How to Exchange Your UK Driving Licence for a French One (Post-Brexit Guide for Brits in France)
Living in France and driving with your UK licence? Since Brexit, the rules have changed. Luckily, France and the UK have a licence exchange agreement—but many British expats still find the process confusing.
In this guide, we break down exactly when, how, and if you need to exchange your UK licence for a French one—plus how to avoid common mistakes.
Do You Need to Exchange Your UK Licence?
It depends on when your licence was issued:
You can drive on your UK licence in France if:
It was issued before 1 January 2021
It’s still valid (not expired)
You are permanently resident in France
You must exchange your UK licence if:
It’s expired or about to expire (within 6 months)
It was issued after 1 January 2021
You’ve lost or damaged your licence
You need to change your name or address
You're applying for a job that requires a French licence
You hold a provisional UK licence (these are not valid in France)
Can I Exchange My Licence Early — Just Because I Want To?
Only if you have a valid reason.
Even if your UK licence was issued before 2021 and is still valid, France will only accept an exchange under certain circumstances, such as:
It's about to expire
You've lost or damaged it
You’re applying for a job requiring a French licence
You need to update your personal information
Just wanting a French licence isn’t enough—ANTS may reject your request unless you meet one of these conditions.
How Long Do I Have to Live in France Before I Can Apply?
There is no minimum time you must wait—but you do need to prove you’re officially resident. That means:
You have a French address
You hold a residency permit (or can prove you’ve lived in France legally since before Brexit)
You can provide the necessary supporting documents
If your licence was issued after 1 January 2021, you must exchange it within 1 year of becoming resident in France.
What Documents Do I Need?
You’ll need to apply online via the ANTS website and submit clear scans of:
Your current UK driving licence (front and back)
Passport or ID
Proof of residence in France (e.g. recent utility bill)
Proof of legal residence status (e.g. Titre de séjour or Withdrawal Agreement document)
Passport photo
Medical certificate (only for certain categories like buses or trucks)
Statement of driving rights from the DVLA (occasionally requested)
Depending on your situation, more documents may be required
How Long Does It Take?
Expect the process to take 2 to 6 months.
You may receive a temporary certificate while your new licence is processed.
Note: Your UK licence will be kept by the French authorities. You won’t get it back.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting unclear or incomplete documents
Using the wrong proof of address
Not including both sides of your licence
Waiting too late before expiry
Not following up with ANTS if your application stalls
🗝️ Let France Unlocked Help
Navigating the ANTS website, scanning the right documents, and tracking your application can be overwhelming—especially in French. That’s where France Unlocked steps in.
We offer:
✅ Document checks
✅ Step-by-step support
✅ Application submission
✅ Follow-up with ANTS on your behalf
📩 Ready to exchange your UK licence?
Don’t wait until the last minute. Contact France Unlocked today and let us handle the paperwork, so you can keep driving stress-free.
