Debunking the Myth — Changing Your UK Driving Licence to a French One Isn’t as Hard as You Think
If you’ve ever googled “How do I change my UK driving licence to a French one?” while clutching your expired permit and a cup of lukewarm coffee, you're not alone. The French bureaucracy can look intimidating from the outside—but once you're inside, it’s not the labyrinth people imagine.
At Normandy Consultancy, we’ve heard it all: horror stories, confusing anecdotes, and downright myths. Let’s clear things up.
🚗 The Myth: “It’s Impossible to Swap a UK Licence in France!”
Here’s the truth:
You can exchange your UK driving licence for a French one.
Since Brexit, the rules have changed—but they’re manageable with the right approach.
The process is entirely online via the ANTS platform (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés).
Required documents typically include:
Proof of identity and residency
Driving licence history
Certificate of entitlement (sometimes requested)
But here’s the kicker: delays, unclear instructions, and technical glitches often give people the false impression that the process is “impossible.” It’s not. It’s just... French.
💡 The Reality: It’s Challenging, But Not Unsolvable
Most people struggle not because the system is designed to block you, but because:
Instructions are often only in French
The document list can vary based on circumstances
Missing just one detail (like a date format or a stamp) can lead to months of delay
🛠️ How Normandy Consultancy Makes It Seamless
We specialize in taking the stress out of French administration. Here’s what we do:
Tailored document prep: We identify exactly what you need based on your driving history and residency status.
Bilingual assistance: We walk you through the ANTS platform step-by-step, avoiding costly mistakes.
Progress monitoring: We follow up on your application if it’s stuck in limbo.
Personal advocacy: If you’ve received a refusal or confusing response, we’ll help you appeal or re-submit properly.
With Normandy Consultancy, you don’t have to spend your weekends deciphering French bureaucratic riddles. We've done it before, we do it daily, and we’re ready to help you next.
Brexit definitely reshaped the rules—but not as drastically as many feared. Here's how it’s affected UK driving licence exchanges in France:
📅 Key Dates Matter
If your UK licence was issued before January 1, 2021, you can keep using it until it expires—no need to exchange immediately.
If your licence was issued after January 1, 2021, and you plan to live in France for more than a year, you must exchange it within 12 months of settling.
🔄 Exchange Process
The exchange is done online via the ANTS platform.
You’ll need:
Proof of identity and residency
Your UK licence
A Certificate of Entitlement from the DVLA (dated within 3 months)
No driving test or translation is required for most UK licences.
⚠️ Why Timing Is Crucial
If you miss the deadline:
You may have to take the French driving test from scratch
Your insurance could become invalid if you drive with an expired licence
🛟 Normandy Consultancy Can Help
Feeling overwhelmed? Normandy Consultancy offers:
Step-by-step guidance through the ANTS system
Help obtaining and submitting the right documents
Follow-up support if your application gets stuck
Want help drafting your application or checking your eligibility? I can walk you through it!
🎯 Final Thoughts
Changing your UK licence to a French one isn’t a monster. It’s a kitten wearing bureaucracy-colored fur. With the right guidance, it's just another formality—nothing more.
Let us help you tame it.
📩 Contact Normandy Consultancy at: normandyconsultancy@gmail.com 🌐 Ask for Annabelle!
