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International Driving Permit France

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Drive the Alps and Riviera
Usage Period: 1, 2 or 3 years
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Usable in 180+ countries
Translated into 12 languages

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Accepted in 180+ countries
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Why travel with an International Driving Permit in France?

France is a dream destination for road trippers, offering a mix of charming villages, historic sites, and diverse scenery—from lavender fields in Provence to coastal drives along the French Riviera. But navigating this beautiful country becomes even smoother with an International Driving Permit (IDP) in hand. While many locals speak English in major cities, rural areas may present language barriers. An IDP acts as a multilingual translation of your home license, helping authorities quickly verify your credentials during roadside checks or rentals.

Car rental companies in France frequently request an IDP for foreign travelers, especially if your license isn’t in French. Having one can speed up pickup time and prevent misunderstandings. At police checkpoints, it shows you’re prepared and responsible, minimizing hassle during your journey. Whether you’re exploring wine regions or medieval castles, an IDP gives you confidence behind the wheel and simplifies interactions, so you can focus on the experience—not the paperwork.

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translated version of your national driver’s license, designed to help you drive more easily in foreign countries. Our document is a non-governmental translation of your license, available in 12 major world languages and accepted in over 180 countries. It includes your name, photo, and driving details, making it easier for local authorities to understand your credentials.

While it does not replace a government-issued IDP, it can help reduce language barriers and simplify interactions with rental agencies or traffic officials during your travels. Travel with confidence, knowing your driver information is clearly presented, without the hassle of local bureaucracy.

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In 3 Steps Your International Driving Permit

How do you obtain an International Driving Permit?

1. Sign up online

Begin your application for a translation of your driver’s license.

2. Upload a photo

Make sure to upload a recent photo and follow the guidelines.

3. Done!

Wait for your confirmation, and you’re ready to travel!

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What to see & do with your IDP in France?

Exploring France by car offers the kind of freedom no train schedule can match. With your International Driving Permit in hand, you’ll have access to some of the country’s most iconic road trip experiences—each filled with culture, cuisine, and captivating landscapes.

1. The Alsace Wine Route (Route des Vins d’Alsace)
Stretching over 170 km from Marlenheim to Thann, this scenic drive takes you through rolling vineyards and medieval towns like Riquewihr and Colmar. A car gives you the flexibility to explore off-the-path wine cellars and take spontaneous detours through charming village streets.

2. Corsica’s Coastal Roads
Rent a car and take the ferry to Corsica to experience one of France’s most dramatic coastal drives. Routes like the Calanques de Piana and the road from Ajaccio to Bonifacio wind through cliffs, mountains, and turquoise waters. An IDP is essential here, as local rentals often require one due to increased tourism.

3. The Dordogne Valley
Ideal for travelers who love history and nature, this central French region is dotted with prehistoric caves, hilltop castles, and tranquil riverside villages. With an IDP, you can take your time exploring places like Sarlat-la-Canéda and the Lascaux cave replicas, often unreachable by public transport.

4. Route Napoléon
Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte on this legendary road between Golfe-Juan and Grenoble. Twisting through the Alps, it rewards drivers with panoramic views, alpine lakes, and historic monuments along the way.

5. Brittany’s Rugged Coast
Drive through the Celtic-influenced northwest region of Brittany to discover jagged coastlines, fortified towns like Saint-Malo, and stunning lighthouses. Having an IDP helps simplify police stops in these remote areas and ensures rental acceptance throughout the region.

France’s diversity is best experienced with a car—and your IDP is the key to unlocking every corner without limitations. From spontaneous detours to remote discoveries, it’s your gateway to an unforgettable French adventure.

Time to travel around France

One of the best parts of driving in France is how easily it connects to the rest of Europe. With an International Driving Permit, you can cross borders seamlessly and enjoy iconic destinations just a few hours away. Whether you’re heading for Alpine adventures, Mediterranean coastlines, or historical capitals, road travel offers the flexibility to create your own multi-country itinerary—without the constraints of airport lines or train tickets.

An IDP ensures you’re prepared for road checks, border crossings, and foreign rental offices, making regional travel as smooth as your journey through France.

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Everything You Need to Know About International Driving Permits for France

Driving in France is an incredible way to experience its diverse regions, but it’s important to understand how an International Driving Permit (IDP) fits into the picture. If your license is issued in a non-EU country—such as the United States, Canada, Australia, or the UK—an IDP is strongly recommended. While it may not be legally required for short stays in all cases, most car rental companies will ask for one, especially if your license isn’t written in French.

At police or gendarmerie checkpoints, officers often request both your national license and IDP. The IDP provides a standardized translation, making it easier to confirm your eligibility to drive. This is especially helpful in rural areas or during stops on motorways, where English may not be spoken.

Driving behavior and enforcement in France
French drivers typically follow the rules, though speeding is still common on highways. Automated speed cameras are widespread, and fines can be issued by mail. Police are authorized to collect fines on the spot for foreign drivers, and serious infractions can lead to vehicle impoundment.

Key driving laws to remember in France:

Drive on the right side of the road.
Speed limits: 130 km/h (highways), 110 km/h (in rain), 80 km/h (rural), 50 km/h (urban), and 30 km/h (school/residential).
Alcohol limits: 0.05% BAC for standard drivers; 0.02% for new or commercial drivers.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
Phone use is prohibited unless with a true hands-free system—no earbuds or handhelds.
Tolls apply on major highways; carry a card or cash.
Parking restrictions are strictly enforced; avoid yellow lines and always check local signage.
Roundabouts require yielding to traffic inside the circle.

For additional information on driving regulations, visit the Sécurité Routière and the Ministère de l’Intérieur.

Want more detailed information before your trip? Be sure to check out our complete France Driving Guide here.

Frequently Asked Questions

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required for every traveler in France, but it is strongly recommended for many. If your driver’s license is not issued in the European Union or does not use the Latin alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Cyrillic, or Chinese), carrying an IDP can help avoid issues during police checks or rental procedures. Even if you’re from an English-speaking country, having an IDP can simplify interactions with authorities and car rental staff, especially in rural areas where English may not be widely spoken. While short-term tourists from countries like the US, UK, Canada, or Australia can often drive legally without one, rental agencies may still ask for an IDP as part of their requirements.

Yes, travelers can drive in France with a valid U.S. driver’s license for short-term visits, typically up to 90 days. However, it’s advisable to also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP), particularly if your license is not in French. Some car rental companies in France may request an IDP along with your U.S. license, especially in smaller towns or airports. Additionally, during roadside checks by French police or gendarmes, having an IDP can help communicate your driving credentials more clearly. It’s not a substitute for your U.S. license but can serve as a useful supplemental document. For added convenience while traveling, our platform offers a digital IDP delivered via email.

Many car rental companies in France will ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your original driver’s license—especially if your license is not written in French or does not follow a familiar format. While it may not be a legal requirement for all tourists, rental companies set their own policies and can refuse service without an IDP. This is particularly common for travelers from non-EU countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, or those with licenses in non-Latin scripts. To avoid delays or being denied a rental, it’s recommended to have an IDP ready when picking up your vehicle. You can apply directly through our website for fast processing.

Whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Europe depends on the country you’re visiting and the language of your driver’s license. Some European countries accept foreign licenses for short-term stays, while others may request an IDP for documentation purposes, especially if your license is not in the Latin alphabet. Even in countries where it’s not officially required, car rental companies and local authorities may still request one. An IDP serves as a standardized, multilingual translation of your license, making it easier to rent vehicles and interact with police or border officials across different European regions. You can find more details and apply through internationaltravelpermits.com.