Brexit created some worrying times for British expats in France, but at last there is good news as an entente cordiale has been reached allowing Brits to trade in their UK licences for new French ones.
Since the UK left the EU, France announced that British expats in the country must change their licences for French ones before 31 December 2021 but applications were paused because there was no reciprocal agreement between the two nations.
Deal struck for British expats driving in France
A deal has now been reached and the old rules no longer apply. Now if you have a British (EU) driving licence issued before 1 January 2021, you can use it to drive in France until it expires. You will not have to change your licence by the end of 2021.
However, when your licence or photocard expires, you will need to apply for a new French one.
If you have a British (non-EU) driving licence issued after 1 January 2021, you must swap it for a French one within one year of receipt of your French residency permit (the Titre de Séjour).
The Government website outlines the full terms of the new agreement and how it affects British expats living and driving in France.
The status of British expats whose licences expired in 2021 — particularly those aged 70 and over whose licences expire every three years — was much more perilous as it meant some may have been driving without a valid licence.
However, the two countries have now waived rules preventing expired licences from being renewed, so if your UK licence has expired you can still apply for a French replacement.
British expats can apply for a French licence online
When British expats apply for a French licence, they will be asked to submit their old licence and they will then receive a temporary certificate — an Attestation de Depot de Permis de Conduire — allowing them to drive in France until receipt of their new licence.
You can apply for a new French driving licence online if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You have a British driving licence issued after 1 January 2021 and have been resident in France for more than six months
- You have a British driving licence issued before 1 January 2021 which has less than six months left before the expiry date
- You have a British driving licence that has expired.
When you apply you will need to provide:
- Your passport
- Proof of address & proof of residence
- A passport-style photo
- Your current licence
- Your birth certificate
- A Certificate of Entitlement from the DVLA if your licence has expired
If you are a British expat who has already applied for a new French driving licence but it has been delayed because of the protracted agreement negotiations, your application will be processed if you received an initial confirmation of your application and an application reference number. If you didn’t, you will have to start again.
Your motor insurance needn’t be complicated
It has been a confusing time for British expats living and driving in France, but thankfully your motor insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. With Sterling expat insurance British expats can still drive their UK-registered vehicles in France – and Spain, Portugal and Switzerland for that matter – with one of our bespoke policies. Cover starts from just £325 a year. Call 0344 381 9990 for a friendly chat and a fast quote that will save you money on your insurance costs.
