Buying & Selling a Car in France: The Certificat d'immatriculation (Carte Grise) French Vehicle Registration

The immatriculation is a vehicle (truck, car, camper, motorbike etc.) registration. The details of a vehicle's registration are carried in the Certificat d'immatriculation (certificate of registration, previously known as the carte grise, grey card).

The certificat d'immatriculation (carte grise) or registration document identifies:

• the vehicle registration number
• the owner of the vehicle
• details of the vehicle (make, model, year of manufacture, horsepower, engine and chassis numbers)
• its compliance with European technical standards

The certificat d'immatriculation is specific to the vehicle and its owner. When a car is bought or sold, the new ownership must be registered within one month of the transfer and a new certificat d'immatriculation will be issued to the new owner. Paperwork is handled by the Prefecture or Sous-Prefecture and in some cases, by the local mairie.

The certificat d'immatriculation should be carried in the car at all times. It can be asked during a police check or at a customs border control.

A foreign registered car imported to France will need to go through a conforming process before being eligible for registration and a certificat d'immatriculation.

• See: Importing a Car to France
  
• The French government website Service Public provides comprehensive information on the certificat d'immatriculation (in French only): Click here

Vehicle Registration System (SIV)

France adopted a new, nationwide vehicle registration system in 2009. This is the Système d'Immatriculation des Véhicules (SIV). The term "Carte Grise" no longer applies; the registration document is now called the certificat d'immatriculation.

How it works

• The vehicle is issued with a registration number at the first point of registration. This remains with the car until it is destroyed or exported, regardless of its location of registration in France
• An owner need not change the registration of a vehicle bought in a different département
• An owner need not change the registration if they move département, although they are required to report a change of address. A sticker will be sent by post which must be placed in the registration document (there is no charge)

A vehicle owner who does not change address nor sell/buy a car need not change the vehicle registration plates of their vehicles during 2009. In fact, at this stage no time limit has been set for the new registration system to be implemented on all vehicles.

Regional vehicle taxes remain unchanged.

• For full details: Click here (in French)

Mopeds

50cc motorbikes are included in the system and new mopeds are issued with the SIV number.

Classic and collectors' cars

In order to protect the integrity of a classic car, the white on black number plate may be used, but must (if changing hands) display the new SIV number. Further changes are coming into effect regarding registration and ownership of classic cars, including requirements for obligatory roadworthy checks (contrôle technique).

• Further information from the Fédération Française des Véhicules d'Époques, FFVE : Click here (in French)

The registration plates

The plates have seven identifying letters and numbers in black on a white background. The format is: two letters - three numbers - two letters.

• For more information: Click here

How to Sell a Used Car

All documents required by the seller can be downloaded and completed by hand. The seller must provide the buyer with the following:

1. Certificat d'immatriculation barrée: this is the vehicle registration document, the certificat d'immatriculation with written on it, by the seller, in indelible ink the words "Vendu le..." and the date, or "Cédée le..." and the date, followed by the seller's signature
2. Certificat de situation administrative (commonly known by its old name of certificat de non-gage), which certifies that the car is not acting as security against a loan (valid for one month) and that there is no judicial opposition to its sale (valid for two months). The form is available from the Préfecture or Sous-Préfecture
   • Or download the certificat de situation form: Click here
3. Déclaration de cession, form Cerfa n°13754*02 (certificate of transfer and document of sale) in triplicate. One copy is given to the buyer, one is kept by the vendor and the third is sent to the Préfecture after the sale is complete. The form is available from the Préfecture or Sous-Préfecture.
   • Or download a certificat de cession: Click here (PDF)
4. If the car is more than 4 years old, provide a contrôle technique (CT) certificate (or, if the vehicle is not roadworthy, a certificate from a contrôle technique non roulant). This must be no more than 6 months old when the car is sold, or 2 months if a contre-visite (re-test) is required
   • See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page The Contrôle Technique
     

Within two weeks of sale, the duplicate of the Certificat de vente/cession must be posted to the Préfecture of the place where the car was registered. There is no administrative charge when selling a car.

Valuing a used car

These French websites may be used to get "book value" of a used car for sale; L'Argus Auto is a paid-for service that is the standard used in the motor trade:

• 321 auto.com
• LaCentrale.fr
• L'Argus Auto

How to Buy and Register a Used Car

Before agreeing to buy a used car:

• Make sure that the series number stamped on the car matches that in the registration documents of the seller
• Make sure that the seller is the legally registered owner of the car by checking on the certificat d'immatriculation and/or make sure that the seller provides a certificat de situation, which includes a certificate of non-security (valid for one month) and a certificate of non-opposition (valid for two months) proving that the car may be sold

When paying for and taking possession of the of the used car, ensure the seller provides all items listed on How to Sell a Used Car.

Documents required to register a vehicle

1. Proof of identity: passport, carte de séjour or French driving licence
2. Proof of residence: a recent utility bill (EDF or France Télécom) or rental receipt, house deeds or home insurance documents
3. A completed certificat d'immatriculation, registration document is available from the Préfecture, Sous-Préfecture, Mairie or police
   • Or download the certificat d'immatriculation Form Cerfa 13750: Click here (PDF)
4. A Certificat de situation administrative provided by the seller (see above)
5. A certificat de cession (certificate of transfer and document of sale) from the previous owner
6. The registration document of the previous owner, marked in indelible ink "Vendu le..." or "Cede le..." with the date of the sale and signature of previous owner and dealers stamp if appropriate
7. If the car is more than four years old, a Contrôle technique, CT certificate, no older than six months, or two months if a check up was required, which is the proof of roadworthiness provided by the seller
8. Cheque, cash or credit card to pay the registration fee (note that not all Préfectures and Sous-Préfectures accept all forms of payment - some may not have credit card facilities, while others will not accept cheques).

Registering a used car by Internet or post

With the a "new-style" certificat d'immatriculation with a detachable coupon, issued since 2003 cars can be registered online or by post.

Registering by online:

Registration can be done online, and new number plates requested, within 48 hours.

• For full details with pictures: Click here

Registering by post:

Send copies of all the paperwork stipulated above to the Préfecture or Sous-Préfecture. The process takes about two weeks:

• Include the upper part of the certificat d'immatriculation marked as sold with the date and signature of the seller. Keeping the detachable section in the car while waiting for the issue of the new one
• A self-addressed, stamped letter
• A cheque or postal order made out to the Trésor Public

Price of vehicle registration

The price of registration is determined annually at a regional level (it varies across the country), and depends on a vehicle's horse power (cheval vapeur). Consult the Préfecture or Sous-Préfecture of the region for information.

• For guidelines on the charges due for re-registration: Click here

Registering Collector's Vehicles

A vehicle (car, motorbike or truck) over 30 years of age can be registered in France as a collector's vehicle véhicule de collection. The vehicle does not need to be approved and standardised by the DRIRE, and the safety and emissions tested in a Contrôle technique (CT) are adapted to the age of the vehicle (and thus more lenient). The vehicle roadworthiness test needs to be taken every five years. Until a change of regulation in October 2009, a vehicle registered as véhicule de collection was restricted to travelling only within the département of registration unless prior permission had been granted by the Préfecture. This no longer applies and collector's vehicles may travel freely across departmental borders.

The Fédération Française des Véhicules d'Epoque (French Federation of Classic Vehicles) is a national organisation which provides information and forms needed to register a classic in France. Help can be requested by sending copies of the required documents so that a file can be prepared for submission to the local Préfecture or Sous-Prefecture.

NOTE: When registering a foreign imported vehicle in France, a customs certificate 846-A will be required, along with court approved translations of all existing registration documentation. Again, the FFVE is able to assist.

• Fédération Française des Véhicules d'Epoque
  At: BP 40068, 92105 Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex
  Tel: 01 46 21 94 70
  Fax: 01 46 21 94 99

Registering a Moped

Prior to 1 July 2004, it was not necessary to register a 50cc moped (cyclomoteur). However, as of the 1 July 2004, all new scooters (those which have never been on the road) must have a carte grise. It will be up to the vendor (who should have signed a convention with the State) to register a new scooter in the buyer's name. Provide the dealer with the required information and identity card/passport or, in the case of a business purchase, a Kbis or Lbis registration certificate.

Owners of used mopeds have until 30 June 2009 to obtain a carte grise, but may do so before this time if they wish. To register an older bike and get a carte grise, either write to the address below or go to a recognised vendor who has signed the convention with the State and complete the necessary forms.

Provide the paperwork mentioned below:

• the form demande d'immatriculation completed and signed. (Forms are available from auto dealers, the Préfecture or can be downloaded from the government website Form Cerfa 13750 PDF)
• a certificate of conformité communautaire or the insurance document which should include the technical/motor identification details.
• and if writing, send a mandat signed by a vendor.

If a new moped is brought to France from abroad it must registered immediately at the following address:

• Ministère de l'Interieur
  At: Service central d'immatriculation des cyclomoteurs, 26 avenue Charles de Gaulle, BP 80090, 95165 Montmorency Cedex

Provide the following paperwork:

• the form demande d'immatriculation completed and signed. (Forms are available from auto dealers, the Préfecture or can be downloaded from the government website Form Cerfa 13750 PDF)
• a certificate of conformité communautaire with all details on it, or a certificate with all technical information provided by the constructor
• the original invoice
• the certificate fiscal from the tax department if bought in the EU or a customs certificate No: 846A.

If a second-hand moped is brought to France, follow the same procedures as above, including any registration documents that may be associated with the scooter.

Note: Where the owner of the moped is a minor, the parents or legal guardian must give written permission, a mandat, to the minor carrying out the certificat d'immatriculation application.

Rebates and Penalties for New, Low and High CO₂ Emissions Vehicles

Any person ordering a brand new vehicle in France from 5 December 2007 may be eligible for a rebate or a penalty, depending on the vehicle. 
Note: This does not apply to the sale or purchase of used, second hand cars.

Bonus (Bonus Ecologique) rebates for low CO₂ emissions vehicles

The buyer of a new vehicle with emissions lower than 125 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre is eligible for the Bonus rebate. Bonuses depend on the level and are awarded as follows in 2011:

• €5,000 euros for vehicles emitting under 61 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre
• €800 for vehicles emitting between 61 and 90 grams CO₂ per Kilometre
• €400 for vehicles emitting between 91 and 110 grams CO₂ per Kilometre
• €0 for vehicles emitting between 111 and 130 grams CO₂ per Kilometre

To benefit from the bonus 2011, the car must be ordered after 1 January 2011 and invoiced no later than 31 March 2012.

If a vehicle older than 10 years is traded in for scrapping at the time the new car is ordered, the buyer gets an additional bonus (prime à la casse) of €500 provided that it’s been ordered before 31 December 2010 and invoicing is made before 31 March 2011.

A bonus of €2,000 is given when buying a new car powered by electric, natural gas (methane), LPG, or a combination diesel- or petrol-electric motor, if it does not emit more than 110g CO₂ per Kilometre.

To receive the rebate, the form Bonus Ecologique must be completed and sent to CNASEA (Centre National pour l'Aménagement des Structures des Exploitations Agricoles) within three months of purchasing the car.

• For the Bonus Ecologique form: Click here (PDF in French)
• For detailed information, in French, from ASP on the rebate system: Click here

Écotaxe for high emissions vehicles

From January 2008 a penalty tax (écotaxe) is due on any car with high emissions - over 156 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre. It is a one-off payment and applies to the following:

1. Any new vehicle registered in France from 1 January 2008,
2. Any used, privately owned vehicle imported and registered in France from 1 January 2008. 
   Note: In this case - a vehicle bought and registered abroad and then imported into France - the amount of tax reduced is reduced by 10 percent for each year from the date of first registration

• Further information on the additional tax (Malus): Click here (in French)

The écotaxe penalty is paid at the point of first registration of a new vehicle and applies (in 2011) to emissions as follows:

• €200 for vehicles with emissions from 151 to 155 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre
• €750 for vehicles with emissions from 156 to 190 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre
• €1,600 for vehicles with emissions from 191 to 240 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre
• €2,600 for vehicles with emissions over 241 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre

ADEME (Agence de l'Environment et de la Maîtrise de l'Energie) provides comprehensive information on vehicles and their emissions (in French) with calculation tables and reference information.

• For a full list of CO² emissions per vehicle make and model: Click here (in French)

Annual tax (Malus annuel) or the éco-pastille

In addition to the écotaxe, an annual payment (Malus annuel) of €160 for vehicles with emissions over 250 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre, applies to all high emission cars first registered in France from 1 January 2009. This fee is claimed by the insurer with the insurance payment.

Duplicate Carte Grise - Loss or Theft

Application for a replacement Carte Grise must be made to the Préfecture or Sous-Préfecture.

In the case of loss the following "declaration of loss or theft" (Déclaration de perte ou de vol de certificat d'immatriculation - carte grise) forms are available from the Préfecture or Sous-Préfecture, Mairie or police:

• Or available by download: Click here

Also required:

• Demande de duplicata (request for duplicate) and Demande d'immatriculation request for registration form filled in and signed.
• If the car is older than four years, a Contrôle technique (CT) roadworthiness document no older than 6 months will be needed.
• Proof of identity: passport, Carte de Séjour or French driving licence.

Change of Address, or Change of Name Through Marriage

Registration of the change of name or address must be made within one month. It may be done online if the Certificat d'immatriculation is the "new style" with tear-off change of address section (number plate format ZZ-123-ZZ). If the Certificat d'immatriculation is the "old style", change of address must be done in person or in some départements, by post.

To change an address online: Click here

In person: the following must be supplied to the Préfecture or Sous-Préfecture:

• Carte Grise car registration document (original)
• Certificat d'immatriculation registration form (Cerfa n°13750), available from Préfecture or Sous-Préfecture, Mairie or Police, filled in and signed
  • The form can be downloaded: Click here
• Proof of new residence: EDF bill, deed of sale or rental agreement (a copy of the landlord's passport may be required); for a name change a marriage certificate is required
• Proof of identity: passport, Carte de Séjour or French driving licence
• A contrôle technique is not needed

The change is registered on the spot.

Documents to be supplied are when requesting a change by post:

• Carte grise: the original, or in the case of the new model, send the tear-off "change of address" section
• Proof of identity: copy of passport, Carte de Séjour or French driving licence
• Proof or new residence: copy of title deeds, rental contract, recent electricity bill or certificate of home insurance (or Proof of Marriage - marriage certificate - for a name change)
• Original carte grise, or in the case of the new model, send the tear-off "change of address" section
• Certificat d'immatriculation registration form (Cerfa n°13750), available from Préfecture or Sous-Préfecture, Mairie or Police, filled in and signed
  • The form can be downloaded: Click here
• A self-addressed, stamped envelope with registered letter slip and proof of receipt form (available from a post office)

It generally takes two weeks for the change to be registered.

Owners of cars with the "new" SIV (2009 and onwards) licence plates (7-character alphanumeric format: AA-123-AA) need not obtain a new plate if they move to another department in France, however they must register the change of address as outlined above. Owners of cars with the "old" plate format must submit the address change then obtain a new format plate.

Note: It is essential that a copy of the carte grise and the registered letter receipt from the post office, addressed to the Préfecture, be kept in the car in place of the original carte grise while waiting for delivery of the new one.

Mopeds

In the case of mopeds and scooters, register a change of address at a vendor who has signed the "Convention" with the State. Supply a Demande d'immatriculation, proof of identity and the main section of the carte grise, cut off (leaving the detachable part which must be filled in and kept as proof of registration while waiting for the new carte grise).

After an Accident

If a car is involved in a severe accident, the police may take the Carte Grise and send it to the Prefecture.

If the car can be repaired, a report will be needed from a recognised expert, which explains the damage and proves that the car will be safe once repaired. The expert will provide a certificate which must be taken to the to the Préfecture. If it is satisfactory, your Carte Grise will be returned to you.

If the car cannot be repaired you must notify the Préfecture and the registration will be cancelled.

Destruction/Scrapping a Vehicle

A vehicle may only be destroyed by an approved, professional scrapper (démolisseur or broyeur) after ownership has been transferred to them. It is essential that the owner notifies the Préfecture.

How to destroy a vehicle

• The owner wishing to have a vehicle destroyed must complete a "declaration of end of ownership or destruction of vehicle form" (Déclaration de cession ou cession pour destruction d'un véhicule Cerfa n°13754*01) form.
  • Cerfa n°13754*02 form: Click here (PDF)
• Write with indelible ink on the registration document either:
  • "vendu le" (sold) and the date and signature or
  • "cédé le" (yielded) with the date and signature
• Remove the detachable part of the registration document (if there is one) and give the remainder to the scrapper

Send a copy of the completed Cerfa n°13754*02 form and the detachable section of the carte grise (if applicable) to the Préfecture within 15 days.

The scrapper has the responsibility, within 15 days, to provide proof of receipt of the vehicle for destruction and send a copy of this along with the registration document to the Préfecture so that the vehicle registration can be cancelled.

• Full details are explained on the French Service Public website: Click here (in French)

Related Information

• Public Services Government Web site (in French)
• French Government (in French)
• Fédération Française des Véhicules d'Epoque (in French)