Moving to France · driving

Can you exchange your US driver's license for a French one?

It depends entirely on which US state issued your license — not your nationality. Each state negotiates its own agreement with the French Embassy. As of 2026/07, 18 states let you swap your license for a French permis without taking the French driving test. The rest require passing the French test (code + practical). Either way, you have 1 year from establishing residence in France to act. Find your state below.

States with a reciprocity agreement (18)

You can exchange without a driving test.

ArkansasColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaIllinoisIowaMarylandMassachusettsMichiganNew HampshireOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaSouth CarolinaTexasVirginiaWisconsin

States without an agreement (33)

You'll need to pass the French driving test — see your state page for the steps.

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaCaliforniaDistrict of ColumbiaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOregonRhode IslandSouth DakotaTennesseeUtahVermontWashingtonWest VirginiaWyoming

Also moving to France?

Before the license, most Americans need a long-stay visa. Check whether you meet the financial requirements — free, 60 seconds.

Check my visa readiness →