What is required to drive a rental car in France?

What are the driver's licence requirements for car hire in France? All drivers must produce a full, valid driving licence. Non-EU licence holders are required to have an international driving permit if the licence is not in French. All renters must produce photographic ID - this can be a passport or driving licence.



To rent and drive a car in France in 2026, you must be at least 18 years old (though most rental agencies require you to be 21 and charge a "young driver" fee under 25). You need a valid, original driver's license held for at least one year. If your license is from outside the EU/EEA and is not in French, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is technically mandatory and highly recommended to avoid issues with police or insurance. You must also carry your passport as ID. By law, the car must contain a reflective safety vest and a warning triangle. Additionally, remember that France has a strict "no-hands" mobile phone policy—even using a phone with headphones is illegal while driving.

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What are the driver's licence requirements for car hire in France? All drivers must produce a full, valid driving licence. Non-EU licence holders are required to have an international driving permit if the licence is not in French. All renters must produce photographic ID - this can be a passport or driving licence.

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If you are going to France only once and for a relatively short trip then it's probably not worth it. On the other hand, if you are going to make a very long trip through France or visit several times a year then it's probably worthwhile.

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Whether you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for the cop to write out a ticket).

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Driving in France Drivers must be at least 18 years old and in possession of a valid driving licence, while you must also have insurance and vehicle documents (such as a V5) to hand. You do not need to carry an additional International Driving Permit.

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French law states you must always carry some official form of ID on your person. Official means recognized by the French authorities. That typically means a passport or a National Identity Card. That is the law.

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Do I need headlamp converters in France? Yes. Depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually. This is so you don't dazzle oncoming traffic when driving on the right side of the road at night.

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As long as you are a tourist and have a valid driver's license written in the Roman alphabet from your country, you don't need to carry an international driving permit to drive in France. The minimum age to drive in France is 18 years old.

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Each additional driver is EUR 12.00, per day (maximum EUR 60.00), VAT included, paid locally.

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There is no “right turn on red” in France. A yellow flashing arrow means that you can drive in the arrow's direction, with caution, even though the other lights may be red. Headlights are mandatory when it is raining. On multi-lane roads and highways, slower traffic always stays to the right.

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