The culinary capital of the world and the purveyor of the well-known French Revolution, France boasts a vast and complex road network that caters not only to bustling city commuters but also to scenic countryside drivers. The road network of the country stretches to an impressive 950,000 kilometers, which is then divided into three main categories.
The first category of road network includes the ‘autoroutes’, which are high-speed motorways offering excellent traverse conditions and vehicle speeds that can reach up to 130 km/h. And then you have the ‘routes nationales’, which are main national roads (also known as secondary highways), reaching smaller towns and cities. At the bottom of the barrel lie the departmental roads that are managed by individual regions. These are generally narrow, winding country lanes, where speed limits vary based on their conditions.
Driving on any of the above-mentioned roads requires a valid driving license, and if yours is about to expire, then our extensive guide can help you renew your license so that you can continue to enjoy the joys of driving.
What are the Steps to Follow For Renewal
The National Agency for Secured Documents, or ANTS, in France is responsible for providing all services related to your driving license, including renewals. This means having an ANTS account is crucial, and if you do not have one, then you will need to create a new one for registering your driving license renewal online.
Before you start the renewal process, keep in mind that you will need the following documents: proof of identity (national identity card or passport for foreigners), proof of domicile (address proof dated less than six months ago), your digital photo-signature, your previously obtained driving license, and a medical opinion form cerfa no. 14880 (optional).
If you do not want to provide a digital photo-signature, then you will have the option to send a photo ID in paper format, which can be selected during the application process. And the medical opinion form will be required for drivers obtaining licenses in the heavy group category, especially following surgery, or if your driving license renewal is subject to a medical opinion.
Now that you have a basic idea of what to expect from the renewal process, start your journey by following the necessary steps laid out below.
- First, you need to head over to the official website.
- On the landing page, you will be asked to sign in with your ‘FranceConnect’ account or through your ANTS ID. If you do not have an ANTS ID, then you need to create a new one.
- After logging into your account, click on ‘New Request > Driving License’ and then click on ‘I Start The Request’.
- In the next step, choose the reason for your request. Since you are applying for a driving license renewal, select the appropriate option, and then state your name, postal address, civil status, communication details, and the overall reason for renewal.
- Once done, you will be asked to provide your photo and signature, for which you will have two methods. You can either obtain an e-photo code from an authorized ANTS photographer or send your photo ID by mail along with the proposed form at the end of the process.
- After that, you will be asked to provide your supporting documents (the ones that have been mentioned previously) and then proceed to the next step.
- A summary of your driving license renewal application will be shown, and if you are happy with what you see, you can proceed to confirm the request. Otherwise, you can decide to correct any corrigendum.
- Finally, you will be asked to confirm the process for the submission of your photo and signature, and if you do not use the e-photo service, then you can proceed to click on the ‘Signature Photo Submission Form’. This form must be mailed with your photo ID via postal mail.
Once done, submit your request successfully, and after that, you will be able to track its progress through your ANTS dashboard.
Additionally, if you need help or just need to make a suggestion, you can contact the French administration by filling out the online web form.
Did You Know These Categories
Back in the day, French driving licenses were issued in the form of a pink booklet. But, since 2013, they have been issued in credit card format, carrying a validity of 15 years.
There are different categories of driver’s licenses in France, with each allowing you to operate a specific class of vehicle. The first category of license is the ‘Permis AM’, which is required to drive mopeds and bikes with an engine capacity of 50 cc (maximum) and a maximum speed of 24 km/h. The minimum age to obtain this license is 14 years old.
Then you have the ‘Permis A1’, which allows you to drive light motorcycles with engine capacities up to 125 cc. The minimum age for this license is 16 years old. After that, there is the ‘Permis A2’ license, which allows you to operate motorbikes with an engine capacity of up to 35 kW or 47 horsepower, with the minimum age being 18 years.
Finally, you have the ‘Permis B’ car license, which allows you to drive cars and light vans up to a gross weight of 3.5 tons. Also, the minimum age to obtain this license is 18 years old.
