Driving in France After Brexit: 2021 Onwards

Now that the UK has officially left the EU and the transition period is over, there are a few changes for British drivers hitting the road on French soil. Whether you’re living in France and need to change your driver’s licence, or planning for your next trip to France – here’s everything you need to know about driving in France after Brexit.

Driving in France For British Expats: Do You Need To Change Your License?

Under the terms of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, British residents in France do not need to change their British driving licence for a French one if it was issued before January 1st 2021. These licences can be used up until they expire and will need to be exchanged for a French licence only within 6 months before the expiry date. If your licence was issued after January 1st 2021, you will need to change your licence for a French one within one year of living in France. You can read the full details of this agreement in the UK government’s Living in France guide.

To apply, head to the Agence Nationale des titres sécurisés (ANTS) website. You’ll need to submit your current licence (only full UK or Northern Ireland driving licences are accepted), along with evidence of your residence in France, proving that you have lived in France for more than 185 days. Accepted documents include a French tax declaration or avis d’impôt sur le revenue, or proof of registration in the French healthcare system Ameli. You will also need a photocopy of your passport or ID, proof of address (such as a recent electricity or water bill), and a passport-style photo. Read more about this in our article on Changing Your UK Driving Licence in France.

Driving in France For UK Residents After Brexit

British holidaymakers or second-home owners visiting France will be pleased to learn that you won’t need an International Driving Licence to be able to legally drive in France.

If you’re travelling by ferry or Eurotunnel and bringing your own car, you will be required to display a UK sticker on a UK registered car entering France, but most of the other guidelines set out in our Driving in France section remain the same.

Speaking of insurance, be sure to check that your UK car insurance covers you overseas – many companies, including the RAC, have confirmed that they will continue to offer European insurance and breakdown cover.

Renting a Car in France After Brexit

The UK leaving the EU won’t affect car rentals in France, and you won’t need a green card for a rental car within the EU. The exception is if you bring a UK rental car over to France. In that case, you need to confirm that the rental company allows cross-border travel (there might be an extra charge involved) and you will need to carry a green card.

Keep checking this page for the latest news on driving in France after Brexit or head to our Brexit zone to learn more about living, travelling, and buying property in France from now on.