold this secure document. But unlike the old pink cardboard license, it has limited validity and requires regular renewals. Here is everything you need to know to manage your biometric license.
What is the biometric license?
Compliant with EU directive 2006/126/EC, the biometric license measures 86 x 54 mm. It includes a digitized ID photo, a digitized signature, several security elements (holograms, UV-reactive inks) and a chip containing the driver's data. It progressively replaces the old pink cardboard licenses, which must all be exchanged by January 19, 2033 at the latest. All licenses issued or renewed after September 2013 are already in biometric format.
Validity by category
Contrary to popular belief, administrative validity is not a withdrawal of the right to drive. The biometric license is valid for 15 years for AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B and BE categories. At the end of this period, you simply need to renew the document (photo and signature update), without retaking exams or a medical exam (except in special cases). For heavy licenses (C, D, CE, DE) and Taxi-VTC, validity is 5 years, with mandatory medical exam at each renewal.
License and identity change
Any civil status change (marriage, divorce, change of use name) requires updating the license. This procedure is free and done on ANTS with the official document (marriage certificate, judgment). An address change does not require redoing the license: only the vehicle registration must be updated.
Renewal on ANTS
Renewal is fully done online on the National Agency for Secure Documents website. The process takes about 15 minutes: login via FranceConnect or ANTS account, selection of the procedure, upload of an approved digital photo (photo booth or approved photographer providing a 22-digit code), digital signature on tablet or smartphone, possible payment by card (free for standard B license renewal). The new license arrives by tracked mail within 2 to 4 weeks.
Digital photo and signature
The photo must be less than 6 months old and meet standards (plain light background, visible face, neutral expression). Approved photo booths display the blue ANTS-approved logo. The 22-digit code provided with the photo allows direct upload, without scanning. The signature is done on the touch screen during photo taking, or later on a graphic tablet at the photographer's.
What to do in case of loss?
Loss of the license requires two successive steps. First, declare the loss on the ANTS site (dedicated online form), which automatically generates a digital receipt valid for 2 months authorizing driving. Then, request a new license on the same portal: photo, signature, ID document, proof of address, payment of 25 euros by electronic tax stamp. The new document arrives within 3 to 6 weeks.
What to do in case of theft?
In case of theft, the first step is to file a complaint with the police station or gendarmerie (on site or online via the pre-complaint service). The complaint receipt acts as driving authorization for 2 months. The duplicate request is then made on ANTS, with upload of the complaint receipt, photo and signature. The cost is also 25 euros. In the Paris area, some police stations offer online complaint filing with a physical appointment to sign the report.
License damage
If the license is damaged (scratched, bent, illegible), a duplicate request is possible by attaching the damaged license. The cost is the same: 25 euros. Accidental damage may justify an exemption if the document is less than 5 years old, at the administration's discretion.
Tips to preserve your biometric license
Avoid bending the card or storing it near strong magnets (smartphones, magnetic cases) to preserve the chip. Keep a front-back photocopy or scan in your personal cloud: useful for online procedures in case of loss. Plan to anticipate renewal 3 months before the 15-year deadline to avoid any administrative interruption. Finally, the France Identité mobile app now allows presenting a digital version of the license during a roadside check in mainland France, in addition to the physical document.
Next step
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