What a French driver's license number looks like and where to find it
Your French driver's license number is a five-digit code printed on the front of your physical license card. It appears in the upper right corner, just below your photograph. The format is always five digits — for example, 12345 — with no letters or special characters mixed in.
If you have lost your physical card or need to reference the number without the card in front of you, you can also find it on your permis de conduire (the official French term for a driver's license). The number is unique to you and stays the same throughout your driving life in France, even if you renew the card itself.
The five-digit number is separate from your national identification number or any other government ID. It exists only to identify your driving record and license status within French traffic and insurance systems.
Key Takeaways
- Your French driver's license number is a five-digit code located in the upper right corner of your physical license card, below your photo.
- The number remains the same even when you renew your license card, so it is a permanent identifier for your driving record.
- You will need this number when reporting an accident, renewing your license, or providing proof of insurance to police or other authorities.
- If your license is lost or stolen, contact your local prefecture (préfecture) to report it and receive a replacement card with the same number.
When you need to provide your French driver's license number
French police may ask for your driver's license number during a traffic stop or accident. You should provide the five-digit number along with your physical card if you have it with you. Insurance companies also request this number when you file a claim or update your policy.
Car rental agencies in France will ask for your license number before handing over a vehicle. They use it to verify your driving record and confirm you are legally permitted to drive in France. If you are renting a car, have the number ready when you arrive at the rental desk.
If you are involved in a traffic accident, the other driver may ask for your license number so they can report the incident to their insurance company. You should exchange this information just as you would exchange phone numbers or addresses.
How to replace your license number if your card is lost or stolen
If your physical license card is lost or stolen, you cannot change the five-digit number itself — it is permanent. However, you will need to request a replacement card from your local préfecture (the regional administrative office). The new card will have the same five-digit number printed on it.
To report a lost or stolen license, visit your préfecture in person with proof of identity and proof of residence. You will fill out a form declaring the card missing. The office will issue you a temporary driving permit (an attestation de droit de conduire) that you can use while waiting for your replacement card to arrive.
The replacement card typically takes two to four weeks to arrive by mail. During this time, carry your temporary permit and proof of identity if you drive. Once your new card arrives, the temporary permit is no longer valid.
Understanding the difference between your license number and other French ID numbers
Your five-digit driver's license number is not the same as your national ID number or your social security number. The license number exists only within the French driving and traffic system. Your national ID number (from your passport or national identity card) is a separate identifier used across all government services.
Insurance companies may ask for both your license number and your national ID number when you purchase a policy. They use the license number to check your driving record and the national ID number to verify your identity. Do not confuse the two — they serve different purposes.
If you are a foreign resident in France, you may have a French driver's license with a five-digit number even though you also hold a passport from another country. The five-digit number is still your permanent French driving identifier.
What happens if you cannot locate your license number
If you cannot find your physical license card and do not remember the five-digit number, contact your local préfecture. They can look up your number using your name and date of birth. Bring proof of identity and proof of residence when you visit.
You can also request a duplicate card at the same time if your original is missing. The préfecture will print a new card with the same five-digit number and mail it to your address on file. This process usually takes the same two to four weeks as a standard replacement.
If you are unsure which préfecture to contact, search online for "préfecture" plus your city or department name. Each French department has one main préfecture office, and many have smaller satellite offices in larger towns.
Renewing your license and keeping your number
When your French driver's license expires, you will renew it through your local préfecture. The renewal process keeps your five-digit number the same — you do not receive a new number when you renew. The new card will have the same identifier printed in the same location.
You can begin the renewal process up to six months before your license expires. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residence, and a recent photograph. The préfecture will process your renewal and mail you a new card within the standard timeframe.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at any time. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted your renewal process. Carry your temporary permit if one was issued to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I look up someone else's French driver's license number?
No. Driver's license numbers are private information protected under French data protection law. Only the person who holds the license, their insurance company, police during an official stop, and certain government offices can access this information.
Does my French license number work if I drive in other European countries?
Your French driver's license itself is valid throughout the European Union and many other countries. However, the five-digit number is only used within French systems. Other countries have their own license number formats and do not reference your French number.
What if I have both a French license and a license from another country?
You should carry only one valid driver's license when you drive. If you hold a French license, you should not also hold an active license from another country. If you move to France permanently, you are expected to exchange your foreign license for a French one.
Is the five-digit number on my license the same as my driving record number?
Yes. The five-digit number on your license is the identifier used to track your driving record in France. When police or insurance companies reference your record, they use this number to pull up your history of violations, accidents, or license suspensions.
What should I do if my license number appears on a traffic ticket I did not receive?
Contact your local préfecture when ready with the ticket details. Provide proof of your identity and explain that you did not receive the notice. The préfecture can investigate whether the ticket was issued in error or if your license number was used incorrectly.