top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Re-registering a car in France

THE EU is planning new Europe-wide regulations standardising and simplifying the re-registration of imported cars.

At present a car with foreign number plates should be registered in France as soon as the owner becomes a permanent resident or when the car has been used in the country for more than six months in any 12.

The process involved can be complex with different papers required and several steps. For example, it can be necessary to supply a manufacturer’s “certificate of conformity”, showing the car is suitable for use on French roads or, in some cases, to have the car inspected and certified as being suitable by the Dreal (a local agency affiliated to the Ecology Ministry).

Under the new regulation, which could come into force from 2014, the aim is for formalities to be reduced to a minimum, the commission says. It adds: “Many of the checks currently required would be abolished altogether, for example with French authorities getting any technical information they need about the car directly from their colleagues in the country where it is already registered.”

The commission says the regulation will benefit, for example, people who buy a second-hand car in another EU country such as Britain and then bring it to France, or those becoming French residents.

“They would not have to undergo additional technical controls and administrative problems,” an official said.

Cooperation between registration authorities will also make it impossible to register a stolen car in another EU country, it is planned.

People who move permanently to France would have six months to re-register the car.

French taxes for re-registration would not change nor would procedures for re-registering when a car is sold within France.

Commission President José Manuel Barroso said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for citizens and companies to move and register cars across borders. This will bring us a step closer to a smooth-functioning single market - our engine for growth and jobs.”

Note that French residency can depend on one or a combination of several factors, including where your “centre of economic interests” is located, whether you run a business from France and whether you spend more of the year here than anywhere else.

You generally become a resident by default if you spend more than six months (183 days) per year in France.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France