What is a vehicle registration document and why do you need one?
The "carte grise", also known as the "certificat d'immatriculation", is an official document certifying the identification and registration of a vehicle. It is compulsory for all land-based motor vehicles on public roads. It contains essential information such as the vehicle registration number, technical specifications, administrative data and owner details.
Why do you need a vehicle registration document? Quite simply because it's the legal proof of ownership of a vehicle, and the only way to drive on public roads legally. Without a valid vehicle registration document, you run the risk of fines and criminal penalties in the event of a roadside check.
List of documents required to obtain a vehicle registration document
To obtain a vehicle registration document, you'll need to provide a number of documents attesting to your identity, address and vehicle characteristics. Here is a list of the documents generally required:
Identitydocuments:
- Valid national identity card (CNI).
- Valid passport.
- Valid driving license.
Proof of address :
- Landline or cell phone bill, electricity, gas or water bill.
- Rent receipt.
- Tax or non-tax notice.
- Certificate of home insurance.
- Title deed or lease contract.
Certificate of sale :
When purchasing a used vehicle, the certificate of sale must be completed and signed by both the previous owner and the new buyer.
Technical inspection:
If the vehicle is over 4 years old, a roadworthiness test less than 6 months old is mandatory, unless exempted.
Insurance certificate :
A valid insurance certificate must be provided, proving that the vehicle is insured.
Old vehicle registration document :
In the event of a change of owner, the old vehicle registration document must be provided in order to carry out the transfer.
Application for a vehicle registration certificate :
The form Cerfa n°1375005 (or Cerfa n°1577601 for a leased vehicle) duly completed and signed.
Registration mandate :
In the case of registration by an agent, a registration mandate signed by the owner is required.
Proof of tax payment :
Tax payments must be supported by a payment notice or proof of online payment.
Make sure you have all these documents before you go to the prefecture or complete the online procedure.
Any omissions or non-compliant documents could delay the processing of your vehicle registration application.
Necessary identification documents: what you need for a vehicle registration document
When you apply for a vehicle registration document, you'll need to provide various forms of identification to prove your identity and where you live. The documents usually required include :
Valid proof of identity: identity card, passport or driving license.
Recent proof of address: telephone bill , rent receipt , tax notice, etc.
If applicable, a copy of the certificate of sale if the vehicle was purchased from a private individual.
Make sure you have the originals or certified copies of these documents to avoid any delays in processing your vehicle registration application.
Proof of address: which address should appear on the vehicle registration document?
When issuing your vehicle registration document, you must specify a residential address. This address can be your main residence or any other address where the vehicle is usually parked. You'll need to provide recent proof of address to confirm this.
It's important to note that the address shown on the vehicle registration document must be up-to-date and correspond to your current situation.
If you move, you have 1 month to change the address on your vehicle registration document. The change of address is free of charge, and all you have to do is affix a label to your vehicle registration document. If this is your 4th change of address, we'll send you a new vehicle registration document for less than €3.
Certificat de cession: the essential document for selling a vehicle
The certificate of transfer, also known as the "certificate of sale", is an official document certifying the transfer of ownership of a vehicle from a seller to a buyer. It must be completed and signed by both parties when selling a used vehicle between private individuals.
This paper contains essential information such as the contact details of the seller and buyer, the characteristics of the vehicle sold, and the date and place of the sale. Once completed and signed, the certificate of sale must be sent to the prefecture (via the ANTS) or sub-prefecture to finalize the change of ownership and obtain the new vehicle registration document.
Certificate of insurance: why is it mandatory?
The insurance certificate is an essential document when applying for a vehicle registration document for several reasons:
Third-party liability coverage: Motor insurance is compulsory in France to guarantee the vehicle owner's civil liability in the event of an accident. The insurance certificate proves that the vehicle is covered by third-party liability insurance.
Third-party protection: In the event of an accident, insurance covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties, such as other drivers, passengers or pedestrians.
Compliance with the law: The presentation of an insurance certificate is a legal obligation when applying for a vehicle registration document. Failure to do so may result in refusal to issue the vehicle registration certificate.
Roadside checks: The police can ask to see your insurance certificate at any time during a roadside check. Failure to do so may result in a fine and suspension of the vehicle.
That's why it' s essential to take out car insurance, and always carry a valid certificate of insurance with you when you drive.
Technical inspection: do I need to present this document to obtain a vehicle registration document?
Yes, the roadworthiness test is a compulsory document when applying for a vehicle registration document, unless the vehicle is exempt from this requirement. The roadworthiness test certifies that the vehicle complies with current safety and pollution standards.
If your vehicle is over 4 years old, you'll need a roadworthiness test report less than 6 months old to obtain a vehicle registration document. This report must be issued by a government-approved roadworthiness testing center. If the vehicle is exempt from roadworthiness testing, a certificate of exemption will be required instead.
Make sure that your vehicle's roadworthiness test is up to date before you start the process of obtaining your vehicle registration document, as its absence may result in a refusal to issue it.
Special cases: additional documents for imported vehicles or specific situations
The process of obtaining a vehicle registration document may be different for imported vehicles or in certain specific situations.
Imported vehicles: For imported vehicles, additional documents may be required, such as the European Certificate of Conformity (COC), the tax receipt, the customs clearance certificate, and so on. These documents certify that the vehicle complies with European standards and has passed through customs. They are essential for obtaining a French vehicle registration document.
Used vehicles from abroad: If you're buying a used vehicle from abroad, you'll also need to provide the European Certificate of Conformity (COC) and the foreign Certificate of Sale, translated into French and legalized. These documents are required to register the vehicle in France.
Vintage and classic vehicles: For vintage or antique vehicles, specific procedures may be required, notably in terms of proving the vehicle's age, compliance with current safety and pollution standards, and so on.
Specific cases: In certain special situations, other documents may be required, such as proof of vehicle conversion (e.g. a commercial vehicle converted into a camper van), certificates of conformity for modified vehicles, etc.
By anticipating and providing all the necessary paperwork, you can make the process of registering your vehicle easier, even in complex situations.
How to obtain the necessary papers: steps to follow
Here's how to get the papers you need to obtain a vehicle registration document:
Take out car insurance: Contact an insurer to take out car insurance and obtain a certificate of insurance.
Prepare other documents: Gather the other documents required to apply for a vehicle registration document, such as identity papers, certificate of transfer, roadworthiness certificate, etc.
Applying for a vehicle registration document: Go to the prefecture or apply online via the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés(ANTS) website, by filling in the relevant Cerfa form and attaching the required documents.
Finalize the application: Proceed to payment of taxes and administration fees, then follow the instructions to finalize your vehicle registration application.
By following these steps, you'll be able to obtain the papers you need to register your vehicle legally and in compliance with current regulations.
Tips for preparing your paperwork efficiently and avoiding delays
To avoid delays in processing your vehicle registration application, here are a few practical tips:
Plan ahead: Start gathering the necessary paperwork as soon as possible to avoid last-minute hitches.
Check document validity: Make sure all required documents are up to date and comply with legal requirements.
Call in a professional: If you have any doubts or difficulties, don't hesitate to call on an automotive professional or an agent specializing in vehicle registration.
FAQs on vehicle registration documents
What documents do I need to obtain a vehicle registration document?
To obtain a vehicle registration document, you'll need more than one piece of paper! Identity card of the applicant (or legal representative), vehicle transfer certificate, certificate of conformity (for new or imported vehicles), proof of address, application for registration certificate (Cerfa form n°13750*05), and roadworthiness certificate less than 6 months old for used vehicles over 4 years old.
Do I need to show proof of identity to obtain a vehicle registration document?
Which proofs of address are accepted when applying for a vehicle registration document?
Rent receipt, water, electricity or gas bill, tax or non-tax notice, or electoral registration certificate.
Do I need the transfer document to obtain my vehicle registration document?
Yes, the vehicle transfer certificate is a compulsory document for obtaining a vehicle registration document. It certifies the transfer of ownership of the vehicle from the seller to the buyer.
Do I need to present the certificate of conformity to obtain a vehicle registration document?
The certificate of conformity is required for new or imported vehicles. It certifies that the vehicle complies with European safety and emission standards.
What specific documentation is required for imported vehicles?
Do I need to provide a certificate of non-completion for my vehicle registration application?
How can I obtain the insurance certificate for my vehicle registration document?
You need to contact your car insurance company, which will provide you with this document certifying that the vehicle is insured.
