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The French driving license is a real institution that dates back to 1922, and it is about to undergo the ;one of the most important transformations since its creation. The traditional pink cardboard document – which is familiar to older generations of drivers – will give way to the more modern (and secure) format which takes the form of a bank card.
The new card-format license has already been in circulation since 2013 and comes in the form of a plastic card the size of a credit card. All people who have passed their driving test (or who have changed their driving test) since that date now have this format which is part of the international trend.
Long live safety and practicality
This format ensures obvious practicality since it allows you to easily slip it into a wallet, unlike its triptych predecessor. Above all, this will prevent you from tearing the cardboard document, which unfortunately happens too often. Beyond its practical aspect, this new document meets increased security requirements (to combat fraud). /strong>).
One of the other major advantages of this “new” driving license lies in its international recognition: while the old model could cause problems when traveling abroad, the new format, already adopted by many European countries and the United States, makes driving outside French borders easier. Above all, you can also now officially save it to your phone (since February 2024) so you don't have to carry it everywhere.
📲🚗Le permis de conduire dématérialisé est disponible dès aujourd’hui grâce à l’application France Identité. Plus de sécurité et plus de simplicité pour ceux qui le souhaitent. Ce permis sur son téléphone complète le permis physique, il ne le remplace pas !
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A regarder 👇 pic.twitter.com/mGZ2LIoKPS— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) February 14, 2024
The modernization does not stop at the physical aspect of the document since this new document is accompanied by a simplification of administrative procedures. Drivers can now check their points balance online in a simpler way, which is a clear improvement over the current system which requires a complex procedure on the government website. Only one site to keep in mind: mespoints.permisdeconduire.gouv.fr.
New date set to change
Despite all the advantages of the new format, the change of licenses for the entire population will not happen overnight. The authorities have nevertheless set a deadline of January 19, 2033 for all drivers to make the transition to the new format. This transition period, which is relatively long, aims to avoid a congestion of administrative services and to allow for a smooth adaptation. The government regularly pushes the French to take action so as not to find themselves without a valid license beyond this date. To start the procedure, click here: permisdeconduire.ants.gouv.fr.
Replacing your old pink cardboard license with the new card is free, regardless of its condition. Be careful because in the event of damage requiring immediate replacement, a fee of 25 euros will be applied. This is also the case if you have lost or had your old license stolen.
But what will happen after this date ? From 2033, driving with the old pink license will expose you to penalties ranging from a fine of 11 euros which can be increased to 38 euros, and even up to 135 euros in the event of a total absence of a valid license. For your comfort, and to avoid a future financial penalty, it is therefore in your best interest to change as soon as possible.
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