France Driving Licence Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driving Licence in France
The Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS) handles licence renewals in France. Your licence lasts 15 years. Follow these steps to renew.
You should start early. Do not wait until the last week. Plan ahead so you have time to get your photo and forms. Most people finish in one visit. The process is simple if you have the right papers.
Available Renewal Methods
- Online — renew through the official online portal.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- Create an ANTS account — Go to ants.gouv.fr and create an account if you do not have one yet. You need a valid email address to sign up.
- Get a digital photo — Get an e-photo with a code from an approved photo booth. You can also use an approved photographer.
- Start the renewal application — Log in to ANTS. Choose "Renouvellement de permis de conduire" (driving licence renewal). You then fill in your personal details.
- Upload documents — Upload your e-photo code, ID, and proof of address. You can use a utility bill or tax notice as proof.
- Submit the application — Standard renewals are free. Check your details and submit. You get a confirmation number right away.
- Track and receive — Track your status on ANTS. Your new licence arrives by post in 2–8 weeks. You can download a short-term pass while you wait.
France Driving Licence Renewal Fees.
| Standard renewal fee. | Free (standard renewal). |
| Currency. | EUR. |
| Validity period. | 15 years. |
Required Documents
Bring these documents to renew your licence in France.
- Valid identity card or passport.
- Digital passport photograph (e-photo).
- Proof of address less than 6 months old.
- Current driving licence (or declaration of loss/theft).
Make copies of all your papers. Bring both the copies and the originals. Check that none of your ID cards have expired. If any are out of date, renew them first.
Photo Rules
You need a digital e-photo with a code from an approved booth or photographer. It must meet biometric standards. You can find approved booths in most supermarkets and train stations. The code stays valid for 6 months after you take the photo.
Medical Rules
You do not need a medical for a standard category B renewal. Truck and bus drivers (C and D) need a check each 5 years. This also applies to all drivers aged 60 and over with professional types. You visit an approved doctor who fills out the form for you. The check covers your vision, hearing, and basic fitness.
If Your France Licence Expires
Driving with an expired licence is an offence. You risk a fine of up to €750. Your vehicle may be held. Your insurance may also become invalid. You could also lose points on your licence. Police can stop you and check your licence at any time.
There is no grace period. Renew before your licence expires to avoid problems. You can start your renewal up to 6 months early. You keep your current expiry date as the base for the next 15 years.
Important: Do not drive with an expired licence in France. Renew before your expiry date. This avoids fines and keeps your insurance valid.
Swapping a Foreign Licence in France
EU and EEA licences are valid in France. You must swap a non-EU licence within 1 year of moving there. Some countries have exchange deals. Others require you to pass the French driving test. You apply for the swap on the ANTS site. You will need a certified French translation of your licence.
To learn about swapping licences across the EU, see our EU driving licence exchange guide.
Common France Licence Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes.
Not getting an e-photo in advance
ANTS needs a digital photo with a special code. Regular passport photos do not work. Get an e-photo from an approved booth.
Forgetting to update your address on the licence
You must update your address on ANTS within 3 months of a move. It is free but required.
Assuming you can renew at a préfecture
Since 2017, all licence work is done online via ANTS. There is no in-person option.
What Makes France Different
Driving licence renewal in France is free. You pay nothing for a category B renewal.
France starts you with 12 points. You lose points for offences. At 0 points, your licence is no longer valid.
New drivers start with 6 points. The trial period lasts 3 years. It drops to 2 years if you did supervised driving.
You must renew online via the ANTS site. There are no in-person offices for renewals.
You can take a safe driving course to get back up to 4 points. The course lasts 2 days.
You must carry your licence at all times while you drive. You risk a fine if you do not have it on you.
You must tell ANTS if you change your name or address. You do this through your online ANTS account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licence Guides for Nearby Countries
Driving licence renewal in France is simple. Start early. Get your photo and forms ready. Pay the fee. Then wait for your new card. Most people finish the whole process in less than a day. Do not let your licence expire. Set a reminder now so you renew on time.