Vehicle transfer certificate 2026: Cerfa, deadlines and filing
Updated September 2026: for trader resale after a purchase declaration (SIV stock, DA receipt, 15-day deadline), see the guide Professional transfer declaration 2026 and the transfer declaration procedure.
Selling or buying a used vehicle in France? In 2026, the transfer certificate (certificat de cession) — Cerfa form no. 15776 — remains the key document of the sale: it records the date and time of the transfer, triggers the transfer code (code de cession) for the seller, and unlocks the change of ownership for the buyer. This guide updates ANTS / France Titres rules, the document checklist, legal deadlines, private → dealer / scrap cases, and how to file in the SIV through an accredited professional.
Sale signed? Declare your transfer online with Office Carte Grise (accreditation No. 188573) to release yourself from later fines — document checks, SIV transmission, code passed to the buyer.
What is the transfer certificate in 2026?
The transfer certificate is Cerfa form no. 15776 (current edition via Cerfa forms to print). It must be completed in duplicate (seller + buyer), using the details on the carte grise, including:
- identity and address of seller and buyer;
- vehicle identification (registration, VIN, make, type);
- exact date and time of the transfer (critical for criminal liability);
- signatures of both parties (and stamp if a professional).
Without a correctly filled certificate, the transfer declaration and change of ownership are blocked.
Private sale: seller checklist
Before signing, the seller must show the vehicle is administratively “clean” and roadworthy:
- Roadworthiness test (contrôle technique) less than 6 months old on the sale date (vehicles subject to CT);
- Certificate of administrative status (non-gage / no opposition) less than 15 days old, via Histovec or the public service portal;
- Cerfa 15776 prepared in two copies;
- service book and any service work (negotiable with the buyer).
When the keys are handed over
- Complete the transfer certificate with the buyer (date + time mandatory).
- Hand over the carte grise crossed out, signed, with the handwritten note “Vendu le” (or “Cédé le”) + date and time.
- If the title has a detachable coupon, fill in the buyer’s details (unless the buyer is a motor trader), sign and hand over the full title: the coupon lets the buyer drive for one month while waiting for their own carte grise.
Recording the time of sale protects the seller from offences committed that same day by the new owner.
Within 15 days: declare the transfer
For a vehicle already registered in France, the former owner must notify the Ministry of the Interior within 15 days (ANTS / France Titres or an accredited professional), stating the buyer’s identity and address. That declaration generates the transfer code to give the buyer (valid 15 days on the consumer portal).
- Seller — 15 days to declare the sale.
- Buyer — 1 month for the change of ownership.
- No code / expired code — see register without a transfer code.
Declaring the transfer is what releases you from fines if the buyer is slow to re-register.
Sale to a motor trade professional
Selling to a garage or dealer is simpler: the professional often handles the roadworthiness test and work before resale. You must still:
- complete Cerfa 15776 with date and time;
- cross out and sign the carte grise (“Vendu le + date + time”);
- show the service book and last CT if asked.
The trader then files a purchase declaration in the SIV: the receipt is given to the next private buyer with the crossed-out carte grise and the transfer certificate.
Transfer for scrapping (VHU centre)
A vehicle may only be transferred for destruction to a professional or an approved end-of-life vehicle (VHU) centre. On the carte grise, write legibly and indelibly: “Vendu le (date and time) pour destruction” or “Cédé le (date and time) pour destruction”. The Cerfa must state the transfer for destruction. Keep the detachable coupon (if any) for 5 years.
| Criterion | ANTS / France Titres | Office Carte Grise |
|---|---|---|
| Access | User account / FranceConnect | SIV transmission (accreditation No. 188573) |
| Seller deadline | 15 days to declare | Faster filing of complete files |
| Transfer code | Issued after portal validation | Passed to the buyer after registration |
| Support | Online portal, variable delays | Help with Cerfa, co-holder, dealer, scrap, missing code |
For the agency’s role, also read What is the ANTS (France Titres)?
CTA
Do not stay liable for the buyer’s fines: declare your transfer now.
Office Carte Grise expert view
Transfer files rarely fail on a blank form — they fail on edge cases. What we see most in 2026:
- EU / non-EU / UK import — a classic French transfer does not cover a foreign title: use the foreign vehicle path with tax clearance (quitus) (or form 846A), COC and often temporary WW plates.
- Temporary WW — useful while the definitive registration file is assembled (4 months, non-renewable).
- Classic / collection vehicle — over 30 years: the buyer can combine the transfer with classic registration / FFVE.
- Co-holder / estate / leasing — missing signatures or lessor mandate: see other procedures or contact.
- Buyer without a code — pro declaration already filed, expired code, unreachable seller: guide register without a transfer code.
FAQ — transfer certificate and declaration
What is the deadline to declare a vehicle transfer?
The seller has 15 days from the date on Cerfa 15776 to declare the sale (ANTS or an accredited professional). The buyer then has 1 month for the change of ownership.
Is the transfer certificate enough to register?
No. The buyer needs the Cerfa, the crossed-out carte grise, the code (or proof of declaration) plus ID / address / roadworthiness documents. See the change of ownership guide.
Can I declare the transfer without using ANTS?
Yes. An accredited professional such as Office Carte Grise records the transfer in the SIV. Start on vehicle transfer declaration.
Take action
Do not miss the legal 15 days: order your transfer declaration online, upload the Cerfa after payment and protect yourself today. Questions on import, WW, classic or co-holder cases? Use the contact page.