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What is the period of validity of a driving license?

Verified 10 September 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Wondering how long your driver's license is valid? This page shows how long a credit card format permit and a permit in cardboard format (pink with 3 flaps).

Credit card

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General case

A driving license in "credit card" format issued since 2013 is valid 15 years.

The 1ers renewals will take place in 2028.

Renewal will consist of simple administrative procedure : there will be no driving test or medical examination.

This renewal will update your address and photo.

Heavy goods vehicle license

The period of validity of the "heavy goods vehicle" driving license depends on your age.

A heavy goods vehicle license corresponds to the categories C, EC, C1, C1E, D, FROM, D1, D1E.

In case of a medical condition

The period of validity of a driving license may be reduced for health reasons.

Warning  

the validity of the driving license should not be confused with the validity of your license categories. So even if your license is only valid for 5 or 15 years, your B license allowing you to drive a car remains valid for life (unless individual restriction).

The date on which the driving license expires is indicated on the front, line 4b.

The dates of obtaining and ending the validity of the license categories figures on the back of the permit, columns 10 and 11.

In image

Decrypt driving license
Illustration - Decrypt driving license - plus de détails dans le texte suivant l’infographie

Decrypt driving license

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Decrypt driving license - plus de détails dans le texte suivant l’infographie
Crédits: Service Public (DILA)Infographie - Decrypt driving license

The infographic explains the information on the driving license:

Front of the driving license:

1. Name of holder

2. Surname of the holder

3. Date and place of birth of holder

4a. Date of issue of the certificate

4b. End date of validity of the security

4c. Issuing authority

5. Title number

7. Signature of the holder

9. Categories of permits

Unnumbered legend: symbol and name of the State which issued the driving license

Reverse side of the permit:

9. Categories of permits

10. Date of 1re issue of each category of permit

11. Expiry date of each license category

12. Restrictive codes. For example: 01.01 for glasses

Unnumbered Legend: File Number (NEPH Number)

Pink cardboard

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General case

Your pink hard driving license remains valid until january 19, 2033.

You can request its replacement only if deterioration, loss or theft.

Heavy goods vehicle license

The period of validity of a "heavy goods vehicle" driving license depends on your age.

A heavy goods vehicle license corresponds to the categories C, EC, C1, C1E, D, FROM, D1, D1E.

In case of a medical condition

The period of validity of a driving license may be reduced for health reasons.

Warning  

the validity of the driving license should not be confused with the validity of your license categories. Thus, even if your license is valid only until January 19, 2033, your B license allowing you to drive a car remains valid for life (unless individual restriction).

FAQ