How to exchange a non-EU or UK driving licence in France

What it is

A driving licence from outside the EU and EEA is only valid in France for one year after you become resident. To keep driving, you exchange it for a French licence on the ANTS website (Agence nationale des titres sécurisés, also called France Titres), or, if that's not possible, you pass the French driving test.

When does the year start? For non-EU citizens, from the date of your first residence permit or the validation of your long-stay visa (VLS-TS). It doesn't restart when you renew your permit.

UK licences

Issued before 1 January 2021: you don't have to exchange it. It's recognised in France while it's valid. You only exchange it when it expires, is lost or stolen, you need a new category, or you commit an offence in France that costs you points.
Issued from 2021: treated like other non-EU licences: exchange it within the year.

Can you exchange yours?

You can exchange your licence if:

France exchanges licences from the country that issued it (réciprocité). Check with the simulator on Service-Public before you start.
You got it while you were normally living in that country.
It's valid, and of a category France recognises.
You hold a valid residence permit.

If France doesn't exchange licences from your country, you'll need to pass the French theory and practical tests before your year runs out.

Before you start

You'll need (as scans or photos for the online application):

Both sides of your licence, with an official translation if it isn't in French.
A certificate of your driving rights (less than 6 months old) from the country that issued the licence, translated if needed.
Proof you were living in that country when the licence was issued, if you're not one of its citizens.
ID and your residence permit (or your validated long-stay visa).
Proof of address in France, less than 6 months old.
A digital photo and signature code (e-photo) from an approved photo booth or photographer.
An electronic tax stamp (timbre fiscal), bought online.

Steps

Check reciprocity with the Service-Public simulator.
Gather your documents and get the translations and certificate of rights.
Apply online on the ANTS website: Échanger un permis étranger.
Wait for the request for your original licence, by text or email, then send it by registered post.
Download your temporary certificate (attestation de dépôt sécurisée). It lets you drive for four months while your French licence is made.
Receive your French licence by post.

Cost

An electronic tax stamp (timbre fiscal; the amount is shown when you buy it), plus translations and the photo.

Common pitfalls

Missing the year. After it, your licence is no longer valid in France and the deadline to exchange it has passed: you'd have to take the French test.
Waiting for the renewal of your permit. The year counts from your first permit or visa validation.
Sending the original too early. Keep it until ANTS asks for it.
Applications take months. Apply early in your first year.

When to ask a helper

Ask someone with a licence from your country who exchanged it recently: they'll know which certificate their licensing authority issued and how long ANTS took.