Can I change the number plate on my French car?

Reader Question: I have moved to a new department so my address is now in Alpes-Maritimes (previously Gironde). Do I need to change my car’s number plates to show this?

The first thing to note is that it is not necessary to change your vehicle’s number plate if you move to a new department.

Since 2009 and the introduction of the système d'immatriculation des véhicules (SIV), cars have been given number plates with a ‘AA-123-AA’ format (for cars) which remains for the vehicle’s lifespan (other vehicles may have different formats).

This main section of the number plate is given to a vehicle when it is first registered, and it cannot be chosen by the driver.

In addition, it cannot usually be altered to display a new format, except in specific circumstances discussed below.

French plates also display a department code and regional logo on the right-hand side, however these serve no administrative purpose, and were introduced after fierce local backlash to the new system.

Many people wanted to retain this information as a sense of local pride.
Regardless of where your car is registered or from where you purchased it, you can have any department code and its accompanying logo.

Some people choose to do this to show the rural areas they come from, especially in larger cities.

It is therefore possible to purchase a number plate with a new departmental code and logo, as a purely aesthetic move.

Note however that it is illegal to use a sticker on this part of the number plate to show a certain department code. A couple in Toulon, Var were fined €90 in 2019 for doing so.

Read more: Number plate fraud: thousands of drivers fall victim in France each year

Sometimes number plates must be changed

There are cases where you still must change your number plate, which include if your number plate:

• Has been stolen (or if someone has copied it and, for example, you are receiving speeding fines)

• Has been lost

• Has been damaged

• Is ineligible, non-compliant, or deformed

• If the vehicle is second-hand and still has plates from the old system

Read more: What are ‘WW’ car registration plates in France?

Plates can be ordered from a number of online sites however Service Public recommends using a number plate manufacturer or going through a garage, to ensure it meets regulations.

You will not be able to choose the format of your number plate, however.

The following information will be required for second-hand vehicles:

• original vehicle registration document

• valid identity document

• proof of address

• a roadworthiness test (Contrôle Technique)

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