In France, the procedures for obtaining or modifying a vehicle registration certificate (officially called a certificat d’immatriculation) are now entirely paperless. It is no longer possible to do this at the prefecture or sub-prefecture.
The main procedure is carried out online via the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS) or through authorized professionals.
1. The Official Online Procedure (Recommended)
The official portal for all registration procedures is the ANTS website.
Official Website: https://immatriculation.ants.gouv.fr/
- Login: You must log in to your personal account using FranceConnect (via your tax, health insurance, etc. credentials).
- Selecting the approach: Choose the approach that best suits your needs. The most common approaches are:
- Buying or receiving a used vehicle (change of ownership).
- Registering a vehicle in France for the first time (new or imported vehicle).
- Change the address on your certificate.
- Reissue your certificate (duplicate in case of loss, theft, or damage).
- Entering information: Fill in the requested information about the vehicle and the new owner.
- Uploading supporting documents: You will need to scan or take a photo of the required documents (see point 2) and attach them to your application.
- Payment: The amount of taxes (calculated according to fiscal power, vehicle age, fuel type, and region) must be paid by credit card.
- Reception:
- Once your application has been approved, you will receive a Provisional Registration Certificate (CPI) by email, which allows you to drive for one month while you wait for the final document.
- The final vehicle registration certificate will then be sent to you by registered mail to your home address (the address shown on the proof of address provided).
2. Key Documents (for a Change of Account Holder)
The documents required depend on your situation, but for the purchase of a used vehicle in France, the main ones are:
| Document | Details |
| Old Vehicle Registration Certificate | The original, crossed out with the words “Sold on (day/month/year)” or “Transferred on (day/month/year)” and signed by the former owner(s). |
| Certificate of Transfer | Cerfa form no. 15776* (Declaration of transfer of ownership of a vehicle) completed and signed by the seller and the buyer. The seller must have registered the transfer online beforehand. |
| Proof of Residence | Dating from less than 6 months ago (electricity, water, gas, landline/mobile phone bills, tax notices, rent receipts from a real estate agency, etc.). |
| Proof of Technical Inspection | For vehicles over 4 years old, proof of a favorable technical inspection dated less than 6 months prior to the application (or less than 2 months if a re-inspection is required). |
| Identity Document | Valid identity card, passport, or residence permit. |
| Driver’s License | License corresponding to the vehicle category. |
| Certificate Request | Cerfa form no. 13750* (Application for a registration certificate) completed and signed (usually pre-filled when applying online). |
3. Other Solutions
If you are not comfortable with the online process or do not have the necessary computer equipment:
- Authorized automotive professionals: Many garages and dealerships are authorized by the government to carry out the registration process for you (paid service).
- France Services Centers or Digital Access Points: You can visit a France Services Center or a Digital Access Point at the prefecture/sub-prefecture to receive assistance and use the equipment on site.