Hellow
I suspect this is one for @kim although @john might know too.
I seem to recall reading somewhere that UK nationals in France who hold the special residence permit are allowed to renew their UK driver’s licences in the UK (provided they still have a contact address there).
Does anyone know what the legal basis for such an arrangement is, assuming my addled brain hasn’t invented it? Agreement on privileges and immunities perhaps?
just wondering what “special residence permit” you are talking about…
It’s a grey area because you can’t renew in France. You need to find an address to be able to renew your licence and if your address isn’t the one your licence is already registered to, you have to do a change of address at the same time.
Unfortunately you have to be a bit liberal with the truth as to how long you have lived there, as you are supposed to advise of change of address as soon as you move so if you’ve “just moved” you will put that date in.
Titre de Séjour Special issued to basically government workers as an overarching title.
I was advised that, as a holder of a TdSS, you’re still a resident of your home nation (however that may be defined for you) and is one of the few circumstances where you can request a renewal from DVLA. I did this when my wallet got lifted. Of course, you’ll need an address in the UK where you can be contacted.
Edited to fix all the typos as I clearly can’t type while walking.
Thanks everyone, so it’s as I suspected.
But what is the basis for this arrangement? Is there some legal or regulatory text?
Maybe I’m doing them a disservice but I would imagine most DVLA staff are not aware of this rule.
Unfortunately not as it’s too grey an area. As John said you are deemed to be UK residents not French so therefore you are able to renew your licence.
There is no reason to speak to the DVLA to renew your licence.
OK, thanks.
It’s looking like the simplest solution.
My UK licence expires next year (just the photocard). I logged into ANTS yesterday and they have me registered under my maiden name. Whereas the licence is in my married name. So although I could technically swap for a French licence (I have an Irish passport so can bypass the issue with special residence permits) ANTS would doubtless want (British) birth & (Soviet) marriage certificates accompanied by sworn translations etc.
Your French licence will be issued in your birth name it’s irrelevant that your UK licence is in your married name.
They don’t want your marriage cert unless you have more than your birth and current nom d’usage on your documents.
You need:
Domicile - utility bill
Licence - front and back in colour 1cm around the edge of the card showing.
ID - passport (by passing TdSS)
Birth cert - no translation
Date of arrival in France
Evidence of being in France for 185 days
DVLA check code
ephoto code
Do you submit tax returns in France or are you in the health system.
Yes, I do a tax return in France.
Thanks very much Kim for all this information.
If you do a tax return then put the oldest one in for
Date of arrival in France
If you are in the health system put your attestation de droits in the 185 days (normal residence)
OK, good to know.