DO I NEED A COC TO REGISTER A FOREIGN USED CAR?

Many people buy their new or used vehicle abroad. In this case, the vehicle will be delivered to you with the country's plates. How to register a vehicle bought abroad? Do you need a European Certificate of Conformity (COC)? This article answers these questions.

The European Certificate of Conformity (COC)

As its name suggests, the European Certificate of Conformity or COC is a certificate which allows you to indicate to the French administration that your vehicle has been manufactured according to the European standards in force.

In addition, when you buy a vehicle abroad, its registration and registration card are defined by the country in which you made the purchase. However, the information mentioned inside a foreign registration card is generally different from what we are used to having in France. The European Certificate of Conformity contains exhaustive information related to the vehicle which will then allow the French administration to issue the registration card.

How to get your COC? You can either go through an online service (make sure the service is located on the street), or make a request directly from the car manufacturer. It will be mailed to you. The price and the deadline vary according to the manufacturers. But expect to pay around 100 euros and have to wait several weeks to receive this precious sesame.

The COC, essential to register a car bought abroad r

If your vehicle is category L or M1, was purchased in Europe and was registered for the first time after 1996 in Europe, you are able to request a COC. In the same way as the proof of address, the invoice of the foreign seller, the administration form (Cerfa 13750 * 05), the tax discharge, the proof of identity, the COC is part of the papers to be provided to the administration French to obtain the registration of your vehicle. If you bought your vehicle in England, the COC is generally not enough to guarantee its approval in France. You will surely have to provide an invoice which attests that you have made the necessary modifications in a garage (orientation of the headlights, display of the speedometer in km / h for example).

What to do if your vehicle has been purchased outside Europe or does not subscribe to the conditions to obtain a COC?

This situation is more complicated but is not inextricable. In this case, you will need to ask the manufacturer of your vehicle to provide an identification certificate. You can also request the approval services for vehicles from the DREAL (Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing).

Note that it is now possible to request your registration card directly online on the ANTS (National Agency for Secure Titles). By connecting to the site, you can join all the supporting documents, fill out the form and pay the registration fees.

The registration of a vehicle bought abroad is therefore feasible. Of course, the procedures are simpler if you bought your used vehicle in Europe. Easy to obtain, the COC is an essential document to provide in the registration document.