Conditions and procedures to renew the driving license
The 2013 permit reform provided, among other things, for a renewal of the driving license to facilitate harmonization across the European Economic Area. Thus, holders of a category A or B permit must renew it every 15 years. Drivers of trucks and public transport vehicles must renew their permit every five years. They will also need to apply for a renewal if they lose or have their permit stolen. The ANTS website is currently the only place to apply for a license.
Renewal procedures for the different types of licenses
Thedriving licenses for two-wheeled vehicles, issued under category A, are valid for 15 years. Similarly, category B licenses must be renewed every 15 years and are subject to the same requirements.
As the permit holder does not have to be re-examined, the renewal is strictly administrative and it is sufficient to request the renewal of the driving permit, as is done when a passport, national identity document, or residence permit expires. Therefore, it is possible to change the personal details of the permit holder, such as marital status, residence, and ID photo when renewing their French driving permit.
Holders of a category C permit for heavy vehicles, which allows them to drive trucks, must renew it periodically. The renewal of the permit varies depending on the age of the driver:
- every five years for drivers under 55 years old;
- every five years between 55 and 60 years old or until they reach 60;
- every two years between 60 and 76 years old or until they turn 76;
- and every year for those over 76 years old.
It should be noted that the driver is also required to undergo a mandatory medical examination conducted by a doctor recognized by the prefect of the department of residence. The prefecture or sub-prefecture provides a list of authorized doctors online.
The same rules that apply to holders of a category C permit apply to drivers with a category D permit for passenger transport. A medical examination is also required for the driver of a public transport vehicle. An appointment must be made with a doctor authorized by the prefecture. The applicant can initiate the necessary administrative procedures to renew their driving permit once the medical opinion has been issued. Remember that sometimes the doctor may ask you to undergo additional tests, such as a psychotechnical assessment.
Circumstances that may require you to renew your driving license
In addition to age and expiration, there are two circumstances that may require you to renew your driving permit.
The case of loss
If you lose your driving permit, you will need to file a loss declaration. The loss report and the request for a duplicate driving permit are submitted simultaneously on the ANTS website for administrative reasons. You can obtain your loss certificate of the permit after completing your driving permit application online. The document will allow you to benefit from two months of legal driving.
The case of theft
If your driving permit is stolen, you must notify the gendarmerie or the police. In this latter case, you will receive a receipt that you must keep. This document must be presented in the event of a check, while waiting for the new driving permit to arrive by mail, and is valid for two months. You can use your theft declaration to request the creation of the new format on the ANTS website.
Since September 1, 2014, the cost of renewing the driving permit after a loss or offense has increased to 25 euros. Although it is prone to disappear, this stamp is available in paper and digital versions. They can be purchased at the cashiers and tobacconists of various administrations, as well as online at timbres.impots.gov.fr.
