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3 clusters · 8 sources · 10 days · First seen · Last updated

France driving license format transition

Overview

French authorities have established January 19, 2033, as the final expiration date for the traditional pink, three-fold paper driving license. After this deadline, the old format will no longer be valid within French or European territory.

The transition aims to move drivers toward a credit-card-sized format that is more secure, durable, and includes an electronic chip to prevent forgery. While the new format requires renewal every 15 years for standard categories, no new driving exam is necessary to switch. To prevent administrative bottlenecks, the replacement process is currently free of charge when requested through the Agence nationale des titres sécurisés (ANTS) website.

As of September 2026, digital integration has progressed, allowing drivers to utilize digital versions of their licenses via the France Identité application. To access this service, users must add their new format digital identity card to the app, download a certificate of driving rights from the ‘Mes Points Permis’ website, and scan the resulting QR code. This digital format is compatible with smartphones running at least Android 11 or iOS 16, enabling authorities to verify authenticity via NFC technology.

Regarding international travel, the international driving permit remains a multilingual translation of the French license and must be presented alongside the original document. While not always strictly required for short tourist stays, it is highly recommended for travel in parts of Asia, the Middle East, and certain U.S. states. Obtaining this permit is a free online process.

Entities

France · Agence nationale des titres sécurisés · France Identité

Timeline

  1. 18 days ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    France introduces digital driving licenses and international permit guidelines

    France has introduced digital driving licenses via the France Identité app. Additionally, travelers are reminded that international permits must accompany original licenses when driving abroad.

  2. 20 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    France to phase out pink paper driving licenses by 2033

    France is phasing out the traditional pink paper driving license by January 2033. Drivers can now replace it with a new credit card-sized format for free via the ANTS website to avoid future delays.

  3. 27 days ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    France sets expiration date for pink paper driving licenses

    France has set a deadline of January 19, 2033, for the old pink paper driving licenses to be replaced by the secure, European-standard credit-card format.

Sources

amisdesaintange.fr · aufeminin.com · econostrum.info · emarketerz.fr · lesiteinfo.com · mariefrance.fr · modesettravaux.fr · presse-citron.net

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history