The buyer is ready, the car is packed, and the registration certificate is still in your name. In France, a private vehicle sale involves paperwork for both sides: the seller records the transfer, while the buyer completes the change of holder. Treat those as two linked procedures, not one shared formality.
Before you hand over the car
Gather the vehicle’s registration certificate and the documents needed to record the sale. Seller and buyer should complete and sign the certificate of transfer, keeping a copy or record of the completed paperwork. Check that the vehicle details and the parties’ information match the documents before either person leaves.
The seller also needs to declare the transfer through the official French service. Keep the confirmation or transfer code provided by the service, if one is issued, and share the relevant information with the buyer. The exact requirements can depend on the vehicle and the current procedure, so check the official guidance before the appointment.
What the buyer handles next
The buyer’s task is to apply for registration in their own name, using the sale documents and the vehicle information. Do not assume that the seller’s transfer declaration completes the buyer’s application; they are separate steps. Prepare identity, address, and vehicle documents according to the current checklist shown by the official service.
Use the right official route
Start with the relevant guidance on Service-Public.fr, then complete the registration procedure through the official France Titres service. Requirements and service details can change, so check the guide’s last-updated date and confirm the current list of documents before submitting. This independent guide explains the route; it is not a government service.