Keeping your French driving license in Paraguay: conversion, dual license, and everything you need to know in 2026
You're moving to Paraguay, and you have a French (or Belgian, Swiss, Quebec) driver's license. Practical question: can you continue driving with your European license? Do you need to convert it? Do you lose it by becoming a Paraguayan resident? The answers are simple but often misunderstood—and the consequences of an error can range from a fine to your car insurance refusing to pay out.
This guide covers everything: the validity of your foreign license in Paraguay, conversion requirements, the process for obtaining a Paraguayan license, and most importantly, the question that concerns many expats—do I keep my French license if I get a Paraguayan one? Our complete guide to obtaining residency in Paraguay details each step.
Your French License in Paraguay: What the Law Says
Validity of Foreign Licenses
Paraguay recognizes foreign driver's licenses under certain conditions:
- Tourists (90-day visa): Your French, Belgian, Swiss, or Quebec driver's license is valid for the entire duration of your tourist stay (90 days). No international permit is needed. Your national license is sufficient.
- Residents (Paraguayan cédula): Once you obtain your Paraguayan residency (cédula), your foreign license remains valid for a 90-day transition period. After that, you must obtain a Paraguayan driver's license (licencia de conducir).
- International Permit: The International Driving Permit (IDP, issued by the prefecture in France or the AAM in Belgium) is accepted in Paraguay but does not replace the obligation for residents to obtain a Paraguayan license.
Why a Paraguayan License is Essential for Residents
Driving with a foreign license as a Paraguayan resident beyond the transition period poses several problems:
- Fine: In case of a police check, the officer can fine you for driving without a valid license (multa). The amount varies but is avoidable.
- Insurance: This is the major risk. In case of an accident, your Paraguayan car insurance company may refuse compensation if you were driving with a license invalid in Paraguay (a foreign license beyond the transition period). You would be personally liable—potentially thousands of dollars in damages.
- Civil Liability: In case of a serious personal injury accident, not having a valid license can worsen your legal liability (an aggravating circumstance in legal proceedings).
- Car Rental: Paraguayan rental agencies sometimes require a local license for residents (not always checked, but the risk exists).
In summary: even if the risk of being checked daily is low, driving without a Paraguayan license as a resident is a disproportionate financial and legal risk compared to the cost and simplicity of obtaining a local license.
Obtaining a Paraguayan Driver's License: The Process
Our Support Service
Obtaining a Paraguayan driver's license is one of the ancillary services we offer. We manage the entire process for you:
- Total Cost: €150 (full support, administrative fees included)
- Timeline: 1-2 weeks
- What we do: Appointment scheduling, physical accompaniment to the various stages (municipality, authorized medical center, examination body), translation and interpretation, management of forms and payments
- What you provide: Your Paraguayan cédula, your foreign driver's license (original), and your presence at appointments
Detailed Steps
- Medical Certificate (certificado médico): Examination at a medical center authorized by the municipality of Asunción. The examination includes a vision test (agudeza visual), a basic hearing test, a motor skills check (reflexes, coordination), and a health questionnaire. Duration: 20-30 minutes. Result: immediate. Cost: included in our €150.
- Theoretical Exam: Knowledge test on the Paraguayan Highway Code. In Spanish. Multiple-choice questions (20-30 questions). Questions cover road signs (similar to Europe with some local specificities), right-of-way rules, speed limits, and Paraguayan driving regulations. The success rate is very high for foreign license holders—the level is basic. Our team provides you with a preparation guide in French with the most frequent questions and answers. 1-2 hours of revision are sufficient.
- No Practical Exam: If you present a valid foreign driver's license, the practical driving test is waived. This is the main advantage of conversion: no need to retake the road test. Your foreign license attests to your driving competence.
- Registration and Issuance: After passing the theoretical exam and validating the medical certificate, the Paraguayan license is issued by the municipality. Format: laminated card with a photo, similar to the European license. Categories correspond to your original license (B for light vehicle, A for motorcycle, etc.).
Validity of the Paraguayan License
- Duration: 5 years (renewable)
- Renewal: Medical certificate + payment of renewal fees. No new theoretical or practical exam.
- Categories: The Paraguayan license includes the categories from your original license. If you have a French B license (car), you get a Paraguayan B license. If you also have category A (motorcycle), it is included.
- International Recognition: The Paraguayan license is recognized in Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay). To drive in Europe or North America, a Paraguayan International Driving Permit may be necessary (issued by the Touring y Automóvil Club Paraguayo – TACPY).
The Key Question: Do I Lose My French License?
The Short Answer: No
Obtaining a Paraguayan driver's license does NOT make you lose your French license. The two licenses coexist. You keep your French license and also obtain a Paraguayan license. These are two distinct documents issued by two sovereign countries.
Nuances Depending on Your Country of Origin
| Country of Origin | Impact of Obtaining a Paraguayan License |
|---|---|
| France | No impact. Your French license remains valid. France does not require the return of the license if a foreign license is obtained. When you return to France, you drive with your French license. |
| Belgium | No impact. The Belgian license remains valid. Same principle as in France. |
| Switzerland | Warning: Switzerland may require the exchange of the Swiss license for the foreign license in certain cases of residency transfer (depending on the canton). Check with your canton of origin before leaving. In practice for Paraguay: Swiss authorities are generally not informed of the obtaining of a Paraguayan license, and the Swiss license remains valid. |
| Canada / Quebec | The Quebec license remains valid. The SAAQ does not require its return if a foreign license is obtained. Warning: if you do not renew your Quebec license when it expires (from abroad), it will expire. Plan for renewal before departure or by proxy. |
Validity of the French License Abroad
Your French driver's license is a document of indefinite duration for older licenses (pink card), or valid for 15 years for new licenses (credit card format). As a non-French resident:
- Your French license remains valid (you can drive in France and the EU when you return for a visit)
- Renewal of the credit card format license (every 15 years) can be done by mail via the ANTS website (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) or at the French consulate in Paraguay
- In case of loss or theft of the French license abroad: request a duplicate from the French consulate
- French license points are not affected by your driving in Paraguay (Paraguayan infractions are not transmitted to the French file)
Driving with Two Licenses: Practical Guide
Which License to Use and When
| Situation | License to Use |
|---|---|
| Driving in Paraguay (resident) | Paraguayan license (mandatory) |
| Driving in France (travel/visit) | French license |
| Driving in Belgium, Spain, Italy (EU) | French license (valid throughout the EU) |
| Driving in Argentina | Paraguayan license (Mercosur recognized) or International Driving Permit |
| Driving in Brazil | Paraguayan license (Mercosur recognized) or International Driving Permit |
| Driving in USA / Canada (travel) | French license + International Driving Permit (recommended) |
| Renting a car in Paraguay | Paraguayan license |
| Renting a car in Europe | French license |
| Police check in Paraguay | Paraguayan license + cédula |
| Police check in France | French license |
In practice, keep both licenses with you when traveling between Paraguay and Europe. In Paraguay: show the Paraguayan license. In France/Europe: show the French license. Simple.
The International Driving Permit: Useful or Not?
The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a multilingual translation document of your national license. It is not a standalone permit—it must always be accompanied by the original license.
- French IDP: Useful for driving outside the EU with your French license (USA, Japan, some Asian countries). Free application at the prefecture (or online via ANTS). Valid for 3 years.
- Paraguayan IDP: Issued by TACPY (Touring y Automóvil Club Paraguayo). Useful for driving outside Mercosur with your Paraguayan license. Cost: ~30-50 USD. Valid for 1 year.
- In Paraguay: The French IDP is NOT necessary if you have a Paraguayan license. The local license is what matters.
- Recommendation: Have a valid French IDP (free, quick) in addition to your French license. Useful for travel outside the EU/Mercosur. For daily life in Paraguay, the Paraguayan license is sufficient.
Driving in Paraguay: Specifics to Remember
What's Different from France
- Driving side: Right (like in France—no change to manage)
- Speed: 40-60 km/h in urban areas, 80-110 km/h on roads. Fewer speed cameras than in France but mobile police checks.
- Alcohol: Zero tolerance (0.0 g/L). In France: 0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for young drivers). Be stricter in Paraguay.
- Motorcycles: Omnipresent and unpredictable. The number one danger on Paraguayan roads. Constantly check your blind spots.
- Potholes: Some streets in Asunción are in poor condition. Drive carefully, especially at night. Signage: Signage exists but is sometimes absent or poorly visible. Roundabouts, stop signs, and traffic lights are often ignored by locals (especially at night). Drive defensively.
- Seatbelt: Mandatory but often disregarded. You, wear it consistently.
- Phone while driving: Prohibited (like in France). Use a hands-free mount.
Police Checks
Road checks (retén) are frequent in Paraguay, especially in the evening and on weekends:
- Present: Paraguayan license + identity cédula + vehicle's cédula verde (registration card) + insurance certificate
- If everything is in order: 2-3 minutes and you're on your way
- If you are a foreigner: police officers are generally courteous and curious. Speak Spanish if you can. Remain calm and cooperative.
- Never offer a bribe (coima). It is illegal and worsens your situation.
- If you have a problem (missing document, contesting an infraction): note the officer's name and badge, ask for an official fine receipt (boleta), and contact us if needed.
Special Cases
You've Never Had a License
If you arrive in Paraguay without a driver's license (never obtained in France or elsewhere):
- You must take the full exam in Paraguay: theoretical AND practical
- The practical exam is basic (city driving, parallel parking, maneuvers) but requires preparation
- Driving schools exist in Asunción (escuelas de conducir). Cost: 200-500 USD for a course + exam package.
- Our license service (€150) covers administrative support but not driving lessons (to be booked separately if you've never driven)
Your French License is Expired or Suspended
- Expired license (credit card format, 15-year validity): Renew it with ANTS or the consulate before starting the Paraguayan conversion. Paraguay requires a valid foreign license to waive the practical exam.
- Suspended license (point withdrawal, judicial cancellation): A suspended or canceled French license cannot be used as a basis for Paraguayan conversion. You will need to take the full exam in Paraguay (theoretical + practical). Consult us to assess your situation.
- Old format license (pink card, unlimited validity): Still valid for conversion. No need to convert it to credit card format before leaving—the pink card format is accepted in Paraguay.
You Have a Motorcycle License (Category A)
If your French license includes category A (motorcycle):
- Category A is transferred to the Paraguayan license (no additional motorcycle exam)
- Warning: motorcycle driving in Paraguay is significantly more dangerous than in France (chaotic traffic, poor road conditions, unpredictable drivers). Helmet mandatory (but rarely worn by locals—you, wear it consistently).
- Motorcycle insurance is inexpensive in Paraguay (100-300 USD/year) but check the driver's personal injury coverage (often limited).
You Have a Heavy Goods Vehicle License (Category C/D/E)
Heavy goods vehicle categories can be transferred to the Paraguayan license under certain conditions (specific medical examination, sometimes an additional theoretical exam). Rare for expatriates—contact us if concerned.
Cost Comparison: License in France vs. Paraguay
| Item | France (first license) | Paraguay (conversion) |
|---|---|---|
| Driving school / training | €1,200-€2,500 | €0 (waived if foreign license) |
| Theoretical exam (code) | €30 (exam fees) | Included in our €150 |
| Practical exam | Included in driving school | Waived (if foreign license) |
| Medical certificate | ~€25-€50 | Included in our €150 |
| Administrative fees | ~€25 | Included in our €150 |
| Support / translation | N/A | Included in our €150 |
| Timeline | 3-12 months | 1-2 weeks |
| Total | ~€1,300-€2,600 | €150 |
The Paraguayan license through our service costs ~10x less than a first license in France and can be obtained in 1-2 weeks instead of 3-12 months. And you don't need to retake the driving test.
The renewal process
Paraguayan license renewal (every 5 years)
- Up-to-date medical certificate (same examination as for obtaining: vision, hearing, reflexes)
- Payment of renewal fees (~30-50 USD)
- No new theoretical or practical exam
- Processing time: a few days
- Our team can manage the renewal for you if you wish
French license renewal from abroad
If your French license (credit card format) expires during your stay in Paraguay:
- Option 1: renew online via the ANTS website (ants.gouv.fr). Possible from abroad with an ANTS account. The new license is sent to an address in France (ask a relative to receive it and send it to you by mail).
- Option 2: renew at the French consulate in Paraguay (or the competent consulate in Buenos Aires). The consulate transmits the request to ANTS.
- Processing time: 2-6 weeks (variable depending on ANTS and the consulate)
- Tip: renew your French license before leaving France if the expiry date is within 2-3 years. Simpler from France than from abroad.
Frequently asked questions
"My French license mentions 'République française' — is that a problem in Paraguay?"
No. The European driving license format (credit card with EU flag) is internationally recognized. Categories (B, A, etc.) are standardized. Paraguayan police and insurers are familiar with the format. No official translation of your French license is needed for conversion — our team handles the category correspondence.
"Do I have to surrender my French license to get a Paraguayan license?"
No. Paraguay does not require you to surrender your foreign license. It is simply presented as proof of driving competence (to waive the practical exam). You get it back immediately after the procedure. You leave with both licenses in hand.
"Is my Paraguayan license valid in France?"
For a temporary stay in France (tourism, family visit): yes, your Paraguayan license is theoretically valid for 1 year (Vienna Convention). But in practice, it is much simpler to drive with your French license when you are in France — you still have it, it is still valid, and it avoids any questions from French law enforcement or car rental companies.
"What happens if I have an accident in Paraguay with an expired French license?"
Dangerous situation. If your French license is expired (credit card format, validity of 15 years exceeded) and you do not have a Paraguayan license:
- Insurance may refuse compensation (driving without a valid license)
- The police can fine you for driving without a license
- Your civil liability is fully engaged
- Solution: obtain the Paraguayan license BEFORE driving. €150, 1-2 weeks. The most profitable investment in your relocation.
"I don't intend to drive in Paraguay. Do I still need to get a Paraguayan license?"
If you don't drive (Bolt exclusively), the Paraguayan license is not mandatory. It is only required to drive a vehicle in Paraguay. However, we still recommend it as a secondary identification document: the Paraguayan license, combined with your cédula, is a second Paraguayan identification document. Useful in case of loss of the cédula, for certain banking procedures, or as a travel identity document within Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay — the Mercosur license is sometimes accepted as identification at borders in addition to the passport).
"Can I drive in Argentina with my Paraguayan license?"
Yes. The Paraguayan driving license is recognized in all Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay) by reciprocal agreement. You can drive in Argentina (including for your weekends in Buenos Aires) with your Paraguayan license. No international driving permit is needed in Mercosur.
Practical summary
| Action | When | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Drive in Paraguay as a tourist (< 90 days) | Immediately with French license | €0 |
| Obtain Paraguayan license (resident) | Within 90 days after obtaining the cédula | €150 via our service |
| Keep French license | Always (no surrender) | €0 |
| Renew French license (if necessary) | Before departure or via ANTS/consulate | ~€25 (ANTS fees) |
| Obtain French international driving permit | Before departure (useful for travel outside EU/Mercosur) | Free (prefecture / ANTS) |
| Renew Paraguayan license (every 5 years) | Upon expiry | ~30-50 USD |
Mistakes to avoid
- Mistake 1 — Continuing to drive with a French license as a resident. Legal for 90 days, risky after. Insurance will not cover you in case of an accident. €150 for a Paraguayan license vs potentially thousands of dollars in uninsured damages. The calculation is obvious.
- Mistake 2 — Believing that an international driving permit is enough. The IDP is a translation document, not an autonomous license. It does not replace the Paraguayan license for a resident.
- Mistake 3 — Forgetting to renew your French license before leaving. If your French license (credit card format) expires in 1-2 years, renew it in France before your departure. It's free, fast (ANTS online), and will save you from having to deal with a complex renewal from abroad.
- Mistake 4 — Throwing away your French license. Never throw away your French license, even an old pink card format. It remains valid, it is your proof of driving competence, and it allows you to drive throughout the EU when you return to Europe.
- Mistake 5 — Driving without the required documents. In Paraguay, always carry: Paraguayan license, cédula, vehicle cédula verde (if owner), insurance certificate. A check with missing documents = fine and potentially impounded vehicle.
- Mistake 6 — Underestimating the theoretical exam. Even if the level is basic, some questions cover Paraguayan specificities (local safety distances, specific signage). Our French preparation guide covers these points. 1-2 hours of revision are enough — but don't show up without having revised.
Conclusion
Keeping your French license in Paraguay is not only possible but automatic: obtaining a Paraguayan license does not require the surrender of your original license. You keep both and use them according to the country you are in. The French license for Europe, the Paraguayan license for Paraguay and Mercosur.
Obtaining a Paraguayan driving license is simple, fast, and affordable: €150 via our support service, 1-2 weeks processing time, no practical driving test if you have a valid foreign license. It is one of the first steps to take after obtaining your cédula — even before buying or renting a car.
Do not take the risk of driving without a valid license in Paraguay. The issue is not the fine (modest) but car insurance: in the event of an accident, the absence of a valid Paraguayan license can cost you thousands of dollars in uninsured damages. For €150 and 1-2 weeks, you are in compliance, covered, and at ease.
Your French license cost you €1,500-€2,500 and months of stress. Your Paraguayan license will cost you €150 and a morning of your time. It is probably the most efficient investment of your entire expatriation.
Are you moving to Paraguay and want to get your Paraguayan driving license? Contact our team. The driving license service (€150) includes full support: medical appointment, preparation for the theoretical exam in French, physical accompaniment at all stages, administrative management, and issuance of your Paraguayan license in 1-2 weeks. Drive legally — and with peace of mind.