Why are only some US states’ driving licences exchangeable for a French one?
Exchanging a non-EU licence for a French one is based on reciprocal agreements
France will exchange licences from some US states
aurelie le moigne / Shutterstock
Reader Question: Why can I not exchange my US licence for a French one, but a fellow American colleague of mine could? I am from New Jersey, and he is from Texas. Does this make a difference?
Driving licence exchanges for non-EU countries are determined by bilateral agreements between France and the country in question.
In most cases, people must exchange their driving licences within 12 months of permanently moving to France.
Regarding the United States, however, agreements are made between France and individual states – this is why, for example, someone with a licence from Virginia can exchange it, but a driver from New York cannot.
Which US state driving licences can be swapped in France?
Only 18 US states allow for reciprocal licence exchanges with France, you can find a list of them (and Canadian provinces that also allow for it) in our previous article.
If you have owned licences from multiple US states, it is only your most recent one (corresponding to your last address before moving) that is valid and can be exchanged.
Unfortunately, there is no way around these rules, and if your state does not have a reciprocal agreement, you will have to take a French driving test.
Updates to EU regulations on driving licences – aimed at increasing road safety – may in theory make it easier for licences to be exchanged between EU and non-EU countries.
However, this is not guaranteed, and talks on the legislation are currently stalled.
Read more: Driving: When do you need to swap foreign licence for French licence?
