Les démarches administratives pour votre voiture : tout ce qu’il faut savoir

The acquisition and maintenance of a vehicle involve various administrative formalities. Whether you are buying a new car or a used one, several steps are necessary to comply with French legislation. This article offers a detailed guide on the main procedures to follow regarding your car. You will find useful information on registration, the certificate of non-encumbrance, obligations related to owning an electric car, and much more.

Registration of your vehicle

To drive legally on French roads, every car must be registered. This process involves officially registering your vehicle in the national registration database. Here are the necessary details for this essential step.

Even before starting the registration procedures, it is recommended to make a request for an insurance quote to evaluate the different available offers and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Required documents

To register your car, you will need to provide several documents to the competent authorities:

• The completed and signed Cerfa form n°13750*05
• A valid identification document (identity card or passport)
• A proof of residence dated within the last six months
• Proof of ownership of the vehicle (purchase invoice or certificate of transfer)
• A valid technical inspection if the vehicle is over four years old
• The tax clearance certificate for imported vehicles

Cost of registration

The cost of registration varies depending on several criteria, including the vehicle’s fiscal horsepower and the region where you live. It is calculated based on the price of the fiscal horse, plus management fees and the regional tax. For eco-friendly vehicles like electric cars, some regions offer significant reductions or even total exemptions.

Obtaining the certificate of non-encumbrance

When selling a used vehicle, the seller must provide the buyer with a certificate of non-encumbrance, also called a certificate of administrative situation. This document certifies that the vehicle is not encumbered and that there are no objections to the transfer of the registration certificate.

How to obtain a certificate of non-encumbrance

The certificate of non-encumbrance can be obtained online for free on the website of the National Agency for Secure Documents (ANTS). You just need to enter the vehicle’s registration number and some personal information to receive it instantly by email.

Utility of the certificate of non-encumbrance

This certificate assures the buyer that the vehicle is free of all debts or judicial disputes. Without this document, the buyer may encounter difficulties when registering the vehicle in their name.

Change of ownership

The purchase or sale of a vehicle involves updating the registration certificate to indicate the new owner. This operation must be carried out within one month following the transaction. The seller must declare the transfer of the vehicle while the buyer must request a registration certificate in their name.

Declaration of transfer

To declare the transfer of your car, you need to fill out and sign a transfer certificate (Cerfa form n°15776*01) in two copies, one for you and one for the buyer. Additionally, remember to provide a sales contract or an invoice to the buyer.

Requesting a new registration certificate

The buyer must then request a new registration certificate from the ANTS or through authorized providers. The required documents for this process include the transfer certificate, a proof of identity, and a proof of residence.

Specificities of electric cars

Electric vehicles also require specific procedures related to their registration and maintenance.

Ecological bonus and conversion premium

By opting for an electric car, you can benefit from numerous tax advantages such as the ecological bonus and the conversion premium. These financial aids aim to encourage the use of less polluting vehicles and can reach several thousand euros.

Parking and charging

Owning an electric car also requires planning for parking and charging. Many municipalities now offer subscription plans at preferential rates for owners of electric vehicles, allowing them to easily charge their battery at public terminals.

Renewal and duplication of the registration certificate

It may be necessary to renew or duplicate your registration certificate in case of theft, loss, or damage. Here’s how to proceed.

Renewal procedure

In the event of a change of address or modification of personal information, you must request a renewal of your registration certificate. The procedure is carried out on the ANTS website and requires the provision of new proofs of residence, among other documents.

Duplication in case of loss or theft

If your registration certificate is lost or stolen, you must file a declaration of loss or theft with the police, then submit a request for a duplicate to the ANTS. Be sure to keep a temporary receipt allowing you to drive while waiting for your new registration certificate.

Driving license and car insurance

Let’s not forget that, to legally drive your car, you must hold a valid driving license and subscribe to a car insurance covering at least civil liability.

Obtaining a driving license

To obtain the precious document, you must undergo theoretical and practical training provided by an accredited driving school. After passing the theoretical exam (the Highway Code) and the practical test, you will receive your driving license.

Subscribing to car insurance

Subscribing to a car insurance policy is mandatory as soon as you acquire your vehicle. Various plans are offered by insurance companies, ranging from basic civil liability to comprehensive insurance.

At the end of this article, you are now informed about the essential administrative procedures to own and use your car in France. These formalities help ensure your safety and that of other road users.