International License for France

An International Drivers PERMIT, is the simplest way to satisfy French law

https://photos.state.gov/libraries/france/45994/acs/usc_driving-in-France.pdf

It’s not technically a license, but, rather, an international driving permit, which is used in tandem with your US license. While others may tell you they’ve gotten by just fine without one, should you have an accident or police encounter, you’ll be happy you have it. Get one at your local AAA office. Not expensive.

It provides assurance to French (or other countries') authorities that your state-issued US license is valid. This can help avoid complications if you should be in an accident or get stopped for a traffic violation. You'll need your US license as well as the IDP. Car rental companies will want to see your US license and may or may not care about an IDP), but it's good cheap insurance in case a cop doesn't recognize or give credence to the US license.

Q. Do you need an international license to drive in France?

A. No, assuming by "international license," you mean an International Driver's Permit.

Q. Do you need an international license to legally drive in France?

A. If you're from a country, such as the U.S.A., that's a signatory to the applicable international convention from the late 1940s and you do not hold a driver's license issued by an EU member state and your license is not written in French, then yes, you need either an International Driver's Permit or a translation of your license into French prepared by an official translator recognized by the French government.

Getting the IDP is simple and cheap. Go to a AAA office pay them the modest fee (<$30 even if the take the photos) and less than 30 minutes later you walk out with the IDP in your hand.

For twenty bucks you covered. I don't know why people like to argue that you don't need it even if the law says you do. The fact that I or Tom or anyone else on this site has not had a dire consequences for not having the IDP in France means zilch. I have never been pickpocketed or seen anyone who was so does that mean that taking precautions is silly and not needed? AND there have been a couple of postings here of serious problems for noting having the IDP in Italy. But if you want to roll dice to save twenty buck, go ahead.

In over 30 years of driving, I've only been pulled over once for a traffic violation. So I guess I really don't need a drivers license - I never need to show it when driving...

I probably don't need auto insurance either, since the only accidents I've been in have been the other driver's fault...

Sorry for the sarcasm tere - it's not directed at you - but yes, legally you need an IDP.

Note that under the FAQs of this forum, an IDP is not recommended for France, either.
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/rental-car-requirements

The information in that link is outdated with respect to an IDP and France. The law changed a few years ago, and an IDP is now basically required for an American (unless you have a certified translation, which is probably more costly and trouble to get than an IDP). Whether that makes a difference to someone is another question.

The above link isn't the first time RS has been out of date in regards to laws for the IDP. When I went to Greece some years ago, my up to date RS guidebook said an IDP was not required. I show up at the rental counter with no IDP, and was denied a car. So yes, there can be ramifications for not having an IDP when required.

It is the law in France to have a certified translation of you drivers license - period. For Americans, the IDP from AAA is the easiest way to comply. Telling people to ignore that is really, really bad advice and puts people at risk.

there is no practical need for an IDP in France, not until the first person suffers a consequence for not having one and driving.

The same could be said for driving in the US w/o a license and insurance.

and then somebody has to get over their embarrassment and post it here.

According to the guidelines for this forum here: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/community-guidelines

Do not help people break laws. Speaking of the existence of law breaking is OK. Sharing how to circumvent visa restrictions, scam hotels, or perform other illegal acts is prohibited.

Since the IDP is a legal requirement in France, is advocating not having one a breach of this forum's rules? ☺