Do I have to hand in my UK licence to make a swap?

What is the government policy on the exchange of a licence from another EU country for a French one? Must you hand over your British licence with the application, or just when you collect the new licence? I was told I would need to hand it over but I need it in case I have to go back to the UK due to family illness and need to hire a car. S.F.

Oliver Rowland
Published Modified

An official from the road safety and traffic section at the Interior Ministry said it would usually be acceptable to simply show the licence and hand over colour photocopies when you make the application and it should not be necessary for the prefecture to keep it while they process your application - however he acknowledged that practices may vary in prefectures. One told Connexion they give an attestation which is valid for driving in France, while processing the application - but it would not be valid outside France.

The ministry could not confirm if there is any rule disallowing these variations, but said they would take note of the problem. National government sources only mention an obligation to hand over your British licence when you collect the French one.

Applications are to the main prefecture (sometimes a sous-préfecture may also deal with this) of the department where you live.

practical driving licence your questions eu regulations

driving licence your questions eu regulations