The renewal of the French driving license is done exclusively online, on the ANTS platform (National Agency for Secure Titles). This dematerialization concerns both licenses that have reached the end of their administrative validity and damaged titles or changes in civil status. The procedure does not require any travel to the prefecture.
Card format license: why renewal is now necessary
The old pink cardboard licenses, issued before 2013, were considered valid for life. The transition to the European bank card format has changed the situation: the new license has an administrative validity period of fifteen years for categories A and B.
This validity does not affect the right to drive. It only concerns the physical support. Upon expiration of this period, the title must be renewed to remain compliant, but no medical examination or retaking of the code is required for light categories.
For heavy categories (C, D, CE, DE), the validity period is shorter and periodic medical checks condition the renewal. This distinction often causes confusion, and the Auto World online guide details the specificities for each category.
Create an ANTS account and prepare your digital file
Before starting the application, you need to have an account on the ANTS website. You can log in via FranceConnect (using tax, social security, or La Poste credentials) or by directly creating a dedicated ANTS account.
The file is entirely dematerialized. Documents are submitted in the form of digital files, including the identity photo and signature. There are two options for the photo: use an approved photo booth that provides an ephoto code, or use a licensed professional photographer.
Supporting documents to gather
- A valid identity document (national identity card or passport), scanned front and back
- A proof of residence less than six months old (utility bill, tax notice, rent receipt)
- A digital identity photo, either via an ephoto code or uploaded directly
- The current driving license (scan or readable photo of both sides)
- In case of loss or theft: a loss declaration or a receipt for filing a complaint
The NEPH number is not mandatory when submitting the application. This point, confirmed by ANTS, reassures drivers who cannot find this prefectural registration number on their old documents.
Process of the online renewal application on the ANTS site
Once logged into the ANTS account, the section “Request the production of your driving license” provides access to the renewal form. The process is broken down into several successive screens: entering civil status, uploading documents, verifying the summary, and then validation.
The renewal process is free when it concerns the end of administrative validity or a change in civil status. A tax stamp of 25 euros is only required in case of loss or theft of the title.
Tracking the application after submission
The dashboard of the ANTS account displays the status of progress: under review, validated, in production, shipped. A tracking number is assigned as soon as the application is submitted. The median processing time varies by prefecture, but data published by the Lot-et-Garonne prefecture provides a rough estimate: a median processing time of a few days, plus about ten days for production and postal delivery.
The new license is sent by secure mail to the declared home address. No collection at the prefecture is planned. In case of absence during delivery, a delivery notice allows for the collection of the package at the post office.
Fraudulent sites and traps to avoid when renewing the license
Several prefectures warn about the increase of private sites imitating official platforms. These sites charge processing fees for procedures that are normally free on ANTS. Their appearance carefully mimics the visual codes of the administration (blue-white-red colors, mentions of “approved service”) to mislead.
The only official site for renewing the driving license is accessible at permisdeconduire.ants.gouv.fr. Any URL that does not end with gouv.fr should be approached with caution.
Concrete warning signs
- A site requesting immediate payment by credit card for “processing fees” or “administrative assistance”
- The absence of clear legal mentions or a verifiable SIRET number
- Promises of expedited processing for an additional fee, which ANTS does not offer
In case of doubt, the number 34 00 (interactive voice server of ANTS) allows you to verify if a procedure has been properly recorded. France Services reception points also offer free assistance for individuals who are not comfortable with digital tools.
Driving during the renewal period of the license
Between the submission of the application and the receipt of the new title, the deposit receipt downloadable from the ANTS account serves as proof. This document, accompanied by an identity document, authorizes driving on French territory for the entire duration of the review.
This receipt does not serve as a driving license abroad. For travel outside France during this period, it is better to anticipate the renewal request well in advance to receive the physical title before departure.
The renewed license retains the same categories and the same seniority as the previous one. No information is lost when transitioning from an old format to the European card. Only the date of administrative validity changes, extended by fifteen years for light categories.