Can I drive in France with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
No. GOV.UK says: “You do not need an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in France.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table and FCDO travel advice for France, checked on 28 October 2026).
If you need a permit anyway (for example because your car hire company asks for one), the type is: 1968 (GOV.UK table).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| France | 1968 | You do not need an IDP. If you’re hiring a car, you should check if the car hire company says you need an IDP. |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for France: “Transport risks”
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in France. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
France has strict drink-driving laws and the legal alcohol limit is a third lower than the limit for England and Wales. Police regularly carry out roadside checks for alcohol and drugs. Penalties include fines, loss of licence and prison.
Source: FCDO travel advice: France travel advice, page updated 22 October 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in France
Hiring a car in France? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
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Hiring a car in France? How to pay tolls in France with a rental car
Driving in France this winter? Winter tyres and snow chains in France with a rental car
Renting a scooter or a moped instead? France: what a car licence covers (moped, 125 cc)
Taking your dog or cat? Pet rules from the UK to France: animal health certificate, rabies
Other licences in France
| Licence | In France | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | It depends | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to France
- British passport: France entry requirements
- Canadian passport: France
- Australian passport: France
- Italian citizens: Francia
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for France with a UK photocard driving licence?
No. GOV.UK says: “You do not need an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in France.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table and FCDO travel advice for France, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in France with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You do not need an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in France.”
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.