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How do I get an international driving Licence in France?

Author

Olivia House

Updated on March 20, 2026

How do I get an international driving Licence in France?

The following documents are required:
  1. A colour copy of both sides of a valid French licence.
  2. Form cerfa n°14881*01.
  3. A colour copy of a valid photo ID (passport or Carte de Séjour)
  4. 2 recent photographs.
  5. Proof of address (justificatif) such as a water or electricity bill.

Correspondingly, do you need international drivers license in France?

There is no requirement for an IDP in France, and AAA does charge for photos. You may drive with a valid U.S. driver's license if it is accompanied by a notarized translation in French. It is strongly recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit. You must be 18 years of age or older to drive in France.

Additionally, does France accept US driver's license? If you are staying in France for less than 90 days, you can drive with your valid US driver's license. It's also generally recommended to get an International Driving Permit, which provides a translation of your license. A valid driver's license (permis de conduire) and passport are required to operate a motor vehicle.

Similarly one may ask, do Australians need an international drivers Licence in France?

Australians driving in France must hold an International Driving Permit along with their valid Australian Licence. An International Driving Permit is not a licence. You must obtain an international driving permit prior to leaving Australia.

Can I drive in France with an international driver's license?

If you come to France for a short visit (such as holidays), you can drive using your foreign licence. It must be valid and either written in French or accompanied by an official translation into French or an international licence. Beyond one year, you must exchange your foreign licence for a French licence.

What Licence do I need to drive in France?

You must have a valid driving licence issued in an EU or EEA country to drive a vehicle in France, and make sure your car has GB stickers on it. When driving in France, always carry the following documents: Your driving licence. Your passport.

What does BIS mean on French road signs?

"Routes bis"
Thus a sign saying "bis Lyon" is an alternative route avoiding the main roads, and generally with less lorry traffic. Bis, in French, means second (as in the prefix bi-).

Is it hard to drive in France?

Driving in France is very easy - road signs are good and drivers take rules of the road much more seriously than in the US (where even a chimp could get a license). I wouldn;t reco renting a car for a long trip (more than 2 hours or so) right off the plane - but other than that you should be fine.

Do I need an international driving Licence for Europe?

Whether you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). If all goes well, you'll likely never be asked to show it — but the permit is a must if you end up dealing with the police.

What countries require an international driving permit?

However, the following countries do require International Driver Permits in conjunction with valid United States' driver's licenses: Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Spain; again, you might not even be asked for the IDP in

What documents do I need to drive in Europe?

Important documents for driving in Europe
  • Full, valid driving licence and national insurance number.
  • Proof of vehicle insurance.
  • Proof of ID (passport)
  • V5C certificate (the 'log book')
  • Travel insurance documents.
  • European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents.

Can you drive in France on an Australian Licence?

If you are a tourist or short-term resident (90 days), you can legally drive in France provided you have both a valid Australian State or Territory driver's license AND a valid international driving permit (that you must obtain before leaving Australia) or an official translation in French of the Australian driver's

Can you drive in Europe with an Australian Licence?

In most cases, your current Australian driving licence is not enough alone when driving in a foreign country. It must be complemented with an International Driving Permit. A valid IDP permits you to drive in most foreign countries in case of an emergency under normal IDP conditions.

How do I get an international driver's Licence in Australia?

To obtain an IDP you'll also need to be over 18, submit a passport-style photograph with your application and hold a valid Australian drivers licence issued in any state. As you'd expect, holding only a learners permit won't get you an IDP, although both 'open' and 'provisional' Australian licences are eligible.

How can I get IDP in UK?

Find your nearest Post Office branch that offers the IDP service using our branch finder tool. Bring along your full valid UK photo-card driving licence, a passport standard photograph (see FAQs), and your valid passport as proof of identification if presenting an older paper version licence.

Can I drive in France with a NZ Licence?

As a visitor, you can drive for up to one year in France on a current, valid New Zealand driver licence under the following conditions: You must have a full driver licence with no restrictions and it should be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) (external link) or an official translation in French.

How do I get a French driving Licence?

Documents you need to get a French driver's license
  1. The cerfa n°14879*01 form.
  2. The cerfa n°14948*01, Ref.
  3. Your original European driver's licence + 2 photocopies front and back.
  4. An official piece of identification (passport) + 2 photocopies.
  5. 2 photocopies of proof of address for the last 6 months.

What percentage of French families own a car?

86%

Can US license drive in Europe?

Whether you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for the cop to write out a ticket).

What countries accept US driver's license?

Many European countries—like the United Kingdom and Ireland—recognize U.S. driver's licenses. However, plenty of countries—like Italy, Germany, and Spain—require that you also apply for and carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Do I need an international license?

Some individual states may require you to have an IDP to drive on their public roads, but many other states do not. California, Massachusetts, and Arizona are among the states that require only a valid foreign driver's license, not an IDP.

Can Americans rent cars in France?

To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. Visitors staying less than 90 days and carrying a valid EU, international, or U.S. (state) license may drive in France.

Do I need permit to drive in France?

You must have a valid driving licence issued in an EU or EEA country to drive a vehicle in France, and make sure your car has GB stickers on it.

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