How a French change of owner works: deadline and documents

The full file (one-month deadline, Cerfa papers, Y.1 taxes, transfer code, FNI, FAQ) and the online order are on the change of ownership page. This article dates the 2026 framework: ANTS / France Titres, CPI, FNI→SIV plates, and how to move forward if the public portal blocks.

Ready to file? Start the online change of ownership with Office Carte Grise (Ministry accreditation N°188573) — document checks, SIV transmission, follow-up until the title arrives.

Legal deadline 2026: one month for the buyer

French road traffic rules require the new keeper to file within one month of the date on the transfer certificate. After that, you are driving illegally and risk a fine (often a €135 fixed penalty, up to €750). The seller must declare the transfer within 15 days to stop later fines landing on their name.

• Buyer — 1 month for the change of ownership.
• Seller — 15 days to declare the sale (ANTS or accredited professional).
• Transfer code — valid 15 days on the ANTS portal; if missing or expired, see register without a transfer code.

Documents required for a change of ownership

Gather these before you start (clear PDF/JPEG scans):

• Crossed-out carte grise — handwritten “Vendu le” (or “Cédé le”) plus date, time and seller signature;
• Transfer certificate — Cerfa no. 15776, signed by both parties with date and time;
• Transfer code (if the seller declared on ANTS) or proof of a professional declaration;
• ID for the keeper (and co-keeper if any);
• Driving licence for the right category;
• Proof of address less than 6 months old;
• Roadworthiness test (contrôle technique) less than 6 months old if the vehicle is over 4 years (except exempt categories);
• Valid insurance certificate;
• Cerfa no. 13750 — registration certificate application;
• Cerfa no. 13757 — mandate, if you use an accredited professional.

Depending on your case, also add:

• Purchase declaration receipt — bought from a motor trader;
• Kbis extract — buying in a company name;
• Import file — foreign vehicle: use foreign vehicle registration (quitus, COC, WW).

Prepare forms via Cerfa forms or the document generator.

How much does a change of ownership cost in 2026?

The total combines registration taxes (regional Y1 from fiscal horsepower and vehicle age, possible Y3 malus, fixed Y4/Y5 fees) plus, if you choose support, the accredited professional fee. Fiscal horsepower prices vary widely by region of residence: see 2026 fiscal horsepower rates by region and estimate with the registration cost calculator or tax calculator.

Processing times and CPI

Once the file is validated and paid, the title is usually produced and sent by secure post in 3 to 7 working days for a simple case. A provisional registration certificate (CPI) lets you drive while waiting for the definitive carte grise (often valid for one month). If you miss the delivery, you have 15 days to collect the parcel from La Poste; after that it is returned and a re-send must be requested.

Keep the old carte grise for 5 years, then destroy it.

Old FNI plates and the move to SIV

If the vehicle still has an FNI-format plate (e.g. 123 AB 01), the change of ownership triggers a new SIV number (AB-123-CD). You receive a CPI with that number to order plates and notify your insurer. Conversion does not cancel a still-valid roadworthiness test: the test report remains authoritative.

ANTS or an accredited professional?

Criterion	ANTS / France Titres	Office Carte Grise
Access	User account / FranceConnect	Direct SIV transmission (accreditation N°188573)
Timelines	Variable (“under review” is common)	Document check then faster handling of standard files
Support	Online portal; support often saturated	Help with Cerfa, transfer code, co-keeper, FNI, import

For the agency’s role, also read What is the ANTS (France Titres)?

Office Carte Grise expert view

“Simple” files often stall on edge cases. What we see most in 2026:

• EU / non-EU / UK import — a classic change of ownership is not enough: you need the foreign vehicle path with tax clearance (quitus) (or 846A), COC, and often temporary WW plates while the file is built.
• Temporary WW — useful when quitus or COC is delayed; valid 4 months, non-renewable. Plan definitive registration before it expires.
• Classic / collection vehicle — over 30 years: FFVE certificate then classic registration (often combined with change of ownership at purchase).
• No transfer code — pro declaration already filed, expired code or unreachable seller: the public ANTS path blocks; an accredited pro can often finish via SIV. Guide: register without a code.
• Leasing / LOA — the lessor is the registered keeper: a lessor mandate is required (see other procedures or contact).

FAQ — change of ownership on a carte grise

What is the deadline for a change of ownership?

You have one month from the transfer date to file. After that, you are breaking the law.

Can I file without using the ANTS portal?

Yes. An accredited professional such as Office Carte Grise transmits the file in the SIV. Start on change of ownership.

What if I do not have the transfer code?

Ask the seller to declare the transfer, or hand the file to an accredited pro. See register without a transfer code and the transfer declaration.

Take action

Do not let the legal month expire: order your change of ownership online, upload your documents after payment, and receive your carte grise at home. Questions on import, WW or classic cases? Use the contact page.