Can I own a French registered car in France?

The short answer is: Yes, you can. But – there's always a but – you need to be aware of certain issues. The most straightforward way to own a car in France is to buy one here. That way, it will come with the necessary registration documents and the car will already be registered in France.

Can a UK resident drive a French registered car in France?

From 1^st Jan 2021, all UK registered non-commercial vehicles being imported to France will require an 846A certificate (Certificat de dédouanement). This is issued by your local customs office (in France) which you can look up here.

Can I own a car in France after Brexit?

If you move to France and bring your British car with you – or buy a British car after moving – you will have to re-register with a French registration plate and you only have three months after moving to make your application.

Can a non French resident register a car in France?

If your main residence is not in France, yes. However the car cannot stay more than one year on the French territory without leaving it. Can I register a car in France on a foreign address ? No, you must provide a French proof of address for your registration to be accepted.

How long can I drive a foreign car in France?

If you are moving to France from another European Country, then you are permitted to drive a foreign vehicle (registered in your home country) for a period of up to six months before it needs to be officially registered in France.

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Can a foreigner own a car in France?

Buying a car in Europe as a foreigner is possible, but legally owning it is not. Registering a car in your name without an address and/or residency is almost impossible in any European country. There are a few loopholes such as companies that offer buy back schemes or setting up a company in France or Bulgaria.

How do French car registrations work?

This means that, unlike many other countries, the French system is completely independent of the departments and regions – which is also why drivers can choose between them at will. The very first registration number was AA-001-AA. Initially, numbers were added (up to AA-999-AA), then came the turn of the letters.

Do I need a French driving Licence to buy a car in France?

Full valid driver's licence. The vehicle's carte grise. Proof of Insurance. Passport or national ID card.

How can an expat buy a car in France?

Do I need green card after Brexit?

You do not need to carry a green card when you drive in the EU (including Ireland), Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, and Switzerland. You still need valid vehicle insurance.

Can a second home owner register a car in France?

This is a relatively straightforward process as long as you can prove that you have an address in France – there is no requirement to prove full-time residency. If you're buying a car in France then it will come with the carte grise registration documents and the car will already be registered in France.

Do I need a green card to drive in France after Brexit?

From 2nd August 2021, motorists will no longer require an insurance green card to drive their vehicles in the EU (including Ireland). The same applies in Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, and Switzerland.

Can a UK citizen own a car in France?

The rules were changed and now when you bring your car over to France from the UK you can keep your British plates only for the first six months. During that period you are not legally required to register it unless you are becoming a French resident. After six months you do need to re-register your car in France.

How long can I keep my French car in the UK?

You can drive in the UK with a French-registered car (with a French / EU sticker) for up to six out of 12 months in the UK without officially registering it.

Can I drive my EU car in UK after Brexit?

The UK was always dedicated to keeping licence requirements the same regardless of the outcome of the EU agreement after Brexit. This means that anyone from the EU and EAA can use their licence to drive and hire a car in the UK.

Can I have a French and UK driving Licence?

Paris, 25 June 2021

This principle of recognition remains valid for holders of UK driving licences issued before 1 January 2021, who do not therefore need to exchange their licence for a French licence, regardless of their nationality. The principle also applies to French licence holders living in the United Kingdom.

Why are second hand cars so expensive in France?

There are fewer scrap yards in France, with those that remain facing rules concerning the need for special tanks for oil, diesel and petrol, storage areas for batteries, and heavy environmental taxes. Second-hand parts such as alternators are correspondingly more expensive.

Do French cars pay road tax?

The tax is payable on both new and second-hand sales. So, for example a vehicle under 10 years with chevaux fiscaux of 7, being registered in Occitanie, the tax would be €44 x 7CV = €308.

How do I register a French car in UK?

You can do it online at: gov.uk/nova-log-in; HMRC will tell you if you owe any VAT or duty (this is not usually the case when bringing your car from the EU). You can make queries at HMRC's imports helpline on 0044 (0)300 200 3700; Obtain vehicle approval to show the car meets environmental and safety standards.

What is a GREY card in France?

The term "carte grise (gray card)" means in France the registration certificate. The French registration certificate (carte grise) is mandatory for French and foreign drivers domiciled in France wishing to travel on public roads in France or resell their vehicle.

Are French cars cheaper in France?

New car prices are higher in France than in most other European countries, although lower than those in the UK, and many French people buy their cars in Belgium or Portugal, where most new cars are up to 20 per cent cheaper than in France.

Can I buy car from Germany and use it in France?

Yes, foreigners can buy all kinds of vehicles not only in France but also in other European countries as well. This especially applied to U.S. military personnel stationed in Germany, Italy & England.

Can I buy a car in another EU country?

As an EU citizen, you are free to buy or sell a car anywhere in the EU.

Can I insure my UK registered car in France?

Car insurance in Europe doesn't function in a global market fashion. UK insurers consider that once someone is resident in France, then their UK car insurance can be regarded as invalid. So if you have just arrived in France with a right-hand drive car with UK plates, you need to find an insurer here in France.