Importing a vehicle

Importing a vehicle into France involves several administrative steps, which may vary slightly depending on whether the vehicle comes from the European Union (EU) or a non-EU country, and whether it is new or used.

Here are the key steps in the procedure:

1. Documents and compliance

  • Invoice or sales contract: Original document proving purchase.
  • Foreign registration certificate: The equivalent of the vehicle registration document in the country of origin.
  • European Certificate of Conformity (COC): This document, provided by the manufacturer or importer, certifies that the vehicle complies with European standards.
    • If you do not have a COC (often the case for vehicles outside the EU), you will need to obtain an Individual Approval (RTI) from the DREAL (or DRIEAT in Île-de-France) to validate the vehicle’s compliance, which may involve modifications and a visit to the UTAC.

2. Tax formalities (tax clearance certificate or customs declaration)

  • If the vehicle comes from the EU:
    • You must obtain a tax clearance certificate (or tax certificate) from the corporate tax department (SIE) in your place of residence. This document proves that your VAT situation is in order.
      • For a used vehicle (more than 6 months old and with more than 6,000 km), no VAT is payable in France. The discharge is free of charge.
      • For a new vehicle (less than 6 months old or with less than 6,000 km), you will have to pay French VAT (20%) if you have not already paid it in the country of purchase.
  • If the vehicle comes from a country outside the EU:
    • You must complete a customs declaration and pay customs duties (usually 10% of the vehicle’s value) and VAT (20%). Customs will then issue you with a customs clearance certificate (form 846 A), which is essential for registration.

3. Technical Inspection

  • If the vehicle is more than four years old, you must have it inspected at an approved center in France (unless the foreign inspection is recent and recognized, which is often the case within the EU, but check its validity). It must be less than six months old at the time of the registration application.

4. Transportation and Temporary Registration

  • You can transport the vehicle by truck or drive it yourself. If you drive it, you can apply for a WW Provisional Registration Certificate (CPI) in France so that you can drive legally while waiting for the permanent registration certificate. This CPI is valid for four months.
  • You have two main options for applying for a WW Provisional Registration Certificate (‘CPI’) in France:


    Online, on the ANTS website (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés)

    Through a state-authorized professional
    Details of these options:

    1. On the ANTS website

    This is the official channel for all registration procedures in France.
    Where: On the ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) website: immatriculation.ants.gouv.fr.
  • Procedure:
    You must log in to your personal account (or create one via FranceConnect).
    Select the procedure in the “Registration” category (often the “Make another request” option, then the appropriate category for registering an imported vehicle).
    Fill out the online form and upload the scanned supporting documents (invoice, ID, proof of address, tax clearance certificate or 846A, etc.).
    Résultat : Le CPI WW est généralement disponible au téléchargement et à l’impression une fois votre dossier enregistré et traité, ce qui peut prendre un certain temps selon la charge des services.

    2. Through an authorized professional

    These are private service providers that have been authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to complete the registration process on your behalf.
    Where: This may be:
    Authorized garages and dealerships.
    Specialized online sites (private providers).
    Advantages: These professionals handle the entire application process for you, which is often faster (a CPI WW can be issued within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the provider) and offers personalized support in case of difficulties.
    Cost: There are service fees in addition to the state management tax (currently €11).

    Please note:
    The CPI WW is valid for a standard period of four months (renewable once for the same period in certain cases).
    Since 2017, it is no longer possible to complete these procedures at prefecture or sub-prefecture offices.

5. Application for a Permanent Vehicle Registration Certificate (Certificat d’Immatriculation)

This is the final step. The process can be completed online on the ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) website or through an authorized professional.

The main documents to be provided include:

  • The Tax Clearance Certificate (EU) or Customs Clearance Certificate 846 A (non-EU). (cfr Quitus fiscal)
  • The Certificate of Conformity (COC) or the RTI report.
  • The foreign registration certificate (original).
  • The application for a registration certificate (Cerfa no. 13750*07).
  • An ID and proof of address dated within the last 6 months.
  • The invoice or deed of transfer.
  • Technical inspection less than 6 months old (if the vehicle is more than 4 years old).

Once the application has been approved, you will receive the final vehicle registration document and will be able to have French license plates fitted.

Tip: The process can be complex. It is often advisable to check the information specific to your case (country of origin, new/used vehicle) on the official Public Service or Customs website.