France in Focus

Is a French plastic credit card license valid for life? I find conflicting information on web
Thanks

The Connexion article is correct, Rabbit, and provides all the info you should need. Mine runs out in 2035 - I changed it from a UK licence in 2020.

How long are the new licences valid for?
All motorists in possession of the new plastic driving licence, in ‘credit card’ format and issued since 16 September 2013, will have noticed a validity date stamped on the front of the precious sesame, on line 4b. The new driving licence ‘is valid for 15 years’, according to the Ministry of the Interior website, and ‘the first renewals will take place in 2028’.

Source: Ouest-France.

I had my first french licence in 2007, changed to a plastic licence in 2013, due to renewing my C1 etc and again in 2018. and 2023, which ties up with the 5 year renewals for the C1. But have now dropped the C1 so my latest licence renewal is in 2038.

But I think this is only down to renewing the photo, although lots of people insist on keeping the paper one as there is no expiry date (I believe)

There is no expiry date on the paper licence but, big but, they become invalid in 2033. A somewhat pedantic difference but it is important nevertheless. I predict chaos in the second half of 2032 as mass demands for new licences arrive at ANTS.

exile wrote: ↑Thu Mar 27, 2025 11:38 pm There is no expiry date on the paper licence but, big but, they become invalid in 2033. A somewhat pedantic difference but it is important nevertheless. I predict chaos in the second half of 2032 as mass demands for new licences arrive at ANTS.

Just as well that mine is valid until 2038 then.

I was amazed that mine was valid for 15years (I got my French licence a month ago). I will be in my mid 80's by then! Are there no restrictions on age?

I never changed my tatty pink licence (issued in 1991) but since I gave up driving 2 years ago, it's now a historic document.

@ demi,

From what I understand, the EU want all member States to review arrangements for renewals and the minimum requirement proposed is that applicants will be required to fill in a digital "self assessment" form at the time of applying.

I also read that, France is likely to accept this minimum requirement at some point this year.