When & How to Exchange Your US Driver’s License in France

Yes, for up to one year from the moment you establish “normal residence” in France, which is usually defined as:

● The official start date on your long-stay visa (VLS-TS)

● Or the date you formally move and begin living in France

During this 12-month window, your valid US driver’s license is accepted, provided it’s accompanied by an official certified translation into French or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Important: This one-year grace period does not reset each time you travel. Once you’re officially resident, the countdown starts, and missing your exchange window means you’ll need to take the French driving exam.

Can You Exchange Your US License for a French One?

Only if your license was issued by a US state that has an active reciprocal exchange agreement with France.

21 US states have agreements with France that allow you to exchange your American license for a French one without having to retake the written or practical exams. These include:

● Arkansas

● Colorado

● Connecticut

● Delaware

● Florida

● Illinois

● Iowa

● Maryland

● Massachusetts

● Michigan

● New Hampshire

● Ohio

● Oklahoma

● Pennsylvania

● South Carolina

● Texas

● Virginia

● Wisconsin

● Washington DC

● Idaho

● Alabama

If your US license was issued in a state not on the approved list, unfortunately, you won’t be able to exchange it. That means your only option is to retake the full French driving test, including:

● A written theory exam (code de la route)

● A practical road test

This process can be time-consuming and challenging, especially in French, and often includes mandatory driving lessons with a certified instructor.

Is There a Workaround?

If you haven’t yet moved to France, you might consider obtaining a license in an eligible state before relocating. Some Americans choose to establish temporary residency (with friends or family) in a reciprocal state and exchange their out-of-state license there first.

Note: You must genuinely establish residence, P.O. boxes or temporary forwarding addresses won’t qualify.

Timing Is Everything: Start Early

Once you arrive in France, don’t wait. If you’re eligible for an exchange, start your paperwork as soon as you validate your visa. The process can take 6 to 12 months depending on your local prefecture and workload.

Miss the deadline? You’ll no longer be allowed to exchange, and your only option will be to take the test in France.

Documents You’ll Typically Need

Although requirements may vary slightly by prefecture, here’s what you should prepare:

● Your original US driver’s license (still valid)

● Certified French translation or IDP

● Proof of residence in France (e.g. utility bill, rental agreement)

● Copy of your titre de séjour or validated visa

● Passport-sized photos (usually in digital format)

● Completed application form (Cerfa n°1487901 and n°1494801)

● Proof of your US residence when the license was issued

● Self-addressed stamped envelopes

● Visa validation confirmation (via the OFII process)

Getting Insurance With a US License

Even though it’s legal to drive with a US license for one year, not all insurers in France will accept it, especially for long-term policies.

Many French insurers view foreign licenses as temporary and may refuse to issue coverage or apply very high premiums.

That’s why it’s crucial to work with an expat-focused provider, such as FAB Car Insurance, who understands how to insure US drivers during the transition and offers competitive rates from the start.

Some policies can even adapt automatically when you switch from your US license to a French one.

Summary: Step-by-Step for US Drivers in France

1. Check if your US state is on France’s exchange list

2. Note your visa activation date, your 12-month countdown starts here

3. Gather your paperwork and start your application ASAP

4. Translate your license or obtain an IDP

5. Use a specialist insurer familiar with expat car coverage

6. If not eligible for exchange, prepare for the French driving test

Need Help?

At FAB EXPAT and FAB French Insurance, we specialise in helping Americans and other non-EU nationals navigate the French driving license system, find compliant insurance, and settle into life in France with confidence.

If you’re unsure whether you can exchange your US license, or need help with expat-friendly insurance options, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you steer through French bureaucracy, and back onto the road.