Marie-Claire reached into her worn leather purse and pulled out her pink French driving licence, the same one she’d carried for over thirty years. The corners were soft and frayed, the photo barely recognizable after decades of folding and unfolding. She’d gotten it in 1991, fresh out of driving school, and it had been with her through countless road trips across Europe.
Last month, she tried to rent a car in Barcelona, and the young clerk behind the counter squinted at her faded pink document. “Madame, do you have something more… official?” he asked politely. Marie-Claire felt embarrassed, even though her licence was perfectly legal. She had no idea that her trusted pink cardboard companion was living on borrowed time.
For millions of French drivers like Marie-Claire, that familiar pink French driving licence represents more than just legal permission to drive. It’s a piece of history, a symbol of independence earned decades ago. But France is finally saying goodbye to this iconic document, and there’s a hard deadline approaching that every driver needs to know about.
The End of an Era for Pink French Driving Licences
France has officially set the countdown clock on its legendary pink cardboard driving licence. After more than a century of service since 1922, these distinctive documents will become completely invalid on January 19, 2033. That might seem like plenty of time, but for the estimated 15 million French drivers still carrying these pink licences, the clock is ticking faster than they might realize.
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The pink French driving licence stopped being issued in 2013 when France aligned with European Union standards. Since then, all new licences have been plastic, credit card-sized documents that look and feel completely different from their paper predecessors.
“The old pink licence served France well for nearly a century, but it simply can’t meet modern security and digital requirements,” explains Jean-Pierre Dubois, a transport policy expert at the French Ministry of Interior. “We’re not just changing the format – we’re bringing French drivers into the digital age.”
The transition affects more than just aesthetics. Car rental companies across Europe increasingly reject the faded pink documents, especially when the text becomes illegible. Insurance claims can also face delays when the licence details are hard to read or verify.
What You Need to Know About the Licence Exchange
The process of exchanging your pink French driving licence for the new plastic version is straightforward, but it does require some preparation. Here’s everything you need to know about making the switch:
| Application Method | Cost | Processing Time |
| Online via ANTS website | €25 | 7-10 business days |
| Prefecture appointment | €25 | 15-20 business days |
| Urgent replacement | €25 + express fees | 3-5 business days |
Required documents include:
- Current pink driving licence
- Valid identity document (passport or national ID card)
- Recent passport-style photograph
- Proof of current address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Online application form completed in advance
The online application system through the ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) website has streamlined the process significantly. Most applications can be completed entirely online, with documents uploaded digitally.
“I was surprised how easy the online process was,” says Laurent Moreau, who recently exchanged his 1985 pink licence. “I expected hours of paperwork, but it took maybe twenty minutes on my computer. The new card arrived by mail exactly when they promised.”
Why This Change Matters More Than You Think
Beyond the obvious practical benefits, the shift from pink French driving licences to plastic cards represents a fundamental change in how French drivers interact with their government and the wider world.
The new plastic licences integrate seamlessly with France’s penalty points system. Drivers can check their point balance instantly online, receive digital notifications about infractions, and even contest tickets through secure online portals. This connectivity was nearly impossible with the old paper system.
International travel becomes much smoother with the new format. European car rental companies recognize the plastic licence immediately, and it’s accepted in countries where the pink version often caused confusion or delays.
“The security features alone make this change worthwhile,” notes Sylvie Blanchard, a fraud prevention specialist with the French National Police. “The old pink licences were relatively easy to forge or alter. The new plastic cards have multiple security layers that make counterfeiting extremely difficult.”
For younger drivers who’ve grown up with digital everything, the plastic licence feels natural. But for older drivers, particularly those who’ve carried their pink licence for decades, the emotional aspect shouldn’t be underestimated.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
While January 2033 might seem far away, transportation experts strongly recommend making the switch well before the deadline. Prefecture offices and online systems will likely face overwhelming demand as 2033 approaches, potentially causing delays for last-minute applicants.
Starting in 2024, the new licences will also be compatible with the France Identité smartphone app, allowing drivers to present a secure digital version in certain situations. This feature won’t work with pink licences, creating another incentive to upgrade early.
The €25 fee remains the same regardless of when you apply, so there’s no financial penalty for switching early. However, waiting too long could mean rushing through the process when systems are overloaded.
“We’re already seeing increased application volumes as awareness grows,” reports Claude Martinez from ANTS. “Drivers who apply now get faster service and less stress than those who wait until 2032.”
For many French drivers, saying goodbye to their pink licence means closing a chapter of their driving life. But the new plastic cards offer security, convenience, and international acceptance that the old paper documents simply cannot match. The future of French driving is digital, secure, and undeniably more practical than the charming pink cards they replace.
FAQs
Can I still drive with my pink French driving licence right now?
Yes, pink licences remain completely valid until January 19, 2033, but some car rental companies and foreign authorities may not accept them.
What happens if I lose my pink licence before exchanging it?
You can apply for a replacement plastic licence directly using the same process and documents, just indicate that it’s replacing a lost licence.
Do I need to retake my driving test to get the new plastic licence?
No, the exchange is purely administrative – your driving categories and restrictions transfer directly to the new card.
Can I keep my old pink licence after getting the plastic one?
The pink licence becomes invalid once you receive your new plastic card, but many people keep them as souvenirs since they’re no longer official documents.
Will the plastic licence expire like the pink one?
Yes, the new plastic licences are valid for 15 years and must be renewed, unlike the old pink licences which had no expiration date.
Can I apply for the new licence if I live outside France?
Yes, French citizens living abroad can apply through French consulates, though processing times may be longer than domestic applications.
