Changing French Driving Licence for new format

[Lehaut]

I believe this is not a requirement until 2033 (?) but we took the opportunity to change ours on the ANTS site.  My pink folded copy was getting a bit dog eared, so thought it was time.  

The process was quite straightforward.  The only thing we had to pay for was the new photos.  They have a new  (to us) system when you find an appropriate local photo booth on the ANTS site that is capable of taking your photo and sending a copy to ANTS at the same time.  You also get to "sign" the photo document in the booth.  This is also sent to ANTS.  So when you go on their site to upload the other documents i.e.

Justificatif d'identité
Justificatif de domicile.
Photo-signature numérique. ...
Permis de conduire déjà obtenu.

you give them  the unique number on the photos and they do the rest.

 In our case, we did not need to send the Justificatif de domicile as they are capable of cross checking your address if you tell them who supplies your electricity.

15 days later our two new credit card size licences arrived, we had to sign for them.  All quite easy and neater in the old wallet.

We want the new ID cards, but until recently you could not replace them until the old ones ran out - another 4 years for us.  Without these you cannot get the system for electronic permis/ID on your phone.

However I read that they hope to allow you to change for the new ones when you want some time next year (2025).

[Lori]

Love those photo booths connected.  Makes things so much simpler.  However, remember that the photos are only kept on file for 6 months.  After that, you need to take a new photo.  At least that is how it worked for me when I obtained my French driving license.  The process took so long waiting for the practical driving exam date, that my photo expired.  I had to take a new one.  Simple enough though.

[menthe]

Huge congratulations, Lori!  You passed your test!  I am in awe as I know damn well I wouldn't pass.  Took me 4 goes to pass in the UK in English, so unlikely I'd pass in France in French.

That is a principal reason I am hanging on to my bit of pink paper.  It should last till 2033 and by then, if I started saving immediately, I might have enough money to buy a driverless car😁

[Lori]

Thanks Menthe.  I'm sure you could pass the French tests.  It just takes a good bit of studying.  The written test is the hardest. Just because there is so much material that 'could' be on the written test, you have to study it all as you have no idea what questions you will get.

The driving school teaches you all the ins and outs for the practical driving/road test.  So, as long as you listen/learn from the driving school instructor, you'll pass.  Still, its nerve wracking.

The connected photo booths have been around for a while now.  They are really convenient and a very smart idea by someone.