CGM – How to replace a vehicle registration certificate?

The vehicle registration certificate (carte grise) is a mandatory document for all car owners. If you have lost your registration certificate for any reason, if it has been stolen, or if it has become damaged, do not panic. You still have the option to obtain a replacement by following specific procedures.

Taking action with the police authorities

In the event that your vehicle registration certificate (carte grise) is stolen or lost, you must file a theft or loss report with your local police authorities. You should complete this process at your local police station or gendarmerie as soon as you discover the situation. In the case of theft, you must report it using form cerfa n°13753*02. You will then receive a receipt for your complaint, which will be required when applying for a new registration certificate at the prefecture.

A visit to the prefecture

After filing your report with the police, you must contact the prefecture to retrieve your vehicle registration certificate (carte grise). To do so, you will need to present the official complaint receipt, the original registration certificate (in the event of damage rather than theft or loss), a valid form of identification, and a valid proof of residence. Additionally, you must provide a duly completed and signed administrative application form (cerfa n°13750*03). If the vehicle is more than 4 years old, you will also need to present a valid technical inspection certificate.

Obtaining your vehicle registration certificate

As soon as you have submitted your application for a duplicate registration certificate to the prefecture, you will receive a provisional registration certificate (CPI). This document will allow you to drive legally within the country for one month, while you await the arrival of your duplicate, which will be sent to your home by the Imprimerie Nationale. You will receive your permanent registration document by mail, in a secure envelope, directly to your address.

Did you know that you can pay for your vehicle registration in installments?

With numerous websites available, you have the option to pay your pay for vehicle registration in 3 installments. Indeed, websites such as France Carte Grise offer ways to simplify your payment processes, allowing you to pay your vehicle registration tax in multiple installments directly at the time of registration. The only requirement is that the total cost of the registration certificate must exceed 135 euros. The first monthly installment will be debited from your bank account at the time of the transaction on the website, with the remaining two installments being automatically debited over the following two months. This approach allows for better management of your personal cash flow.

This service, highly valued by consumers, becomes particularly essential when you need to pay the registration fees for a vehicle purchased abroad. Indeed, for large luxury sedans imported from Germany, for instance, it is not uncommon to see registration taxes exceed two thousand euros. The same applies to sports cars that can be found in Italy.

Feel free to pay for your vehicle registration in three installments to help spread your expenses over several months.