How long is a driver's license valid?
Verified 02 February 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
This page shows the period of validity of a permit in "credit card" format and a permit in "pink 3-pane" format.
‘Credit card’
The period of validity of a driving license in credit card format depends on your situation:
- In general, it is valid 15 years.
- If it is a "heavy goods vehicle" permit (categories C, EC, C1, C1E, D, FROM, D1, D1E), the period of validity depends on your age.
- In case of medical condition, the period of validity may be reduced for health reasons.
The period of validity of your driving license should not be confused with the validity of your license categories. For example, if you have permit B and if your driver's license expires in 2028, you won't have to retake the B license exam. Renewal of the driving license will consist of an administrative approach and will update your address and photo.
The date from end of validity of driver's license is indicated in front, to the line 4b. The dates of obtaining and end of validity of license categories are listed in back of the permit, columns 10 and 11.
Infographie - Decrypt the driver's license
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The infographic explains what information is indicated on the driver's license.
Front of the driving license:
1. Name of the holder
2. First name of the holder
3. Date and place of birth of the holder
4a. Date of issue of title
4b. Date of end of validity of the title
4c. Issuing Authority
5. Title number
7. Signature of the holder
9. License categories
Unnumbered legend: symbol and name of the State which issued the driving license
Back of license:
9. License categories
10. Date of 1re issuance of each class of license
11. Date of expiry of each license category
12. Restrictive codes. For example: 01.01 for glasses
Legend not numbered: File number (NEPH number)
Please note
You can import your driver's license into application France digital identity regardless of its format, “rose 3 flaps” or “credit card”. Digital driving license is accepted during a roadside check by the internal security forces (police, gendarmerie).
“Rose 3 flaps”
The period of validity of a driving license in the "pink 3-pane" format depends on your situation:
- In general, it is valid until 19 january 2033.
- If it is a "heavy goods vehicle" permit (categories C, EC, C1, C1E, D, FROM, D1, D1E), the period of validity depends on your age.
- In case of medical condition, the period of validity may be reduced for health reasons.
The period of validity of your driving license should not be confused with the validity of your license categories. For example, if you have permit B and if your driver's license expires in 2033, you won't have to retake the B license exam. Renewal of the driving license will consist of an administrative approach and will update your address and photo.
You can already request the replacement of your “pink 3-pane” license with a “credit card” license.
The request is made online on the website of France Titres (ex ANTS: titleContent ) :
Please note
You can import your driver's license into application France digital identity regardless of its format, “rose 3 flaps” or “credit card”. Digital driving license is accepted during a roadside check by the internal security forces (police, gendarmerie).
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
France Titles - Driving license
Online contact form
Access to contact form
By phone
34,00 (number not overtaxed)
09 70 83 07 07 from overseas and foreigner
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Categories of permit
Renewal after medical advice of licenses C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE (article R221-10)
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