How do I replace my damaged French card driving licence?
We look at the steps to take when applying for a replacement French driving licence
When replacing an old pink cardboard French licence you will be issued a new format photo card
aurelie le moigne / Shutterstock
Reader question: My French paper driving licence is in tatters – how do I go about getting a replacement?
The pink paper (or, rather, cardboard) driving licences in France are gradually being phased out, and by 2033 will have been completely replaced by plastic photo licences, which were introduced in 2013.
If your licence is damaged, you must ask for a replacement, and it will be exchanged for a new-format version.
This can be done on permisdeconduire.ants.gouv.fr, by selecting Demander la fabrication de votre permis de conduire, then Perte, vol, détérioration, fin de validité ou changement d’état-civil.
You will need to provide your damaged licence as part of your application.
Getting a new card will cost €25.
One difference is that the new cards are subject to renewal every 15 years, whereas the old cards were valid for life.
Those who still have an old card licence in good condition are not currently able to exchange this for a photo card unless it is lost or stolen.
Information about the exchange process for those drivers should be released nearer to the 2033 deadline.
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