Resource links on importing and driving a car in France
Jos Deuling, Sunday, 6 August 2017
If you move to France and want to take your car with you then have to pay attention to a lot of things. On the Internet, you will find much information about importing and registering a car in France. You have to filter the information you need. Some websites have outdated information or tell you only part of the story. I’ve spent a couple of days finding the most informative links on importing and driving a car in France. I have grouped the links by topic.
Last updated on August 6, 2017.
Each country has its own rules and regulations on how to export a car. Use a search engine and search for “export car from [countryname]”.
Two nice articles by Rebecca Larkin:
A .pdf file with all the process steps:
Section 4 ‘Certificate of Conformity. (certificat/attestation de conformité)’ in
STEP 1 - obtain a ‘Certificate de Conformity’ from your vehicle manufacturer or importer’ in
You can probably also obtain a certificate from the DREAL. The DREAL is responsible for testing imported cars before they can be registered in France: . This page contains a link to a website with all the regional DREAL office.
A list with contact details of car manufacturers:
Rules for imports from a non-EU country :
Section ‘Importing a Vehicle to France’ in .
STEP 5 - Obtain a tax declaration for the Vehicle. (Certificat d’Acquisition)’ in
Read also section 6 ‘Your original car registration document’ in
Extension of a Carte Grise:
How long is your driving license valid. A survey by country:
Info on the eco tax:
Detailed french Wikipedia page with all the details of the vehicle inspection :
If you move to France and want to take your car with you then have to pay attention to a lot of things. On the Internet, you will find much information about importing and registering a car in France. You have to filter the information you need. Some websites have outdated information or tell you only part of the story. I’ve spent a couple of days finding the most informative links on importing and driving a car in France. I have grouped the links by topic.
Last updated on August 6, 2017.
1. Exporting a car
Each country has its own rules and regulations on how to export a car. Use a search engine and search for “export car from [countryname]”.
2. Registering a car in France
2.1. Understanding the process
This article is an extract from the book ‘Living and working in France’: .Two nice articles by Rebecca Larkin:
A .pdf file with all the process steps:
2.2. Certificate of Conformity
A certificate of conformity states that the car complies with technical standards in France.Section 4 ‘Certificate of Conformity. (certificat/attestation de conformité)’ in
STEP 1 - obtain a ‘Certificate de Conformity’ from your vehicle manufacturer or importer’ in
You can probably also obtain a certificate from the DREAL. The DREAL is responsible for testing imported cars before they can be registered in France: . This page contains a link to a website with all the regional DREAL office.
A list with contact details of car manufacturers:
2.3. Technical Inspection
2.4. Customs / VAT
Rules for imports from an EU country :Rules for imports from a non-EU country :
Section ‘Importing a Vehicle to France’ in .
STEP 5 - Obtain a tax declaration for the Vehicle. (Certificat d’Acquisition)’ in
2.5. Registration Certificate / carte grise
STEP 6 - Apply for a Carte Gris’ inRead also section 6 ‘Your original car registration document’ in
Extension of a Carte Grise:
3. Driving license
3.1. Validity
‘Getting a French Driver’s License’ inHow long is your driving license valid. A survey by country:
3.2. Extension
Extending a license in France:4. Car insurance
This article is an extract from the book ‘Living and working in France’:5. Vehicle tax
Good overview of the different types of vehicle taxes in France. The only interesting link about this subject that I could find :Info on the eco tax:
6. Vehicle Inspection
6.1. When
Detailed french Wikipedia page with all the details of the vehicle inspection :
6.2. Where
You can search using a map.7. Driving in France
7.1. Driving tips and information
Excellent page on this subject:7.2. Checklist
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