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To Request a Licence Exchange
Find out the exact steps to follow if you have to (or would like to) exchange your foreign driving licence...
Apply to the Préfecture for the form Cerfa n°14879*01 Demande de permis de conduire (par échange).
- Form Cerfa n°14879*01 can also be downloaded: Click here
Provide the following along with the completed form:
- proof of identity: passport, residence permit or carte de séjour (copy both sides)
- proof of address: EDF bill or rental contract
- Note: water bills are not accepted in all Préfectures as proof of address
- Note: some Préfectures may request a taxe d'habitation or taxe foncier statement. The taxe d'habitation is issued by the local Marie annually in October to the resident of an address)
- Some may request six concurrent utility invoices (EDF or France Telecom bills)
- valid original driving licence (this may need to be officially translated by a traducteur expert-juré, contact details of translators are available at the Mairie and Préfecture)
- a student must show proof of student's status for a period of at least six months
- proof of no suspensions or limitations on the existing licence
- 2 identity photographs
- self-addressed envelope
Some Préfectures may request specific self-addressed envelopes, such as La Poste's Prêt-à-Poster Lettre Max
- For more information on the Lettre Max: Click here (in French)
Certain licence categories in France require a medical visit. When this is the case, it is also required in the exchange of a foreign licence for a French one.
Note: if the licence was issued in the licence holder's maiden name, proof of married name is required (supply birth and marriage certificates and passport).
Note: For UK licence holders, some prefectures may request a certificate of entitlement from the DVLA if the driver is lacking either part of their UK licence (the photocard or the paper counterpart), if the licence has expired, or if it has been lost or stolen. It can be obtained by calling DVLA on +44 (0)1792 782 341.
Note: Some prefectures also request a copy of the driver's birth certificate although this is not always required it's advised to take one
The licence will be exchanged for one in the equivalent category. Once the French licence is issued, the original is taken and sent to the issuing country. The exchange of an EU licence for a French one is free in many Préfectures.
Note: A towing permit issued on some licences may not be included in the new French licence.
- For further information from the French Government: Click here (in French)
Paris residents
Application for an exchange is made at the Préfecture de Police licence issuing office. No appointment is required, however note that on busy days no new arrivals are admitted after 15:00.
- Prefecture of Police Licence Office
At: 92, Boulevard Ney, 75018 Paris
Tel: 01 58 80 80 80
Metro: Porte de Clignancourt
Open: Monday to Thursday 08:35-16:45; Friday 08:35-16:15
Website - Detailed information on the exchange process: Click here (in French)
An application must include:
- Completed, signed application form (available at the office)
- 4 recent passport photographs
- The foreign driving licence to be exchanged, with an official translation (if applicable) and two photocopies in colour
- Photocopy (both sides) of a residence permit
- Proof of residence in the country where and when the license was issued
Exchanging professional licences
Professional drivers of busses, taxis, light and heavy goods vehicles and haulage vehicles (LGV and HGV - those other than standard A and B category) with licences issued by an EU member state are entitled to exchange the licence for the equivalent French one. However, be aware that the Préfecture may require a letter specifying the qualifying category. A home-country consulate or French employer can be consulted and should be able to provide the appropriate information for the Préfecture if necessary. A medical certificate is also required when applying for the exchange.
In some cases there are age restrictions for professional licences: a minimum age of 21 years and maximum of 60 years.
- For details on the licence categories: Click here (in French)
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