How to Register an Old Car in France

If you want to register an old car in France, you can go to your local prefecture, or sous-prefecture, or you can do it online or by mail. For any car over four years old, a controle technique is needed. This is a safety inspection to ensure the car is roadworthy. If it does not pass, you will be given a list of required repairs. If you are registering a car that is older than 30 years, you can register it as a classic or collector's car, or "vehicule de collection." In this case the controle technique will be adapted to the age of the vehicle, and the test will not be so stringent.

Instructions

You can Register an Old Car in Person, On-line or by Post

1

To register an old car in France you will need proof of your identity, proof of your residential address, a completed "certificate d'immatriculation" or registration document, a "certificate de cession," a certificate de situation administrative, and your controle technique certificate. The controle technique must have been done in the last 6 months, otherwise a new one will be required. Take these documents to your nearest prefecture and they will issue you with new registration papers. The cost will depend on which region you are in, and the horse power of the vehicle being registered. Prices are lower for smaller cars, and higher for those with larger engines.

2

Post your application, or apply on-line. If you are registering by post, send copies of all your paperwork to the prefecture, or sous-prefecture and remember to include the top section of the certificate d'immatriculation which should be marked as "sold," and have the date and signature of the seller on it. Keep the bottom section in the car to prove ownership, just in case you are stopped by the police. Include a self-addressed and stamped envelope and a cheque made out to the Tresor Public.

3

Contact the Federation Francasie des Vehicules d'Epoque if your car is over 30 years old. This national organization will give you all the information you need and the correct forms to fill out to register your classic car in France. You can send them copies of the required documents and they will set up a file for you to submit to the prefecture. If you are registering a foreign imported vehicle to France, you will also need an 846-A certificate for the customs officials. You will also need an official translation, by an accredited translator, of all the original registration documents.