When is a certified translation required?
To exchange a foreign driving licence for a French one, the préfecture requires a certified translation whenever the licence is not written in French. Being an EU or European Economic Area licence does not exempt it from this requirement — only the language of the document matters.
The translation must be produced by a sworn translator listed as a judicial expert appointed by a French Court of Appeal. It is then attached to the exchange application submitted to the préfecture or through the ANTS website (Agence nationale des titres sécurisés).
The rule that actually matters: the language of the licence
Contrary to a common assumption, being an EU licence does not automatically exempt it from translation. As soon as the licence is not written in French, a certified translation is required for the exchange — whether it's a German, British, American, or any other licence.
This applies, for example, to the US driver's licence — a double-sided card, sometimes bearing the REAL ID star — and more broadly to documents issued by the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), the UK driving licence and its online licence summary (both issued by the DVLA, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), and to German, Austrian or Swiss licences written in German.
Documents required for the exchange
The exact list of documents required depends on your situation (issuing country, date of issue, length of residence in France…) and is set by ANTS, not by the translator — I recommend checking the current list directly on the ANTS website before submitting your file. In any case, if your licence is not written in French, the certified translation will be part of it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in France with my foreign license while waiting for the exchange?
Yes, subject to conditions. A valid foreign license is generally recognized during the first year of residence in France. After that, driving with an unexchanged licence may constitute an offence.
Is a scan of the licence sufficient for translation?
Yes. A legible front-and-back scan is sufficient to produce the certified translation. The original will need to be produced when submitting the file at the préfecture or through ANTS.
How long does the translation take?
The translation of a driver's license is generally delivered within 24 working hours, and sometimes on the same day on express request.