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You need a UK sticker to drive in France unless your number plate shows UK with the Union flag. If your plate shows GB, a Euro symbol, the flag of England, Scotland or Wales, or nothing beside the registration, put a white oval UK sticker on the back of the car before you go. Old GB stickers no longer count, so take them off or cover them up.
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Do you need a UK sticker? Check in 10 seconds
Based on GOV.UK guidance, checked 9 October 2026.
Which number plates need a UK sticker
GOV.UK sets out which plates count as showing the UK identifier abroad. Only one does: UK with the Union flag above it, on the left of the plate.
| Left of your number plate | UK sticker in France? | UK sticker in Spain? |
|---|---|---|
| UK with the Union flag | No | Yes |
| GB with the Union flag | Yes | Yes |
| Euro symbol (blue EU flag) | Yes | Yes |
| Flag of England, Scotland or Wales | Yes | Yes |
| No flag or identifier | Yes | Yes |
Spain, Cyprus and Malta require a UK sticker whatever your number plate shows. In the Republic of Ireland you never need one.
Where to put a UK sticker
- On the back of the vehicle, where it can be seen, such as the boot lid or tailgate.
- Not on the number plate. GOV.UK says the sticker must not go on the plate itself.
- Remove or cover any GB sticker, so there’s only one identifier on the car.
We use a magnetic UK sticker so we can take it off.
A magnetic sticker can go on for the trip and come off when you’re home, and it can’t end up on the number plate by mistake.
Magnetic stickers only stick to steel. Many tailgates and boot lids are now plastic or aluminium, so try a fridge magnet on yours first. If it doesn’t hold, use a stick-on sticker. Also check the magnet is firmly on before a long motorway drive, and keep it somewhere you’ll remember when you’re packing up to come home.
Why GB stickers stopped counting
On 28 September 2021, the UK changed its international vehicle identifier from GB to UK. Since then, GB stickers and number plates showing GB are no longer accepted as the identifier when you drive abroad, even with the Union flag. If your car has GB on the plate, you need a UK sticker as well. You don’t need to change the plate itself.
Motorbikes
The same rule applies to motorbikes: a UK sticker on the back, unless the number plate shows UK with the Union flag. Small UK stickers made for motorbikes are easy to find.
Caravans and trailers
If you’re towing a caravan or trailer over 750kg, there’s a bigger rule to know about. GOV.UK says all trailers over 750kg must be registered with DVLA before they’re taken to most European countries, including France. Ireland, Spain, Cyprus and Malta are the exceptions.
- Registration costs £26 and is done online.
- You get a trailer registration certificate, which you carry with you.
- The caravan or trailer needs a separate plate showing its trailer registration number, as well as its normal number plate.
Trailers and caravans of 750kg or less don’t need registering. See caravans and motorhomes in France for the other towing rules.
Hire cars and company cars
A hire or company car registered in the UK needs the UK identifier just like your own car, so check the plate before you set off. A car you hire in France is French-registered and doesn’t need one.
What if you don’t have a UK sticker?
We haven’t found an officially published French fine for driving without a UK sticker. But displaying the UK identifier is a requirement when you drive a UK car abroad, and without it you risk being stopped and delayed. A sticker costs a few pounds and takes seconds to fit, so buy one before you go. Ferry ports and the Eurotunnel terminal sell them too, usually for more.
For everything else you need, see what you need to drive in France and our driving in France kit guide.
UK sticker for France: do you need one? FAQs
Do I need a UK sticker to drive in France?
Only if your number plate doesn't show UK with the Union flag. Plates with GB, a Euro symbol, the flag of England, Scotland or Wales, or no identifier need a UK sticker on the back of the car.
Is a GB sticker still valid in France?
No. Since 28 September 2021 the UK identifier has been UK, not GB. Remove or cover any GB sticker and use a UK sticker instead.
My number plate has GB and the Union flag. Do I need a UK sticker?
Yes. Only plates showing UK with the Union flag count as the UK identifier. With GB on the plate, add a UK sticker on the back of the car. You don't need to change the plate.
Where should I put a UK sticker?
On the back of the vehicle where it can be seen, such as the boot lid or tailgate. Don't put it on the number plate itself.
Can I use a magnetic UK sticker?
Yes, as long as it's on the back of the car and not on the number plate. Magnets only stick to steel, so check your tailgate or boot lid holds a magnet first.
Do I need a UK sticker in Spain if my plate shows UK?
Yes. Spain, Cyprus and Malta require a UK sticker whatever your number plate shows, so take one if you're driving on from France to Spain.
Do I need a UK sticker in Ireland?
No. In the Republic of Ireland you don't need a UK sticker, whatever your number plate shows.
Does my caravan or trailer need registering to go to France?
If it's over 750kg, yes. GOV.UK says trailers over 750kg must be registered with DVLA (£26) before being taken to most European countries, including France. You carry the trailer registration certificate and fit a separate plate with the trailer registration number.
Do motorbikes need a UK sticker in France?
Yes, unless the number plate shows UK with the Union flag. Put the sticker on the back of the bike.
What happens if I drive in France without a UK sticker?
We haven't found an officially published French fine for it, but the UK identifier is required when you drive a UK car abroad, and without it you risk being stopped and delayed. A sticker costs a few pounds, so it's not worth the risk.
Does a hire car need a UK sticker?
A UK-registered hire car needs the UK identifier like any UK car, so check its plate. A car hired in France doesn't need one.