Transfer code 2026: what it is and what to do without one

Updated September 2026: for missing or expired codes, or a transfer already filed by a professional, also see Register without a transfer code and the vehicle transfer declaration procedure. The Cerfa / seller–buyer deadline framework is in Vehicle transfer certificate 2026.

Selling or buying a used vehicle in France? In 2026, the transfer code (code de cession) remains the digital link between the seller’s sale declaration and the buyer’s change of ownership on the ANTS / France Titres portal. This guide updates what the code does, how long it lasts, when it does not exist, and the alternatives via an accredited SIV professional.

Sale signed? Declare your transfer online with Office Carte Grise (accreditation No. 188573): SIV registration, code passed to the buyer (consumer path) or a pro path with no code to type.

What is the transfer code in 2026?

The transfer code is not a paper document like Cerfa form no. 15776. It is a digital identifier generated when the seller declares the transfer on the ANTS / France Titres consumer portal. It links the sale declaration to the buyer’s change-of-ownership file.

• Who receives it? The seller, once the consumer-portal declaration is validated.
• Who needs it? The buyer, to finish the application on ANTS (public path).
• What it does not replace: the transfer certificate, the crossed-out carte grise (date + time), and ID / address / roadworthiness documents.

Who generates the code and within which deadline?

After signing Cerfa 15776 and handing over the crossed-out carte grise, the seller must declare the transfer within 15 days (ANTS or an accredited professional). On the ANTS consumer path:

1. the seller signs in (often via FranceConnect);
2. they enter the buyer’s identity and address;
3. a transfer code is generated;
4. they send it to the buyer at once (SMS, email, paper).

The buyer then has one month to apply for their carte grise. Without the seller’s declaration, the buyer’s ANTS path stays blocked — so agree on the channel (ANTS vs accredited pro) before handing over the keys.

15-day validity: what happens afterwards?

On the consumer portal, the transfer code is in practice valid for about 15 days. After that, or if the code was already “consumed” by an attempt, the public ANTS path may reject the entry.

• Code still valid — finish the change of ownership quickly (complete file: roadworthiness test, address proof, insurance, Cerfa).
• Code expired — ask the seller to reopen the situation, or switch to an accredited pro with the paper file.
• “Code already used” — a code works only once; keep screenshots / receipts and contact an accredited pro or ANTS support.

Important: expiry of the code does not cancel the sale or the Cerfa. It mainly blocks the public path. See the dedicated guide register without a transfer code.

When there is NO code (accredited professional)

If the transfer declaration is filed by an accredited SIV professional (such as Office Carte Grise), there is usually no code to pass on: the transfer is recorded directly in the Système d’Immatriculation des Véhicules. That is not a seller oversight.

• The seller is released faster from later fines.
• The buyer prepares the change-of-ownership file with Cerfa, crossed-out carte grise and proof of declaration — without typing an ANTS code.
• The same professional can often chain transfer then title in one coherent workflow.

Criterion	ANTS / France Titres	Office Carte Grise
Code generation	Yes, after consumer declaration	Often no code to type (SIV registration)
Practical validity	~15 days on the portal	File driven by paper documents + SIV
Seller deadline	15 days to declare	Faster filing of complete files
Support	Online portal, variable delays	Help with Cerfa, co-holder, missing code, traders

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

Office Carte Grise expert view

The transfer code almost never blocks a well-prepared standard file. What blocks files are the edge cases we see most in 2026:

• EU / non-EU / UK import — a French ANTS code does not apply to a foreign title: use the foreign vehicle path with tax clearance (quitus) (EU) or form 846A (non-EU / UK), COC and often temporary WW plates.
• Temporary WW — useful while the definitive registration file is assembled (4 months, non-renewable), independent of the transfer code.
• Classic / collection vehicle — over 30 years: the buyer can combine the transfer with classic registration / FFVE certificate; the code (if on the ANTS path) remains that of a classic French transfer.
• Purchase from a trader (purchase declaration) — the DA receipt replaces the “consumer code” scheme: see purchase declaration.
• Co-holder / estate / leasing — missing signatures or lessor mandate: other procedures or contact.

FAQ — ANTS transfer code

How long is the transfer code valid?

In practice about 15 days on the ANTS / France Titres portal. Once expired, you can still register via an accredited professional with the transfer documents, or have the seller reopen the situation.

What if I never received the transfer code?

Ask the seller to declare the sale (ANTS or an accredited pro). If they already filed with a professional, there is often no code to wait for: follow register without a code then the change of ownership.

Is the transfer code mandatory with an accredited professional?

No. With an accredited SIV provider, the declaration is recorded without a consumer code to paste into a form. That is often the simplest path for both seller and buyer. Start on transfer declaration.

Take action

Do not let the seller’s legal 15 days — or the useful code window — slip away: order your transfer declaration online, protect yourself from fines, and point the buyer to their change of ownership. Questions on import, WW, classic or no-code cases? Write via contact.