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Active Bilateral Agreement · Direct Exchange Without ExamCERT Nantes · Réf. BR · Independent Private Service

Brazil (SENATRAN / DETRAN) : Your driver’s license is exchangeable in France without taking a test

Under the reciprocal bilateral agreement with France, you can directly convert your original license into a standard French (European) driver’s license without retaking theory or practical tests.

Driver’s license exchange Brazil (SENATRAN / DETRAN) en France ANTS CERT Nantes
CERT Nantes · 2026Record < 90d
Legal Submission Window365 days (1 year)
Fiscal Stamp (ANTS)40 € (digital stamp)
Average Processing TimeProcessing time varies by case

A definitive Brazilian CNH can be exchanged in France (provisional 1-year PPD licences cannot). Your state DETRAN Certidão de Prontuário must carry a Hague Apostille from a Brazilian Cartório and be translated by a French Cour d’Appel sworn translator.

3 steps to secure your application

Procedure compliant with CERT de Nantes requirements.

1

1. Obtain your official driving history record

Exact document name required by CERT Nantes:

Certidão de Prontuário da CNH (DETRAN Estadual / Portal Gov.br)

Issuing authority: Secretaria Nacional de Trânsito (SENATRAN) & DETRAN Estadual
Apostille requirement: Required (Cartório habilitado pelo CNJ (Apostila da Haia com QR Code))
Must strictly be dated within 90 days at the time of submission.
2

2. Get a certified sworn translation

Certified translation produced by a court-approved expert translator (French Court of Appeal) bearing an official stamp and Ne Varietur seal.

Administrative requirement:Translations from unrecognized agencies or consulates without visa are rejected.
Get sworn translation quote (from 35 €)
3

3. Submit online to France Titres (ANTS)

100% digital submission with 22-digit e-Photo code, proof of residence under 6 months, and €40 fiscal tax stamp.

Filing certificate:ANTS issues a secured certificate authorizing you to drive while your application is processed.

365-Day Legal Deadline Calculator

Your application must be officially registered on ANTS before the end of your first year of legal residency.

Final submission deadline on France Titres (ANTS)Feb 15, 2027
100days remaining before forfeiture of exchange rights

Essential points to verify to prevent CERT Nantes rejection

Check these points before submitting your supporting documents.

!Expired driver’s license or non-equivalent vehicle category
!Driving record issued six months or more prior to the application date
!Missing proof of residence or valid legal stay documents according to situation
Need assistance securing your application?

Our specialists review document compliance before upload to protect you against 6 to 12 month rejection delays.

Get sworn translation quote (from 35 €) →
Regulatory alternative

Alternative Route: Candidat Libre NEPH (Exemption from 20h driving school)

If your license is not exchangeable or if your 365-day deadline has passed, French law permits you to take the driving test as an independent candidate without the mandatory 20 hours of driving school. You only pay €30 for the theory test and book the practical exam directly.

Explore Candidat Libre NEPH procedureDriving rules during your first year in France

Recommended related administrative guides:

ANEF Residence PermitCalculation of legal window J-120 / J-60OFII Validation (VLS-TS)Registration within 90 days & residence feeFirst Year DrivingRules and validity of foreign driver’s licenseSworn TranslationCourt of Appeal certified translators from €35
GuidePage summary /echange-permis/bresil