Registering a car in France

In order for your car to be registered in France, you will need a certificate of immatriculation known as a Carte Grise.

To register a car each owner must provide the following documents at their local Prefecture/Sous Prefecture to enable their application for a Carte Grise to be processed:

Proof of identity and residence in France.
Passport and a utility bill.

A French Controle Technique Certificate (similar to MOT).
For all cars over 4 years old. Details of the Controle Technique

The original vehicle Registration Documents.

Customs Certificate.

Manufacturers Certificate of Conformity.

An application form - Demande de certificat d'immatriculation d'un véhicule
Available from your local prefecture, sous-prefecture or download form here, and explanation of form here.

After the application is approved, the vehicle owner will receive their Carte Grise and a new registration number for the vehicle. This should be taken to a garage or in order for the new number plates to be made up. The number plate should be affixed using rivets and not screws.