Selling a car in France as an expat can seem daunting at first, but the process is relatively straightforward once you know the formalities. Whether you’re selling privately or through a dealer, the steps and documents required are largely the same. This guide explains exactly what to do, what paperwork you’ll need, and how to finalise the sale correctly.
If you need assistance with vehicle import or transactions, get in touch with Alex from FAV Services.
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle for Sale
Before listing your car for sale, make sure it’s in good condition and ready to be transferred legally.
Checklist for Vehicle Preparation
✅ Gather all maintenance records and service invoices
✅ Clean and inspect the vehicle (inside and out)
✅ If the car is over 4 years old, ensure it has a valid contrôle technique (MOT) issued within the last 6 months or within 2 months if a contre-visite (retest) was required
✅ Remove personal belongings and accessories not included in the sale
A recent and valid contrôle technique reassures the buyer and is legally required for most private vehicle sales in France.
Step 2: Gather the Required Paperwork
Selling a vehicle in France involves a few key documents that prove ownership, compliance, and the absence of any legal or financial issues.
Documents You Must Provide to the Buyer
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Carte grise (registration certificate) | Cross out with two diagonal lines, write “Vendu le (day/month/year at HH:MM)”, and sign. All co-owners must sign. |
| Certificat de cession (Cerfa 15776*02) | Must be filled and signed by both seller and buyer, one copy each. |
| Certificat de situation administrative (non-gage) | Proves the vehicle is not pledged or under any financial restriction. Must be dated within the last 15 days. |
| Contrôle technique certificate | Required if the car is over 4 years old and being sold to a private buyer. |
| Code de cession | Generated by the ANTS portal once the sale is declared online. |
| Service and repair records (optional) | Increases buyer confidence and sale value. |
Step 3: Finalise the Sale and Declare the Transfer
Once you’ve agreed on a price and completed the paperwork, it’s time to make the sale official.
On the Day of Sale
- Hand over all required documents to the buyer.
- Complete the online declaration of sale on the ANTS website under “Vendre ou donner votre véhicule”.
- Download and share the code de cession with the buyer. This code allows the buyer to register the car in their name.
- Notify your insurance provider that the vehicle has been sold, to cancel or transfer your policy.
Important: The declaration must be made within 15 days of the sale. Failure to do so means you may still be held legally responsible for any future fines or offences committed by the new owner.
Step 4: After the Sale
The buyer is responsible for:
- Registering the vehicle in their own name (via ANTS)
- Paying any registration taxes or fees
- Providing their own insurance cover
As the seller, keep copies of:
- The certificat de cession
- The proof of online declaration
- The buyer’s details and sale receipt
Keeping these copies helps protect you in case of disputes or administrative errors later on.
Summary: Required Documents to Sell Your Car in France
- Carte grise (crossed out, signed, and dated with time)
- Cerfa 15776*02 (certificat de cession)
- Certificat de situation administrative (non-gage)
- Contrôle technique certificate (if required)
- Code de cession (from ANTS portal)
- Optional: Service and maintenance records
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Forgetting to declare the sale on ANTS within 15 days
❌ Providing an expired contrôle technique for older vehicles
❌ Not crossing out or signing the carte grise correctly
❌ Failing to notify your insurer
FAQs: Selling a Car in France
Can I sell my car without a valid contrôle technique?
No, not to a private buyer. Vehicles over 4 years old must have a contrôle technique less than 6 months old. The only exception is if you sell the car to a professional dealer or for parts.
How long does it take to get the code de cession?
It’s generated immediately after you declare the sale on the ANTS website.
Do I have to cancel my insurance right away?
You should inform your insurer on the day of the sale. The policy can either be cancelled or transferred to your new vehicle.
What happens if I don’t declare the sale?
You’ll remain legally responsible for any parking tickets, speeding fines, or offences committed with the vehicle until the sale is declared officially.
Official Sources
- ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés) – Official portal for declaring the sale and obtaining the code de cession
- Service-Public.fr – Official French government information on selling a vehicle
- Nouvelle Carte Grise – Information about registering vehicles and carte grise transfers