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Buying & Selling a Car in France: The Carte Grise French Vehicle Registration Document

Buying or selling a used car? The details on the vehicle registration documents and other paperwork needed when buying, selling or scrapping a car, moving house or needing to replace a lost or stolen Carte Grise.

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, also known as the carte grise, grey card).

French Vehicle Registration
SIV Vehicle Registration System
Registering a Used Vehicle
Selling a Used Vehicle
Registering Collector's Vehicles
Moped Registration

CO2 Emissions
Duplicate certificat d'immatriculation
Change of Address
After an Accident
Destruction/Scrapping
Further Information

The French Vehicle Registration Document

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 carte grise 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 carte grise 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 carte grise 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 carte grise.

See: Registering a Foreign Vehicle in France
The French government website Service Public provides comprehensive information on the carte grise (in French only): Click here

New Vehicle Registration System (SIV)

France adopts 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.

Dates which vehicles take the new registration system

All new vehicles registered for the first time from 15 April 2009
All used vehicles changing hands from 15 October 2009 (postponed from 15 June)

Note: Originally the dates for implementation of the SIV system were 1 January and 1 March; these were moved back. For more: Click here

How it Works

The vehicle will be 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 will be issued with the SIV number. Mopeds that are as yet unregistered have until 1 July 2009 to register under the new system.

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 an extra fee, plates with specific département identifiers (identifiant territorial) will be available. These allow car owners to "show allegiance" with a particular location and these need not correlate with the département of residence of the car owner. These may be changed at any time, and no administrative process is required.

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:

Carte grise barrée: this is the vehicle registration document, the carte grise, 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
A 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
A certificat de cession (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 vente/cession: Click here (PDF)
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 in France

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:

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 carte grise 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 1 to 4 in the list above, see "How to Sell a Used Car".

Documents required to register a vehicle

Proof of identity: passport, carte de séjour or French driving licence
Proof of residence: a recent utility bill (EDF or France Télécom) or rental receipt, house deeds or home insurance documents
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)
A certificate de situation administrative provided by the seller (see above)
A certificat de cession (certificate of transfer and document of sale) from the previous owner
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
If the car is older than 4 years, a contrôle technique (CT) certificate, no older than six months, or two month if a check up was required, which is the proof of roadworthiness provided by the seller
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 post

This is only possible with a "new-style" carte grise with a detachable coupon, issued since 2003. 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 carte grise 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 annualy 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.

Contact details can be found through the Préfecture: Click for Local Préfectures
For guidelines on the charges due for re-registration: Click here

Registering Collector's Vehicles

A vehicle (car, motorbike or truck) over 25 years of age can be registered in France as a collector's vehicle véhicule de collection. This can bring both benefits and restrictions. Benefits are that 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). However a vehicle registered as véhicule de collection is restricted to travelling only within the département in which it's registered and the directly adjoining ones unless prior permission has been granted by the Préfecture (see below).

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. If they are sent copies of the required documents, they will also help to prepare the file 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.

If the classic vehicle needs to be driven out of the département of registration, application can be made for a Carnet de Declaration de Circulation which allows for 25 trips out of the département (the Prefecture needs to be notified of these in advance). The Carnet de Declaration de Circulation can be renewed and is transferable to a new owner on the sale of the car. There is a fee. Full details and application forms are available and can be downloaded from the website of the FFVE.

Fédération Française des Véhicules d'Epoque
BP 502
91, rue de Paris
35006 Rennes Cedex
Tel: 02 23 20 14 14 / Fax: 02 23 20 14 15

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 10672 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 10672 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 carte grise 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 and Superbonus rebates for low CO₂ emissions vehicles

The buyer of a vehicle with emissions lower than 130 grams of CO₂ per square Kilometre is eligible for the Bonus rebate. Bonuses depend on the level and are awarded as follows:

€1,000 euros for vehicles emitting under 100 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre
€700 for vehicles emitting between 101 and 120 grams CO₂ per Kilometre
€200 for vehicles emitting between 121 and 130 grams CO₂ per Kilometre

If a vehicle older than 15 years is traded in for scrapping at the time the new car is ordered, the buyer gets a further €300 rebate - the Superbonus.

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 acquiring the car.

Forms can be downloaded from the CNASEA website: Click here (PDF in French)
For detailed information, in French, from CNASEA on the rebate system: Click here (PDF)

Écotaxe for high emissions vehicles

From January 2008 a penalty tax (écotaxe) is due on any car with high emissions - over 160 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre. It is a one-off payment and applies to the following:

Any new vehicle registered in France from 1 January 2008,
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 to emissions as follows:

€200 for vehicles with emissions from 161 to 165 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre
€750 for vehicles with emissions from 166 to 200 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre
€1,600 for vehicles with emissions from 201 to 250 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre
€2,600 for vehicles with emissions over 250 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

Currently being discussed is the introduction of an additional annual payment (Malus annuel) of €160 for vehicles with emissions over 250 grams of CO₂ per Kilometre. This fee will be claimed by the insurer with the insurance payment. It will apply to all high emission cars first registered in France from 1 January 2009.

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 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 4 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 in person or by post.

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°10672), available from Préfecture or Sous-Préfecture, Mairie or Police, filled in and signed.
- The form can be downloaded: Click here
Proof or new residence: EDF bill, rental agreement or deed of sale (or Proof of Marriage - marriage certificate - for a name change)
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°10672), 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.

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 "certificate of transfer for destruction" (certificat de cession pour destruction) form.
- This can be downloaded: Click here
Write with indelible ink on the carte grise either:
- "vendu le" (sold) and the date and signature or
- "cédé le" (yielded) with the date and signature
Remove the detachable part of the carte grise (if there is one) and give the remainder to the scrapper

Send a copy of the certificat de cession pour destruction and the detachable section of the carte grise (if applicable) to the Préfecture within 15 days.

Within 15 days, the scrapper will provide proof of receipt of the vehicle for destruction (récépissé de prise en charge pour destruction du véhicule, Form Cerfa n°12514) and send a copy of this along with the carte grise to the Préfecture so that the vehicle registration can be cancelled.