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French car paperwork explained

Selling a car on French plates in the UK can feel complicated. It needn't be. Here's what each French document is for, and exactly what we need from you to buy your car.

  • Carte grise in your name
  • No need to register it in the UK first
  • We explain every step

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Carte grise

Certificat d'immatriculation

Still called the carte grise by almost everyone, the certificat d'immatriculation is the French registration certificate. It shows the registration number, the registered keeper (titulaire), the VIN (box E), the date of first registration (box B) and the technical details. Since 2009 France has used the SIV system, where the plate (AB-123-CD) stays with the car for life. Older cars may still carry FNI-style plates such as 1234 AB 75. This is the most important document: please have the original ready, in your name.

Cession

Certificat de cession

In France, when a registered car changes hands, the seller and buyer complete a certificat de cession (Cerfa 15776) and the sale is declared online through the ANTS. The seller also crosses through the carte grise and writes the date and time of sale on it before signing. If your car is still on the French register, we'll go through this with you on collection so you're no longer responsible for the car.

Non-gage

Certificat de situation administrative

Often still called the certificat de non-gage, the certificat de situation administrative shows whether a French car has any pledge (gage), administrative block (opposition) or theft report against it. It is free to download from the French government's services online, and a recent one helps us move quickly. The HistoVec vehicle history report can be useful too.

CT

Contrôle technique

The contrôle technique is the French equivalent of the MOT, first due when a car is four years old and then every two years. If you have the latest report (procès-verbal), send us a photo: it helps us understand the car's condition. An expired CT doesn't stop us buying the car.

COC

Certificate of conformity

The certificate of conformity (certificat de conformité européen) confirms the car was built to EU type approval. It makes registering the car in the UK simpler, so it's useful if you have it. If you don't, don't worry: we can deal with that side.

UK side

NOVA, MOT and DVLA

To go on UK plates, a car brought in from France needs a NOVA notification to HMRC, an MOT and a DVLA registration application. Doing that yourself takes time and money. When you sell to us, you don't need to: we buy the car on its French plates and take care of the UK registration ourselves.

Your checklist

  • The original certificat d'immatriculation (carte grise) in your name
  • Photo ID: passport or driving licence
  • All keys, plus the service book (carnet d'entretien) and receipts
  • A recent certificat de situation administrative (non-gage), if you can download one
  • The latest contrôle technique report and certificate of conformity, if you have them
  • If the car is on UK plates already: the V5C

This page is a plain-English guide, not legal advice. French procedures change from time to time: we'll always tell you exactly what applies to your car.

French paperwork FAQs

The carte grise is not in my name. Can I still sell?

Tell us the situation. If the car was bought but never transferred, or belonged to a family member, we can often still help, but we'll need to see proof that you have the right to sell it.

I have lost the carte grise. What now?

A duplicate can be requested through the ANTS. Let us know before you start: depending on the car, there may be another way forward.

Do I need a new contrôle technique to sell to you?

No. We buy cars with or without a current CT. If you have the latest report, it helps us price the car accurately.

Who declares the sale to the French authorities?

If the car is still on the French register, the sale should be declared through the ANTS. We go through the certificat de cession with you on the day so the change is recorded.

My car already has UK plates. Is any French paperwork needed?

Usually not. If it is registered in the UK, the V5C is what matters. Any French documents you still have are a useful part of the history.

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