International Driving Permit for French Driver’s License

French international driving permit booklet

Since I am no longer a US resident, I no longer hold an American driver’s license. This made me wonder… what will I do when I return to the United States to visit family and friends and I need to drive a car? Can I drive and/or rent a car in the USA with my French driver’s license? The short answer… yes! For all the details and requirements, including how to request an International Driver’s Permit to accompany your French license, read on!

Traveling to the United States With Your French Partner

American passport and French passport side by side

If you are an American citizen traveling to the United States of America with your French partner, there are certain considerations that you should keep in mind. Afterall, different nationalities come with different passports which, in turn, come with different restrictions. Here’s a look at what it’s like traveling to the U.S. with your French partner, from applying for an ESTA to passing through customs.

Language Requirements for Immigration to France

girl reading on a Paris café terrace with a coffee, pack of cigarettes, and ashtray on the table

If you’re considering moving to France, you may be wondering if knowing French is required for immigration. That’s a great question to ask, as France only has one official language—French! Different levels of French are required at different stages of the immigration process and for certain residence permits. Let’s take a look at the details of the language requirements in France, from your first visa to your carte de séjour to French nationality.

French Bureaucracy: Tips for Tackling Paperwork in France

stacks of papers in folders lined up in a row

As a seasoned American immigrant who’s been in and of France a number of times, I’ve accumulated plenty of tricks and tools that I can directly attribute to my success dealing with French administration. Here are my top tips for tackling your next French dossier so that you can navigate your paperwork successfully, whether you are applying for a visa or making a permanent move to Cheeseland!

How to Exchange Your American Driver’s License in France

French driver's license, permis de conduire

As an American coming to France, whether you are moving here or just visiting, you can drive using your US driver’s license for a limited period of time. In the case of a long stay or establishing residence in France, it is important to note that your American license will typically only be valid for the first year of your residence. Read on to find out how long your US license is valid for in France and how to exchange it for a French driving permit (permis de conduire).