Buying a used car: the documents to demand from the seller

When buying from a private individual, it is the seller's job to provide the sale documents. Without them, you will not be able to register the car in your name, or you risk buying a vehicle that is subject to a lien (gage).

The mandatory documents

The registration certificate (carte grise)

The seller crosses it out, writes clearly the words "Vendu le" ("Sold on") followed by the date and time of the sale, and signs it. They also fill in the detachable coupon in the buyer's name, without tearing it off: this coupon allows you to drive in France for one month while you wait to receive the new registration certificate. Check that the name matches the seller's and that the serial number (VIN) matches that of the car.

The transfer certificate (certificat de cession)

Official form (Cerfa no. 15776), completed and signed by the seller and by you on the day of the sale, in two copies: you receive copy no. 2. The seller then declares the transfer on the ANTS website and gives you the transfer code (code de cession), valid for 15 days, which you need to get the registration certificate in your name.

The administrative status certificate

Often called the "certificat de non-gage" (no-lien certificate), it shows whether the vehicle is subject to a lien (gage) or an opposition. The seller obtains it from HistoVec; it must be less than 15 days old. A vehicle subject to a lien cannot be registered in the new owner's name.

The roadworthiness test report (procès-verbal de contrôle technique)

For a car more than 4 years old, the roadworthiness test must be less than 6 months old on the day of sale (less than 2 months if a re-test has been ordered). If a re-test took place, the seller hands over both reports. See our guide to reading a roadworthiness test.