Following the reform of September 2013, the driving license is issued in plastic credit card format. A format considered more secure thanks to biometrics . Another consequence of this reform: the driving license is no longer valid for life. Indeed, the new title has an end date of validity ranging from 1 to 15 years depending on the case. Once the deadline has passed, you will then have to request a new title. Point.

Permit validity date: why this new rule?

The 2013 license reform was initiated to comply with European Directive 200-126. The aim of the latter is to harmonize the legislation relating to the rules of the road throughout Europe. In fact, this reform aims to standardize the driving license on European territory to facilitate the movement of drivers in all Member States and facilitate control by the police.

Ultimately, the period of validity integrated into the new driving licenses makes it possible to update the photo and the address of the holder.

Good to know :

Driving licenses in the traditional format or in the F9 format issued before 2013 are valid until January 19, 2033. Their holders have until this date to request the production of a new title. This process is carried out directly online on the site of the ANTS (National Agency for Secure Documents).

How long do new driving licenses last?

The validity period of new driving licenses varies according to the category of the vehicle.

Duration of validity of permits A, B and E

Permits A (motorcycle), B (car) and E ( vehicle coupled to a trailer ) are valid for 15 years from the date of issue. After this date, the title will have to be renewed.

Duration of validity of C permits

Category C, CE, C1 and C1E licenses, also called “heavyweight” licenses, are valid for a period of 1 to 5 years depending on the age of the driver . Thus, for drivers under 60, the driving license is valid for 5 years. Against 2 years for drivers aged 60 to 76 and 1 year for those over 76.

In all cases, the date of validity of your driving license is entered on line 4 b on the front of your title.

Period of validity of permits D

Like the C permit, the D permit, granted to drivers of vehicles dedicated to the transport of people, is valid between 1 and 5 years depending on the age of the driver. For those under 60, the validity period of the driving license is 5 years while the driving license for over 60s is valid for 1 year.

Expired driving license: what to do?

The renewal of your driving license for expiry is done by simple request on the ANTS website. On the other hand, for categories C, D and E, this process can be accompanied by a medical examination which aims to check your ability to drive.