How to Buy Exchange French Driving Licence From France

( 19/09/2013 ➔ )

Driving licence exchange in France

If you are planning on obtaining a French driving licence we would be glad to help! However, doing it yourself may also be an option if you are already in France. Here is some information to get you started.

Physical description
Size	85.60 x 53.98 mm
Format	ISO / IEC 7810ID-1
Material	Polycarbonate and PEC

Security features
OVI (optical variable ink)
Location	On the reverse, right side
Characteristics	The OVI changes from red to purple when you look at the card from a different side
Micro-lettering
Location	On the front, at the bottom area / MRZ
Characteristics	Micro-lettering between the MRZ and the data area
Ghost image of the holder�s ID photo
Location	On the front side, superimposed over the personal data
Characteristics	Transparent copy of the holder�s ID photo
Method of verification	Check if it is consistent with the holder's main ID photo and micro-photo inside the MLI. Check it has not been damaged. The main personal data are LASER-engraved under it.
See-through sides
Location	On the outside edge of the card
Characteristics	The card has a transparent outside edge of 2 to 3 mm, as it was embedded in a transparent polycarbonate inlay of ID1 size.
Method of verification	Check the outside edge of the card is transparent. The date of birth and the micro- lettering �R�publique fran�aise� should be displayed on the edge.
Engraved chip
Location	Reverse side, chip
Characteristics	Copper engraving superimposed over the chip contact. A Marianne-like figure is engraved inside the chip
Method of verification	Check

�Alien� font
Location	Front side, name of the holder
Characteristics	A special font is set before and after the name of the holder, to prevent the name being modified by adding a character
Method of verification	Check this is present
MLI : variable laser
Location	Front side, at the bottom right
Characteristics	The feature image shifts from an ID photo (of the holder) to a date (the expiry date) and then back to the photo. Check that both display the same information as on the licence
Method of verification	Tilt the licence. Check the date against the expiry date. Check the photo against the holder�s ID photo.
DID: transparent mark
Location	Front side, on the holder�s photo
Characteristics	Transparent mark partially covering the holder�s photo which: 1) changes colour when rotated at 90� 2) causes the picture of France to morph into a portrait of Marianne
Method of verification	Tilt the card from left to right: the picture of France changes into Marianne. Rotate the licence by 90�: the external circle and its stars changes from yellow to light red.

Categories
Category	Period of validity
A1, A2, A, B, B1	15 years
BE, C, CE, C1, C1E	Until 60: 5 years; 60-76: 2 years; above 76: 1 year
D1, D, D1E, DE	Until 60: 5 years; above 60: 1 year

Codes
National codes	Description
101	C: restricted to 7.5 tonnes for drivers under 21
102	CE: restricted to 7.5 tonnes for drivers under 21
103	D: restricted to national passenger service on routes of 50 km or less, for drivers under 23 who obtained their licence through accelerated training
106	Probation
107	All categories: alcohol interlock

108	AM: restricted to 2 or 3-wheel category AM vehicles for drivers under 16
109	AM: restricted to category AM light quadricycle vehicles
110	Not authorised to drive category D vehicles which fall within the scope of Directive 2003/59/EC.
111	Category A limited to motorcycles with a maximum power output of 35 kW and a maximum power/weight ratio of 0.2 kW/kg

Professional drivers
Certificate of professional competence is issued	YES
Code 95 is marked on the driving licence	NO

1.Model F1. In case nothing is indicated on the reverse side of the licence, it is not valid for driving vehicles of categories 1°, 2°, 3°. Therefore the category which is equivalent to a category B entitlement and which is not contained within one of the three described categories cannot be named. A line is indicated: ‘——’.
2.Models F2, F3 and F4. In general, driving licences of category F are issued for life. However, if the licence holder suffers from an evolutionary disease, the following period of validity applies: for five years, if the holder is younger than 60;for two years, if he is 60 to 76 years of age; for one year, if he is older than 76.
3.Model F2. In case the testing vehicle, on which the licence holder passed his practical test for category D or DE, was ~ 3.5 t, the holder is only entitled to drive the following categories with a D or DE entitlement: A1, B1, B, BE, D 79 (~ 3 500 kg)
4.Model F3. In case the testing vehicle, on which the licence holder passed his practical test for category D was ~ 3.5 t (in the time between 20 January 1975 and 31 May 1979), the holder is only entitled to drive the follow-ing categories with such a D entitlement: A1, B1, B, BE, D 79 (~ 3 500 kg) If the testing vehicle was ~ 7 t (in the time between 1 June 1979 and 1 March 1980), he is entitled to drive: A, B1, B, BE, D 79 (~ 3 500 kg)
Model F4. In case the testing vehicle, on which the licence holder passed his practical test for category D was ~ 7 t, the holder was only entitled to drive: A1, B1, B, BE, D 79 (~ 3 500 kg)
Model F5. In case the testing vehicle, on which the licence holder passed his practical test for category D was ~ 3.5 t, the holder was only entitled to drive: A1, B1, B, BE, D 79 (~ 3 500 kg)