France - Convert or Exchange Foreign Driver License

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Procedure

Exchanging a European Economic Area License (EEA)

1. If you have a EEA driver license you can use the same driver license for driving in France as long it's not expired, but if you want to exchange it to French driver license for some reason, following are the steps that you have to follow.
2. In order to apply for a French permis de conduire you will need to contact your local prfecture. Local Prefectures address can be obtained from the following link : Local Prefectures
3. You have to fill up the application form "demande dchange de permis de conduire" which can also be done on-line.
4. You can complete it directly online, but it is probably easier if you print it off and complete it in black ink. This is because you may need to discuss your application with the prfecture.
5. You will need to present a range of information and documents to officials. The requirements do vary marginally between different departments. You would have to speak with the department and make sure exactly what would be documents that are required, but following are some of the documents that might be required.
   1. Your original driving licence (A French translated copy would also be good)
   2. Your passport
   3. Recent utility bills as proof of address
   4. Two to four identity photographs
   5. if you are a non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, a photocopy of your visa;
   6. if you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizens, proof of six months' residence in France.
6. It would be preferred, if you can translate your exiting driver license to be translated to French.
7. You may also be asked for a certificate of entitlement issued by the DVLA and a certificate from the tax office that you are up to date with the payment of your French taxes. The form you need from your local centre dimpots is a P237. In both cases it is not a normal requirement.

Exchanging a Non-European Economic Area License (Non-EEA)

1. If you hold a non-EEA licence, and you become resident in France, you are required to obtain a French driving licence within 1 year of you becoming legally resident.
2. To apply for a driving test, go through the prefecture or a driving school to get a registration form Cerfa 14866*01, which needs to be submitted along with
   1. Proof of identity or residency permit
   2. Two recent passport-sized photos
   3. Two self-addressed envelopes
   4. Medical certificate confirming you are fit to drive.
3. You will have to take a theory exam which is available in books and as a practical test, which you can practise before taking the test.
4. You have to pass the theory exam first. You then have five attempts over three years to pass the practical test, which is 25 minutes of driving in normal traffic conditions and you would be also tested for first aid knowledge.
5. Youll find out the result of the test in 2 days; if you pass you will get a temporary licence to use until your formal licence is issued within four months.
6. If you fail the test it can take many months to retake; ask at your test centre. You can have a translator for both the theory and practical parts of the test.
   
   

For getting a French driver license you could also approach the driving schools in France but they are very expensive. The only advantage of approaching the driving schools are they take care of the paper works.

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Required Documents

Exchanging a European Economic Area License (EEA)

1. Your original driving licence (A French translated copy would also be good)
2. Your passport
3. Recent utility bills as proof of address
4. Two to four identity photographs
5. if you are a non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, a photocopy of your visa;
6. if you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizens, proof of six months' residence in France.
   
   

Exchanging a Non-European Economic Area License (Non-EEA)

1. Proof of identity or residency permit
2. Two recent passport-sized photos
3. Two self-addressed envelopes
4. Medical certificate confirming you are fit to drive.

Office Locations & Contacts

Local Prefectures address can be obtained from the following link : Local Prefectures

Eligibility

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Fees

Cost of exchanging a driver license differes between states.

Validity

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e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to Use

To apply for a driving test, go through the prefecture or a driving school to get a registration form Cerfa 14866*01

Sample Documents

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Processing Time

Depending on the prefecture it can range from a few weeks to several months to get your French license.

Related Videos

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sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
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Instructions

• It would be good idea to get a International Driver License or permit before coming to France which can be used for driving in France. International Driver License is valid for one year in France from the date of your entry in France.
• If your country has a reciprocal exchnage with France then you can exchange your liense for a French Driver License without having to take any written or driving tests with in one year period of your entry into France. If you do not do the exchange within the one year period, then you will have to take the tests in order to obtain a French license, though some prfectures are lenient on the one year rule. Following is the list of countries that has reciprocal arrangement with France : Countries With Reciprocal Exchange
• If relocate to France and you hold a driving licence issued from within the European Economic Area (EEA) you are not required to change it for a French permis de conduire.You will only need to change your existing licence if:
  • You have an old licence with an expiry date that has passed
  • You lose or deface your licence;
  • You commit an endorsable driving offence in France.

• Every foreigner who is 18 years and more and holds a full, recognised foreign driving licence can drive in France for at least one year after arrival. This means younger drivers who hold a driving licence in their home country can't drive in France until they reach 18 years. If you are a non-EEA memeber you can driver in France with your foreign driver license, if the following conditions are met.
  • the licence is valid and does not have any endorsements, restrictions, suspensions etc.;
  • it must have been issued in your previous country of residence and you must have lived there for at least six months;
  • it must be accompanied by either an official translation of the licence into French or alternatively, an International Driving Permit (IDP);
  • you are above the French minimum age for driving the vehicle category (e.g. 18 for cars);
  • in compliance with any legal medical restrictions (e.g. prescription glasses).

Required Information

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e.g.
1. Date of Birth.
2. City or County of Birth.

Need for the Document

This procedure provides you information about how to convert or exchange a foregin driver license to French Driver License.

Information which might help

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Other uses of the Document/Certificate

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e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

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Others

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