What is the registration certificate?
Car, motorcycle, scooter … When you own a motor vehicle, you need two things: your driving license and a registration document, also called a registration certificate. The latter gives you the right to be registered and therefore to be able to use your vehicle to move around. It's'National Agency for Secure Titles (ANTS), attached to the Ministry of the Interior, which is responsible for delivering this document. The number that will be entered there will be your registration number. You will therefore have to order a plate from a professional, and make sure that it meets the following criteria:
- it must be visible on your vehicle
- it must have the same number as on your registration card
- it must be approved
- it must include a territorial identification (generally the F of France and the number of the department)
If your license plate does not meet the above guidelines, then you are liable to a penalty of up to 750 euros fine. Same thing if you do not present your registration certificate during a roadside check.
Where to find a registration certificate?
To obtain a registration certificate, there are several procedures to follow, depending on whether your vehicle is new or used. So :
- If you have just bought a new vehicle: the process can be carried out directly by the dealer. If this is not the case, then you will have to go to the ANTS digital platform to make your request.
- If you just bought a used vehicle: the process is done automatically online, on the ANTS website. If you do not have digital equipment allowing you to scan your documents, then you can go to the prefecture or sub-prefecture to use one of the terminals available in these places.
How to obtain a gray card online?
Whether your vehicle is new or used, you will be asked, after creating your account, a number of documents. To know :
- Enter your identity, and those of joint holders if there are any. You will be asked for your surname, first name, date and place of birth, gender, telephone number and email address. Besides, if you have joint holders, plan ahead a mandate authorizing you to take steps for others, as well as a photocopy of identity documents.
- Enter your bank details to be able to pay the procedure. Depending on the model of your vehicle and the region where you live, prices may vary.
- Proof of address or a certificate of accommodation less than six months old
- A sworn statement explaining that you have an insurance certificate as well as a driving license.
If your request concerns a used vehicle, you must also provide:
- Proof of technical control dated less than six months, if and only if, the car is more than four years old
- The assignment code, which must be sent to you by the former owner (this is a computer code)
- Vehicle registration card crossed out and including the signature of the former owner and the words: sold on … (with the day, month and year)
If your request concerns a new vehicle, you will need to add to your file:
- The form Cerfa n ° 13749
- Sometimes you may also be asked for the invoice or proof of sale to complete the file.
Once your file is completed, you will be given a file number, proof of your request and a provisional registration certificate to be printed. Please note, this is not valid only in France, and only for a month.
Carte grise: how to change your address?
Before being able to change your address on your registration certificate, you must first be interested in the type of plate you have. In both cases, you can make the request directly online, on the ANTS website or, from a specialized service approved by the Ministry of the Interior. This kind of service is then available at CAF or La Poste. You will then be asked for proof of address.
- If you have a plate with the numbers between the letters: change your address is free, a simple label will be sent to you to stick it on top of the old one.
- If you have a plate starting with the numbers: you will be given a new registration number and a new registration card. There is a charge for such an operation, you must spend 2.76 euros for the gray card and buy new license plates.
Read also :
⋙ What does the new gray card change?
⋙ Can you give or exchange your driver's license points?
⋙ Renewal of identity card: which papers are required?