7 Steps to Buying a Car in France

If you’ve recently moved to France or are planning a move, you’ll find car ownership here definitely has a bit more paperwork and some rules you probably haven’t dealt with back in the UK. 

And that’s the same if you’re eyeing up a new car at a flashy city dealership or you’re keen on a second-hand car from a neighbour’s ad – the car purchase process in France has several steps and a fair bit of admin. 

But if you know what to expect, it’s all pretty manageable, so let’s break it down here.

What Are the Main Steps to Buying a Car in France?

Buying a car in France – whether it’s new or used – really is all about knowing where to look and having your paperwork in order. To keep things clear, we’ll walk you through the steps, from browsing to getting those keys.

1. Decide if You Want a New or Used Car

First off, think about what actually works for your lifestyle and budget. A new car from a local French dealer might come with fewer surprises and a solid manufacturer’s warranty, but the up-front costs are pretty much always going to be higher. 

If you’re open to a second-hand car, you can buy from a used car dealer or go directly to a private seller. The French are quite big on buying and selling used cars – websites like Leboncoin and La Centrale are good places to get a sense of the local market.

Dealers, whether new or used, usually handle more of the paperwork for you. With a private seller, it’s more “do it yourself,” but prices can be more flexible. Either way, just make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for and have a rough budget – including insurance and running costs.

2. Take a Test Drive and Check the Car’s Background

Once you’ve found a car you’re interested in, arrange a test drive. French driving laws don’t differ hugely from the UK, but keep in mind that automatics are less common, and roads – especially in rural areas – can be narrower or a bit more unpredictable.

If you’re going for a used car, make sure to get the car’s registration number (the “immatriculation”) so you can check its history. 

Ask the seller for the certificat de situation administrative – this is a document confirming the car isn’t stolen or subject to any outstanding finance or legal claims. Without it, walk away. 

Or if you want a bit more reassurance, you can run the reg through official government platforms like Histovec to see past MOT-style inspections (contrôle technique), recorded mileage, and any red flags.

3. Gather a Few Documents and Sort Out Payment

Whether you buy from a private seller or a dealer, you’ll need a few documents to complete the transaction. The seller should provide:

• The car registration certificate (carte grise or certificat d’immatriculation), which proves legal ownership

• The certificat de situation administrative, dates within 15 days

• A completed certificat de cession (sales contract)

• The contrôle technique report (if the car is over four years old), dated within six months

On your side, you’ll usually need:

• Proof of address (typically a utility bill)

• Proof of identity (passport or residency permit)

Your French bank account details if you’re paying by transfer or cheque

Cash is sometimes accepted for smaller sales, but there are limits (and plenty of scams), so a bank transfer is your safest bet.

For new cars, most of the paperwork is handled by the dealer. But for second-hand cars, we’d suggest that you double-check every detail on the registration certificate so that it matches the car and the seller’s ID, because any errors can hold up your registration later.

4. Arrange Car Insurance Before You Drive Away

This bit trips up a lot of newcomers. In France, you legally need car insurance in place before you drive the car, even to drive home from the dealership or seller’s house. Comparison sites like LeLynx.fr or Assurland can help you find quotes, but you’ll usually need to provide the registration number and basic vehicle details. Third-party cover is the legal minimum, but most expats go for something more comprehensive, so you’ve got that extra peace of mind.

Once your insurance is confirmed, you’ll get a temporary certificate to print out (the “attestation d’assurance”) and a small paper vignette to display in the windscreen.

5. Transfer Car Ownership and Register the Vehicle in Your Name

Within 15 days of buying your car in France, you need to update the registration to your name. Most people do this online via the ANTS website. You’ll need:

• Scanned copies of your ID
• Proof of address (again, typically a utility bill)
• The completed sales contract
• The old car registration certificate
• The certificate of situation administrative

The process can take a week or two, and you’ll pay a registration fee (which varies depending on region, car type, and emissions). Once that’s been approved, you’ll get your updated car registration certificate, usually by post. Keep this in the car at all times – French police check it regularly, especially in holiday seasons.

6. Fit French Number Plates and Stickers (If Needed)

If you bought from a local French dealer, the car will likely already have French plates. For used cars, if the registration region changes (say you move from Paris to Lyon), you may need to update the plates. Any local garage or “cordonnerie” (even some supermarkets) can make plates for you with proof of your new registration certificate.

Don’t forget, depending on your car’s emissions and the city you live in, you might also need a Crit’Air sticker for driving in low-emission zones. These are ordered online and posted to you – more info is available here.

7. Double Check French Driving Laws and Local Rules

Before hitting the road, brush up on French driving laws. Speed limits change depending on weather and location, and certain regions require you to carry items like high-vis vests and warning triangles by law. 

Fines are instant, and police are known for on-the-spot checks. If you’ve moved from the UK recently, remember you’re driving on the right. Also, if you’ve ever driven somewhere in Europe during rush hour, you’ll know that city-centre driving can feel a bit like a Mario Kart track, so definitely take it easy at first.

How Upscore Can Help

Sorting out your car purchase is just one part of getting set up in France. Upscore’s Finance Passport pulls your UK and French banking info together so you can breeze through those paperwork hurdles and get back on the road faster!

Sign Up for Upscore’s Finance Passport Today!