UK Licence has expired

[Daft Doctor]

Hi, Mrs DD and I both renewed our UK photocard driving licences in 2011 in preparation for moving to France. As mine doesn't expire until June 2021, we assumed Mrs DD's was the same, therefore we were waiting until next year (as we've been told to do) before applying for exchanges for French licences for us both.

Recently noticed completely by accident however that Mrs DD's UK licence actually expired on 19th October 2019, so as things stand, as I see it she can't legally drive! I wanted to ask if anyone knows whether the procedure for obtaining a French licence by exchange is different because the licence has actually expired rather than being exchanged because it was approaching expiry?

The online applications process for licence exchange is due to open on 3rd March, and they won't accept any paper applications after 6th February, so we can't do anything immediately. As it is just the photocard which has expired (her age isn't an issue), I'm hoping an exchange will still be possible, as I wouldn't think she'd be too happy if she has to retake her driving test.....Thanks for any insight.

[pomme]

You will need to get a "Certificate of Entitlement D737" from the DVLA for the expired licence. The telephone number is +44 300 790 6801

see the reply to the query here https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/letter_of_confirmation_of_my_uk

or this short link http://t.ly/YZyMJ

[Daft Doctor]

Thank you pomme, Mrs DD got on the blower yesterday and has ordered one, it might take 3 weeks to arrive...