You’ve just bought a used car in France. Before you can drive it legally, you need to transfer the carte grise (vehicle registration certificate) into your name within one month. The process is entirely online since 2017, handled through the ANTS website. Here’s the complete walkthrough.
The Legal Framework
Since November 6, 2017, prefecture counters no longer accept carte grise applications. Everything goes through the Agence Nationale des Titres Securises (ANTS) website: immatriculation.ants.gouv.fr. The legal deadline is 30 days from the date written on the certificate of sale.
Driving without a carte grise in your name beyond that deadline carries a flat fine of EUR 135 (reduced to EUR 90 if paid within 15 days, increased to EUR 375 after that).
Required Documents
Gather everything before you start the online process. An incomplete file blocks the procedure and stretches timelines.
Documents From the Seller
Certificate of sale (Cerfa 15776): filled in and signed by both the seller and buyer. Two copies, one for each party. This document formalises the sale and sets the date of ownership transfer. The seller must also declare it online through the ANTS within 15 days of the sale.
The old carte grise (registration certificate): crossed out with the note “sold on” or “transferred on” followed by the date and time, signed by the seller. If the carte grise is in a couple’s name, both must sign.
The controle technique (MOT equivalent): valid and less than 6 months old at the date of sale, for vehicles over 4 years old. If there’s a failed retest, the seller must complete repairs and pass the retest before the sale.
Buyer’s Documents
Valid ID: national identity card, passport, or residence permit.
Proof of address less than 6 months old: electricity, gas, landline or mobile phone bill, tax notice, or home insurance certificate. Internet provider bills are also accepted.
Driving licence: valid and matching the vehicle category.
Insurance certificate: the vehicle must be insured before it can circulate. You can take out temporary cover before the purchase, then switch to a full policy.
The Transfer Code (Code de Cession)
The seller must generate a transfer code on the ANTS website when they declare the sale online. This 5-digit code is essential for the buyer to submit their carte grise application. Without it, the process is blocked.
If the seller hasn’t generated the code, follow up with them. They can do it at any time from their ANTS account. If the seller is unreachable, you can contact ANTS on 34 00 (paid service) for assistance.
The Online Process, Step by Step
Step 1: Create or Log Into Your ANTS Account
Go to immatriculation.ants.gouv.fr. You can log in via FranceConnect (using your impots.gouv.fr, Ameli, or La Poste credentials) or create a dedicated ANTS account.
Step 2: Start the Application
Click “Apply for a carte grise” then select “Change of owner (used vehicle purchase).”
Step 3: Enter Vehicle Information
Enter the registration number and the transfer code from the seller. The system automatically retrieves vehicle details from the SIV (Vehicle Registration System). Verify that the data matches the vehicle you bought.
Step 4: Enter Your Personal Details
Name, date of birth, address. If the vehicle is being registered to joint owners (a couple, for example), enter details for both parties.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Scan or photograph the documents listed above. Accepted formats: PDF, JPEG, PNG. Maximum file size is generally 3 MB. Check legibility before uploading.
Step 6: Pay the Taxes
Payment is by bank card directly on the site. The amount depends on several factors (see the cost section below).
Step 7: Receive Your CPI
Once the application is validated, you immediately receive a Certificat Provisoire d’Immatriculation (CPI). This document authorises you to drive for one month while waiting for the definitive carte grise to arrive by post.
Step 8: Receive the Carte Grise
The final carte grise is sent by La Poste via tracked mail to the address provided. Average delivery time: 7 to 15 working days. During peak periods, it can take 3 to 4 weeks.
How Much Does It Cost?
The price of a carte grise has four components.
Regional Tax (Y.1)
This is the main cost. It’s calculated by multiplying the vehicle’s fiscal horsepower (shown on the carte grise under P.6) by your region’s per-unit rate.
In 2026, the fiscal horsepower rate ranges from EUR 33 (Corsica) to EUR 55 (Ile-de-France, Normandy, Centre-Val de Loire). A 6 CV vehicle in Ile-de-France costs EUR 330 in regional tax.
Partial or full exemption: clean vehicles (electric, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen) get 50-100% exemption depending on the region.
Weight-Based Pollution Tax (Malus au Poids)
Since 2022, vehicles over 1,800 kg face a weight penalty. For used cars, this only applies at first registration in France. If the vehicle was already registered in France, you’re not affected.
Management Fee (Y.4)
Fixed at EUR 11 for any carte grise application.
Delivery Fee (Y.5)
Fixed at EUR 2.76 for secure postal delivery.
Concrete Example
Peugeot 308, 7 CV, registered in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes (fiscal HP rate: EUR 43):
- Regional tax: 7 x 43 = EUR 301
- Management fee: EUR 11
- Delivery: EUR 2.76
- Total: EUR 314.76
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting the Transfer Code
This is the number one cause of delays. Without the 5-digit code generated by the seller, you can’t start the process. Ask for it at the time of signing the certificate of sale, not afterwards.
Carte Grise Not Crossed Out by Seller
If the old carte grise isn’t crossed out with “sold on” and the seller’s signature, your application will be rejected. Check this point before leaving the seller.
Expired or Failed Controle Technique
A controle technique more than 6 months old at the date of sale makes the transaction irregular. Don’t buy a vehicle with an expired or failed CT. That’s the seller’s responsibility.
Incorrect Address
The address on the carte grise must match your proof of address exactly. An error (abbreviation, missing flat number) can delay delivery.
Exceeding the 30-Day Deadline
If you go past the one-month deadline, you’re driving illegally. If stopped, the fine is EUR 135. A significant delay can also complicate the administrative process.
Special Cases
Vehicle Bought From a Professional
The dealership or garage typically handles the procedure. They charge a “carte grise fee” on top of the official taxes. This supplement ranges from EUR 0 to EUR 150 depending on the outlet. Check the amount before signing the purchase order.
Inherited Vehicle
In the case of inheritance, the process differs. You’ll need a death certificate, a certificate of inheritance or notarial deed, and the deceased’s carte grise. The application still goes through ANTS.
Imported Vehicle
If the vehicle comes from abroad, you must first obtain a tax clearance certificate (quitus fiscal) from your local tax office (free for intra-EU used vehicles), then apply for registration with the European certificate of conformity. The VIN is verified by DREAL (or DRIEAT in Ile-de-France).
Vehicle With a Lien or Opposition
Before buying, check the vehicle’s administrative status on the ANTS website (“Check a vehicle’s administrative status” section). A vehicle with a lien (gage) can’t change owners until the lien is lifted. A vehicle under opposition (theft, unpaid fines) can’t be legally sold either.
Alternatives to the ANTS Process
If the online procedure feels overwhelming, state-approved service providers can handle it for you. Sites like Cartegrise.com, Eplaque.fr, or digital help desks at Maison France Services offices offer assistance. The cost is generally EUR 20-30 more than doing it directly.
Quick Checklist
Before signing:
- Check the vehicle’s administrative status (no liens, no oppositions)
- Valid controle technique less than 6 months old
- Carte grise in the seller’s name
On sale day:
- Fill out the certificate of sale (2 copies)
- Seller crosses out the carte grise (“sold on” + date + time + signature)
- Get the transfer code from the seller
- Take out insurance
Within 30 days:
- Submit the application online via ANTS
- Pay the taxes
- Keep the CPI until the definitive carte grise arrives
It’s an administrative process, not a complicated one, but it doesn’t forgive a missing document. Prepare your file in advance and everything will go smoothly.