The documents to provide to the buyer of your car

The documents that must be given to your buyer are three in number: the gray card, the certificate of sale and the certificate of location. Add the technical inspection report (for cars over 4 years old)

The registration certificate

This is the vehicle ID card. You must cross it with two diagonal lines, write the words “sold on… date and time” and sign it. You can also mention the exact mileage of the vehicle. For vehicle registration documents from before 2004, the top right-hand corner bearing the words “Part to be cut out when the vehicle is sold” must be detached and given to the new owner.

On recent certificates, a detachable coupon allows circulation for one month, the time to make a new request. This needs to be done ASAP!

The so-called “assignment” certificate of sale

It refers to the change of ownership of a material good. It can be obtained free of charge from the prefecture or online and must be drawn up in triplicate: one for you, one for the buyer of the vehicle and one for the prefecture.

Print the transfer certificate

This document is also issued by the prefecture (or sub-prefecture) or via the internet. Its validity is one month. It proves to the buyer that the vehicle is not pledged and that it is not subject to any legal opposition from bailiffs or the Public Treasury.

The report of the technical control

The technical control is compulsory for cars 4 years old or more. It must have been made within the 6 months preceding a sale in order to be valid when applying for a registration certificate.

The book and the maintenance invoices

These documents are not obligatory but they have a “reassuring” effect on the buyer because they retrace the vehicle’s past and prove that your car has been correctly and regularly maintained.

The user manual

The role of certain controls can be quite esoteric for the new owner of your car. He will therefore be happy to have the user’s manual for “his” new car

In addition to these documents, you will also need to give your buyer a copy of the vehicle keys and, possibly, the key for the alloy wheel anti-theft nuts. Finally, complete the final administrative formalities as quickly as possible.

After the sale

report the sale to the prefecture indicating the name and address of the new owner. Attach one of the two copies of the transfer certificate. notify your insurer by registered letter with a copy of the transfer certificate.