Source date: 2026-04-21
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From May 12, 2026
Exchanging a European or foreign driving license for a French license becomes subject to a fee Published on April 22, 2026 - Updated on April 30, 2026 - Service Public / Direction de l'information légale et administrative (Premier ministre)
When a person who holds a foreign license issued outside the European Union and the European Economic Area settles in France, they must exchange their foreign license for a French license in order to drive in the country long-term. In some cases, holders of a European license must also complete this procedure. The license exchange procedure becomes subject to a fee from May 12.
Image 1 Credits: Jérôme Rommé - stock.adobe.com
You will have to pay a stamp duty of €40 (€20 in Guyane) from May 12, 2026, to exchange a European or foreign driving license for a French license. An online procedure will be available from May 12 to pay this stamp duty.
This tax helps cover the costs of producing and delivering the new driving license.
The introduction of this stamp duty, initially scheduled for May 4, has been postponed to May 12.
What are the rules for holders of a non-European license? The holder of a license issued outside the European Union and the European Economic Area may use their foreign driving license for one year after acquiring “normal residence” in France (normal residence means the place where a person usually lives, for at least 185 days per calendar year, for personal or professional reasons).
To continue driving in France beyond this one-year period, they must exchange their original foreign license for a French license.
Exchanging it for a French license is possible when there is a reciprocal agreement between France and the third country. If there is no reciprocal agreement, it is necessary to take the driving license exam in France in order to drive in the country.
You can also find the various conditions that a foreign driving license must meet in order to be exchanged on the Service Public practical information sheet “Exchange of a driving license obtained outside Europe (EU/EEA) - moving to France”.
What are the rules for holders of a European license? If you hold a driving license issued by a member country of the European Union or the European Economic Area (or a British license issued before 2021) , you may drive in France as long as your license is valid.
Exchanging your European driving license for a French license is mandatory only in the following cases:
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your license is lost, stolen or damaged ;
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you request the addition of a new category to your driving license ;
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you commit a traffic offense in France resulting in a loss of points, a restriction, a suspension, or the cancellation of your license ;
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your license is about to expire.
Legal texts and references
See also
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Exchange of a driving license obtained outside Europe (EU/EEA) - moving to France Service Public
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Exchange of a driving license obtained in Europe (EU/EEA) Service Public
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In which cases can the driving license still be covered by the CPF? Service Public
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International driving permit: a procedure that is now digital and subject to a fee Service Public
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The procedure for obtaining a digital driving license has been simplified Service Public
Agenda
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From May 1, 2026 Tax stamp Residence permits: increase in the amount of taxes charged to foreign nationals from May 1 Published on April 22, 2026
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From May 4, 2026 CROUS The €1 meal available to all students from May 4 Published on April 16, 2026
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From Apr. 15, 2026 Pet Walks in the forest: you are required to keep your dog on a leash until June 30 Published on April 11, 2026
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From Apr. 4, 2026 School calendar The dates of the 2026 spring school holidays Published on March 09, 2026
Source: Service-Public particuliers