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Yes, you can drive in France with a UK photocard driving licence, and you don’t need an international driving permit (IDP). GOV.UK says no IDP is needed for France, and Service-Public, the French government’s official guide, makes a specific exception for British licences. You must be 18 or over, and you must carry your licence whenever you drive. Holders of an old paper licence, or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, might need an IDP.
Check your licence
Based on GOV.UK and Service-Public, checked 9 October 2026.
Which licences need an IDP for France?
| Your licence | IDP needed in France? |
|---|---|
| UK photocard (England, Scotland, Wales) | No |
| Northern Ireland photocard | No |
| Old paper UK licence | Possibly: GOV.UK says you might need one |
| Issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man | Possibly: GOV.UK says you might need one |
Service-Public explains why British licences are treated differently: visitors with a licence from outside the EU normally need an IDP or an official translation, unless their licence is in French. It lists British licences as an exception, so a UK photocard is enough on its own.
How to get an international driving permit
If you do need one, France uses the 1968 type of IDP. You get it in person at some PayPoint shops, and it costs £5.50. You need a valid GB or Northern Ireland driving licence to apply. An IDP doesn’t replace your licence: always carry both together. If you’re driving through several countries, check each one, because some use a different type.
Don’t apply for an IDP if you’re moving to France. GOV.UK says to exchange your licence instead (see below).
Minimum age to drive in France
You must be at least 18 to drive a car in France with a UK licence. French learners can drive at 17 under the French system, but that doesn’t apply to visitors with a foreign licence. For hiring a car, many hire companies set a higher minimum age and may charge drivers under 25 more, so check when you book.
Carry your licence every time you drive
French police can ask to see your licence at any roadside check, and always will if they stop you for an offence. Keep it with you, not in your luggage or back at the hotel.
When I got a ticket for not stopping at a STOP sign, I had to provide my licence.
So keep it on you whenever you’re driving, with your passport and the car’s documents.
For serious offences, such as driving 40 km/h or more over the limit or drink-driving, French police can retain a driving licence on the spot for up to 72 hours, and you can’t drive during that time. See speed cameras and fines and drink-driving in France.
French penalty points apply only to French licences, so an offence in France doesn’t put points on your UK licence. That doesn’t mean it’s free: you still pay the French fine, and a French court can ban you from driving in France.
Hiring a car in France with a UK licence
- DVLA check code. GOV.UK says the hire company may ask to see your licence record. Get a check code online from GOV.UK before you travel. If your licence is from Northern Ireland, take your paper counterpart instead.
- IDP. The law doesn’t require one with a UK photocard licence, but GOV.UK says to check with the hire company, as some ask for one anyway.
- Age. Many hire companies set a minimum age above 18 and a minimum number of years since you passed your test.
More in hiring a car in France.
Licence problems before you travel
GOV.UK says you must take your driving licence with you to drive abroad, and it must be valid. If it has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, replace it before you go. If your photocard has expired, renew it in good time, because you can’t drive abroad on an expired licence. Check the expiry date on the front of the card (section 4b), which is usually 10 years after it was issued.
Driving in France without a valid licence is a criminal offence (délit). Service-Public says it carries up to a year in prison and a fine of up to €15,000, and the car can be impounded. For a first offence, the police can instead issue an €800 fixed fine, reduced to €640 if paid within 15 days.
Also check any conditions on your licence, such as needing glasses to drive. Service-Public says foreign licence holders must respect them in France too.
Moving to France: exchanging your licence
A UK licence is for visits. France treats you as resident once you live there for 185 days or more in a calendar year. GOV.UK’s guidance for people living in France says:
- A UK licence issued before 1 January 2021 can be used until it expires. You must exchange it if it has expired, or will expire within the next 12 months.
- A UK licence issued on or after 1 January 2021 must be exchanged for a French licence within 12 months of arriving in France.
- You apply online through ANTS, the French agency for official documents, with a check code from the DVLA (or the DVA for Northern Ireland).
- Once your application is accepted, you get a secure receipt (attestation de dépôt sécurisée) that lets you drive until your French licence arrives.
- You can’t renew or replace a UK licence while you live in France.
Driving in France with a UK licence: do you need an IDP? FAQs
Can I drive in France with a UK driving licence?
Yes. A UK photocard licence is valid for visits to France, and you don't need an international driving permit. You must be 18 or over and carry your licence whenever you drive.
Do I need an international driving permit for France?
Not with a UK photocard licence. GOV.UK says you might need one with an old paper licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
Which international driving permit do I need for France?
The 1968 type. It costs £5.50 and you get it in person at some PayPoint shops. Carry it with your driving licence, not instead of it.
Can I drive in France with a paper driving licence?
GOV.UK says you might need an international driving permit with a paper licence. To avoid doubt, get the 1968 IDP for £5.50, or swap your paper licence for a photocard before you go.
Can I drive in France with a Northern Ireland licence?
Yes. A Northern Ireland photocard licence works the same as a GB one: no IDP needed. If you hire a car, take your paper counterpart, as Northern Ireland licences don't use DVLA check codes.
Can a 17-year-old drive in France with a UK licence?
No. You must be 18 to drive in France with a UK licence. French learners can drive at 17 under the French system, but that doesn't apply to visitors.
Do I need an IDP to hire a car in France?
The law doesn't require one with a UK photocard licence, but some hire companies ask for one anyway, so check when you book. The hire company may also ask for a DVLA check code.
How long can I drive in France on a UK licence?
For visits, as long as your licence is valid. If you live in France, which means staying 185 days or more in a calendar year, you'll need to exchange it for a French licence.
Do I need to exchange my UK licence if I move to France?
If it was issued on or after 1 January 2021, yes, within 12 months of arriving. If it was issued earlier, you can use it until it expires, but must exchange it if it has expired or expires within 12 months. You apply online through ANTS.
Do French driving offences put penalty points on my UK licence?
No. French penalty points apply only to French licences, so an offence in France doesn't add points to your UK licence. You still have to pay French fines, and for serious offences French police can retain your licence for up to 72 hours and courts can ban you from driving in France.
Do I need to carry my driving licence in France?
Yes. French police can ask to see it at any check, and always will if they stop you for an offence. Keep it with you whenever you drive.
What if my driving licence has expired or is lost before my trip?
Replace it before you go. GOV.UK says you must take a valid licence with you to drive abroad. Driving in France without a valid licence is a criminal offence, with up to a year in prison and a fine of up to €15,000, or an €800 fixed fine for a first offence.