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 provides a detailed guide on the main steps to follow regarding your car. You will find useful information on registration, the non-pledge certificate, obligations related to the ownership of 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 vehicle registration file. Here are the necessary details for this essential step.

Before even starting the registration procedures, it is recommended to request a car insurance quote to assess the different available offers and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Necessary 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 address less than six months old
• Proof of vehicle ownership (purchase invoice or transfer certificate)
• A valid technical inspection if the vehicle is more than four years old
• The tax clearance for imported vehicles

Cost of registration

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

Obtaining the non-pledge certificate

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

How to obtain a non-pledge certificate

The non-pledge certificate can be obtained online for free on the National Agency for Secure Titles (ANTS) website. Simply enter the vehicle registration number and a few personal details to receive it instantly by email.

Usefulness of the non-pledge certificate

This certificate assures the buyer that the vehicle is free from all debts or legal 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 requires 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 must complete 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 bill of sale 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 service providers. The required documents for this process include the transfer certificate, an identity proof, and a proof of address.

Specifics of electric cars

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

Ecological bonus and conversion premium

By opting for an electric car, you can benefit from various 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 subscriptions at preferential rates for electric vehicle owners, allowing them to easily recharge their batteries at public charging stations.

Renewal and duplication of the registration certificate

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

Renewal procedure

In case 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 submission of new proof of address, among other documents.

Duplication in case of loss or theft

If your registration certificate is lost or stolen, you must file a loss or theft report with the police, then request a duplicate from the ANTS. Remember to keep a provisional receipt that allows you to drive while waiting for your new registration certificate.

Driver’s license and car insurance

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

Obtaining a driver’s license

To obtain the precious sesame, you must follow a theoretical and practical training provided by an accredited driving school. After successfully passing the theoretical exam (the Highway Code) and the practical test, you will receive your driver’s license.

Subscribing to car insurance

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

At the end of this article, you are now informed of the essential administrative steps to own and use your car in France. These formalities contribute to ensuring your safety as well as that of other road users.