International guests
Renting a Luxury Car With a Foreign Driving Licence
Many of our guests do not drive on a French licence. In most cases this is not a problem. You still need to know which document to show, and to send it to us before you arrive.
European Union
European licence: nothing to do
A licence issued in a European Union or European Economic Area country is recognised in France as long as it is valid. No translation, no formalities.
Outside the European Union
Three conditions for a holiday stay
For a holiday stay, a licence issued outside the European Union lets you drive in France if it meets three conditions:
- it is valid;
- it is written in French, or comes with an International Driving Permit or an official translation;
- you follow any medical requirements written on it.
UK licences do not need an International Driving Permit.
The document
What the International Driving Permit is
The International Driving Permit is not a licence. It is an official translation, issued in your own country, and it is worth nothing without the original licence. Always show both together.
Residents
If you live in France
The rules change if you move to France. A licence issued outside the European Union is only recognised for one year after you settle. After that, it must be exchanged for a French licence. This guide is about holiday stays, not residents.
At Morelli
Our conditions come on top of the law
The law says whether you can drive in France. Our conditions say whether you can drive a luxury car:
- a licence held for at least two years, across the whole fleet;
- a minimum age that depends on the model, up to thirty on the most powerful cars;
- a deposit held on a credit card in the driver’s name.
Insurance points specific to a foreign licence are confirmed in the quote, before you book. Our conditions are set out in our guide to rental requirements, and the deposit in our guide to the luxury car rental deposit.
Before you arrive
What to send us
A photo of both sides of your licence, plus the International Driving Permit or the translation if your licence is not written in French. It takes two minutes. It avoids finding a problem on handover day, with the car ready and your flight already landed.
The alternative
If your licence does not qualify
There is always a car with a chauffeur: an S-Class, a V-Class or a Range Rover Vogue. No licence conditions, and nobody looking for a parking space on the Croisette.
See also: our self-drive fleet and our private chauffeur service.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a car in France with a US driving licence?
Yes, if it is valid and comes with an International Driving Permit or an official translation, since it is not written in French. Our conditions on licence age, driver age and deposit also apply.
Is a European licence enough?
Yes. A valid licence from the European Union or the European Economic Area is recognised in France with no formalities.
Does the International Driving Permit replace my own licence?
No. It is an official translation. Always show it together with your original licence.
What should I send before the rental?
A photo of both sides of your licence, plus the International Driving Permit or the translation if needed.
International guests
Send us your licence
A photo of your licence and your dates: we confirm what applies to you before you book.