Vehicle identification form (FIV) 2026: pass the roadworthiness test without a carte grise

Have you lost your carte grise, had it stolen, or do you need to take a roadworthiness test (contrôle technique) without the original registration certificate? The vehicle identification form (FIV) is the official document that lists the vehicle’s characteristics and often unblocks the CT before a duplicate carte grise. This 2026 guide explains what the FIV is for, when it is essential, which documents you need, the cost, timelines, and how to obtain it online through an accredited professional.

Need to unblock your file now? Order your vehicle identification form — €40 incl. VAT service fee, guided Cerfa forms, online document upload.

What is a vehicle identification form (FIV)?

The FIV is an official vehicle identification document. It does not permanently replace the carte grise: it bridges the gap when the original title is unavailable (loss, theft) and a test centre requires identification papers to perform the contrôle technique.

In practice, the FIV mainly appears in two sequences:

• Loss / theft + expired CT → FIV → roadworthiness test → duplicate carte grise.
• Import / file without a usable French title → FIV for the CT, alongside temporary WW plates or foreign vehicle registration.

When should you request an FIV?

Situation	FIV useful?	Next step
Lost / stolen carte grise and CT still valid	Often no	Go straight to the duplicate
Lost / stolen carte grise and CT expired	Yes	FIV → CT → duplicate
Title unreadable / rejected by the test centre	Yes depending on the centre	FIV then regularise the title
Import without French title, CT required	Often yes	FIV + import file / WW
Simple house move	No	Change of address
Used purchase with a complete transfer file	No	Change of ownership

Simple rule: if the test centre refuses the vehicle because there is no original carte grise, order the FIV before restarting the duplicate guide.

Documents required for the FIV

At Office Carte Grise, the FIV file typically needs:

• a valid identity document (ID card, passport or residence permit);
• a completed and signed mandate Cerfa 13757 (if you use an accredited professional);
• a loss or theft declaration Cerfa 13754 — tick loss or theft clearly (plus a police report for theft).

On our vehicle identification form journey, you pay then upload scans online. You can also use the document generator or Cerfa forms to print to reduce errors.

How much does an FIV cost in 2026?

The Office Carte Grise FIV service is €40 incl. VAT (service only — amount shown on the procedure page). This is not the price of a duplicate or a change of ownership: the FIV does not recalculate regional Y1 tax (fiscal horsepower).

Afterwards, depending on your path:

• after the CT, a duplicate adds fixed state taxes + service fee;
• a change of ownership or an import uses the regional schedule — estimate with the registration cost calculator, the tax simulator and the 2026 fiscal horsepower rates.

Five steps to obtain your FIV

1. Confirm the CT is blocked for lack of a title (or the centre requires an FIV).
2. Prepare ID + Cerfa 13754 (loss/theft) + mandate 13757.
3. Order on the FIV page.
4. Upload your documents; we check the file.
5. Take the CT with the FIV, then continue with the duplicate (or the import file).

FIV then duplicate: the most common sequence

Without the original carte grise and with an expired CT, the recommended order is:

1. FIV — identify the vehicle.
2. Roadworthiness test — present the FIV at the centre.
3. Duplicate — new carte grise (loss, theft or damage).

Also check the address: if you never declared a move, a change of address can slow the duplicate (ANTS submission). For duplicate details, read Duplicate 2026: loss, theft, damage.

FIV and foreign-vehicle imports

On an import file, the CT can stall without a French title. The FIV helps identify the vehicle for testing while you assemble the rest:

• temporary WW plates — drive for 4 months while the file is built (see the 2026 WW guide);
• tax clearance (quitus) (EU) or 846A (non-EU / UK);
• European certificate of conformity (COC) or, for classics, an FFVE certificate;
• foreign vehicle registration for the definitive title.

FIV vs other common procedures

Need	Procedure
CT blocked without carte grise	FIV
Replace a lost / stolen / damaged title	Duplicate
Put the carte grise in your name	Change of ownership
House move	Change of address
Sell / declare the sale	Transfer declaration
Drive during an import	Temporary WW
Classic / 30+ years mention	Classic registration + FFVE
Trade: removable plates / purchase recording	Other procedures (pro services on the French site) + purchase declaration article

Common pitfalls

• Ordering the duplicate before the CT when the test has expired — without an FIV the centre may refuse.
• Forgetting to tick loss or theft on Cerfa 13754.
• Theft without a police report — keep the report with the declaration.
• Outdated address — plan a change of address to smooth the next step.
• Confusing FIV and duplicate — the FIV is not a definitive new registration certificate.
• Unreadable scans — blurry photos mean delays.

FAQ — vehicle identification form

Does the FIV replace the carte grise?

No. It is an identification document to unblock certain steps (often the CT). The definitive title comes via a duplicate or another registration procedure.

How long does the FIV take?

With a complete file, processing is usually faster than printing a full title. Clear documents and the correct loss/theft motive matter most.

Can I drive with only the FIV?

The FIV is not meant as a long-term driving substitute. Regularise quickly via a duplicate or the right file. Keep proof of filing if you are stopped.

Is an FIV mandatory if my CT is still valid?

Usually no: go straight to the duplicate. The FIV becomes critical when the CT has expired or is refused without the original.

Can I obtain the FIV alone on ANTS?

Depending on the portal path, yes. An accredited professional such as Office Carte Grise simplifies Cerfa forms, document checks and the hand-off to the duplicate.

FIV and classic vehicles?

If you want the collection mention, the FIV can unlock a blocked CT, then continue with FFVE / classic registration.

Take action

CT blocked for lack of a carte grise? Do not lose weeks: order your FIV, take the test, then finish with a duplicate or your registration file.

Office Carte Grise also handles change of ownership, change of address, transfer declaration, temporary WW, tax clearance, COC, classic registration and other procedures for traders (see also purchase declaration).