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World Driving Permit

🇫🇷 Do you need an IDP to drive in France?

Depends on your licence· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 1 May 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires
Driving side
Right-hand
Minimum driving age
18+ years
Driving without the right documents
French police can fine drivers who cannot produce a valid IDP where one is required, and rental desks will refuse the car without it.

Short answer

It depends on the licence you hold — France accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Confirm the rule for your specific licence country before you travel. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in France: the rule explained

EU/EEA licenses are fully valid. Non-EU licenses are accepted for up to a year if in French or accompanied by an official translation or IDP. Non-Latin-script licenses effectively require an IDP or sworn translation.

Exemption: EU/EEA licenses are valid in France without an IDP or translation.

Renting a car in France

Rental companies accept most foreign licenses with a passport; an IDP or translation is requested when the license isn't in the Latin alphabet.

What to carry when driving in France

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
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Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

France: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in France?
It depends on the licence you hold — France accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Confirm the rule for your specific licence country before you travel. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. EU/EEA licenses are fully valid. Non-EU licenses are accepted for up to a year if in French or accompanied by an official translation or IDP. Non-Latin-script licenses effectively require an IDP or sworn translation.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in France?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in France read your licence, but where France requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in France?
Rental companies accept most foreign licenses with a passport; an IDP or translation is requested when the license isn't in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP convention does France use?
France recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in France?
Because France follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.
What is the minimum age to drive in France?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in France; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving to France from your country

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