Moving to France · driving · all states

Can you exchange a New Hampshire driver's license for a French one?

New Hampshire (NH)

Yes — you can exchange without a test.

New Hampshire is one of the 18 US states with an active reciprocity agreement with France. You can swap your New Hampshire license for a French permis de conduire without taking the French driving test — as long as you apply in time.

The 1-year rule

You have 1 year from establishing residence in France. The clock starts when you establish residence (typically your visa validation date), not when you arrive. Miss the window and you lose the right to a straight exchange — you'd then have to pass the French test like everyone else. Start the New Hampshire exchange early.

How to exchange your New Hampshire license

  1. Apply online through the official ANTS portal within your first year of residence.
  2. Prepare your file: valid New Hampshire license, certified translation, proof of residence in France, proof of your date of entry, ID photos and the required form.
  3. Send your original New Hampshire license when asked — you exchange it, you don't keep both.
  4. Wait for processing (it can take several months) — you'll get a receipt that lets you keep driving meanwhile.

Get an alert if New Hampshire's status changes

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