How to import a classic car in France?

Publié par Eplaque-4 min de lecture ⏳

Le 24/01/2023-Mis à jour le 23/08/2023

Car registration in France can be confusing, even for locals. If it’s true for standard procedure, it’s natural to be lost when trying to import a classic car in France. Are you in such a position? Do not worry! Eplaque, your French car registration expert in English, explains everything you need to know about importing a vintage car in France, and registering it!

Classic car: French criteria

Before going into the details, let’s defineclearly what a classic car is according to French law. It is:

A vehicle that is at least 30 years old (first registration)
A car that is not produced anymore
Finally, a car that is in its original state (no heavy modifications, such as a modern engine under the hood)

When a vehicle fulfills those 3 conditions, it is eligible to a classic car registration certificate.

Classic car registration: definition

In France, classic cars don’t get a special car registration certificate as such. They simply get an additional mention, “collection”, visible in the Z field of the “carte grise”. However, this word make a huge difference, since such vehicles enjoy many perks:

Exemption of rules regarding low emission zones (Paris, Lyons, Marseilles…)
MOT every 5 years, instead of 2 (even total exemptions for vehicles < 1960)
Such vehicles can use vintage plates (black background)
VAT and duties: 5.5% instead of 30%
No need for an individual approval (RTI) to be registered

Importing a classic car to France and registering it: how-to

Now that we have clarified those important topics, let’s go to the heart of the matter: how to import a classic car in France, then register it. The procedure depends on the country of origin from a fiscal point of view.

How to import a classic car in France from the EU?

When a vintage vehicle is imported from a country part of the EU, there is no need to go through French customs. You simply need a “quitus fiscal”. It is a special certificate provided by the tax authorities that ensures that the VAT is paid. In the context of a car imported from the EU, it is only due when a vehicle is considered as new (older than 6 months & mileage higher than 6,000 km). In principle, vintage cars don’t fall in such a category. We had, however, a reader who explained he had to pay VAT because his vintage car had less than 6,000 km… It’s the exception that confirms the rule.

Where to get your quitus fiscal? Contact your “service des impôts des entreprises” (SIE), you can find yours thanks to this resource. Application methods vary per office (online, in person, by mail).

Import a classic car to France from outside the UE (UK, US, etc.)?

If your classic car comes from a country not belonging to the European union, you’ll need a 846A certificate from the French customs. That means that you will have to pay VAT and duties. There is however good news: instead of paying 30%, you’ll pay 5,5% on the value of the vintage car. Moreover, if you import a classic car in France in the process of moving in to take permanent residency in the country, those will be completely waived. You must get this 846A certificate in the days following the arrival of the classic car in France.

How to get the “classic car” classification on the carte grise?

In order to get the “mention collection”, you must provide a certificate that proves that the car is eligible to that status. It is called an “attestation de datation et de caractéristiques”. You have 2 options to get yours:

From the manufacturer, if it still exists, and in France (mostly for local brands such as Citroen, Renault, Peugeot…)
From the FFVE (Fédération française des véhicules d’époque): it costs EUR 60

Applications are to be sent by mail. You’ll find the application form and the instructions on the FFVE website. They are working on an online request tool, but in January 2023 it was still not available for individuals (beta test ongoing). It should be before the end of the year.

Classic car import: what about the certificate of conformity?

There is no available European certificate of conformity for vintage cars, since that document appeared in the end of the nineties. The general rule is that such s vehicle should get an individual approval (called RTI) to be registered. However, most vintage cars don’t need it thanks to the attestation de datation et de caractéristiques.

How to register an imported classic car in France?

Once you have the quitus fiscal or 846A certificate, you are almost good to go to register your imported classic car in France. Here are the standard documents one should provide when registering a car in France:

Original car registration certificate or alternative official document that identifies the car
Driving licence
Proof of address
Proof of identity
Technical inspection/MOT (not older than 6 months)
Proof of insurance
Registration certificate form duly filled

A problem ? Eplaque will assist you!

We are an approved French car registration company since 2009. We provide a fast and efficient car registration service to locals and foreigners alike. We can handle your request in English to facilitate the issuance of your classic car registration in France. Please note, however, that we cannot help you with the steps regarding the quitus fiscal or the 846A.

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Les questions des utilisateurs

au cours des 12 derniers mois

Mel Alcock
27 janvier 2026
Hi there, please could you advise the process to import my 1995 Porsche C4S in May of this year , the process to put it on a black plate and to put the existing plate on SORN. Thank you in advance. Best Mel.
- Eplaque
  28 janvier 2026
  Hello, the whole procedure is explained in detail on this page. We remain at your disposal if you have any specific question.
Robin
22 janvier 2026
Hi, is it possible to import and register a classic car requiring restoration that would not currently obtain a control de technique?
- Eplaque
  22 janvier 2026
  You can import it, but registration requires a valid MOT.
Sarah Smith
20 décembre 2025
I want to import a 1963 Morris Minor 1000 from the UK to France where I am a resident. It has had some modern improvements, servo assisted brakes, electronic ignition, alternator conversion, telescopic suspension and ant-roll bar. Would these be considered as major modifications which would take it outside the french definition of a classic car? Many thanks,
- Eplaque
  22 décembre 2025
  Definitely, as is it is not eligible.
WILCOX, Jason
12 décembre 2025
Bonjour, I am trying to register (carte grisse) my 1954 Jaguar XK120. It is currently registered in the USA (WashingtonState Collector Car) I have the the Customs form 846A and a FFVE Certificate. I was told I also need a contol technique inspection and French auto insurance before I can apply on ANTS. I am in process of exchanging a US drivers liscense for a French license. I am having difficulty finding a insurance company who will insure a foreign registered car and driver with current foreign liscense. Can you help source insurance for me? Merci beaucoup, cordialement Jason Wilcox
- Eplaque
  15 décembre 2025
  To our knowledge, no French company will agree to insure a car with foreign registration. Usually people get a temporary registration (WW), then insure the car based on that registration. You can try Assurances Clavel, they are specialized in collector cars insurance: https://www.assurancesclavel.com/assurance-auto-2/
Rupert
18 octobre 2025
Bonjour, je possède une moto de 45 ans qui ne roule pas et qui fait partie de ma collection. Je l'ai achetée au Royaume-Uni en 2017 et je l'ai ramenée en France avant le Brexit, sans formalités. L'immatriculation britannique est à mon nom. Je souhaite maintenant l'immatriculer en France pour pouvoir participer à des événements classiques. Comme elle a été importée avant le Brexit, aurai-je besoin du formulaire 846A ou d'une quitas fiscale et comment prouver sa valeur actuelle ?
- Eplaque
  20 octobre 2025
  Un lecteur britannique nous a indiqué, pour 2 véhicules importés avant le Brexit, qu'un quitus fiscal avait suffi pour le véhicule dont la procédure d'annulation d'immatriculation/exportation avait été faite avant le Brexit, tandis que l'autre avait dû être dédouané en l'absence de cette preuve d'exportation. Nous ignorons cependant il s'agit de règles qui s'appliquent partout, il faudrait vérifier avec votre service des impôts des entreprises et/ou bureau de douane.
Adrian Burton
1 août 2025
Your information is very helpful, thank you

I have recently bought an 1974 MGB in UK, I have applied for new V5 as new owner, the car which will be transported by A frame or Trailer, reading through I think I don't need an 846A or anything, to bring it into France, only needed when the registration process begins, as the car will require a lot of work before it can get a control technique, here in France, but please correct me if I am misunderstanding as you certainly have more experience than me.

Kind regards

Adrian
- Eplaque
  4 août 2025
  Customs require the clearing to be done shortly after the vehicle is imported (one week I believe). Therefore you will need to get your 846A asap, even if you plan to register the car a few years later, otherwise you might have to pay a late fee.
James
30 juin 2025
Bonjour, j'ai besoin d'aide pour immatriculer ma voiture de collection anglaise en France. Une fois immatriculée en France, la voiture (une VW Golf Cabriolet de 1994) restera définitivement dans ma résidence secondaire française. Pouvez-vous m'aider ?

I need help registering my English classic car in France. Once registered in France, the car (a 1994 VW Golf Cabriolet) will remain permanently at my French holiday home. Can you help me?
- Eplaque
  1 juillet 2025
  We can assist you for the registration process itself, however our services don't cover the steps to collect the required paperwork.
Robert Mill
24 juin 2025
Bonjour

Would you be able to help import a Classic Vehicle from Canada or USA, It is a Phillips Berlina, they were a manufactured Replica of a 1936 Mercedes Roadster coupe. (Basically a Replica Mercedes body dropped on to a Chevrolet Corvette), no Engine/transmission modifications.

It was first registered in 1983 the Registration document for these cars always showed them as being a Chevrolet Corvette. The purcase price would be around €30000

Please advise if the vehicle meets the critera for classic car import. at the lower tax rate.

Would your company be able to handle all the documentation required through to registration completion?

Please advise

Regards

Robert

Vehicle Description below.

The Phillips Berlina is a neo-classic car built at the Phillips Motor Car Company in Pampano Beach Florida. It is a replica of a 1936 Mercedes 540K Roadster. This 1983 Berlina Coupe is number 078 in a production run of 180 cars. It was completed in June of 1983 using a brand new Chevrolet Corvette as a “doner” car. This Berlina Coupe was manufactured for Cooper’s Corvette Center of Knoxville, a Berlina dealer. Cooper’s sold 25 of the Berlinas during their 3 year run (1980-1983). The Berlina Coupe was designed and built by Walt Phillips and it bears his name. The original retail price in 1981 was $44,995.

This car is in good condition. It’s powered by a 5.7L V-8 with automatic transmission and dual exhaust and is loaded with options .
- Eplaque
  25 juin 2025
  Hello, unfortunately we only deal with the car registration itself, we cannot assist you.
Yvan Pope
19 juin 2025
Hi, I have bought a 1968 VW Beetle that has British registration but has been in France for 20 years (in a barn). I have been told that it has been 'exported' from the UK though I have no evidence of that. I want to register it in France asap but I anticipate some problems. Do you think it will be possible? What issues will arise? Thanks
- Eplaque
  20 juin 2025
  It will indeed be tricky. First, you'll need to document every step of the ownership transfer — for example, any paperwork related to the sale from the British owner to the French owner. Without that, it’s probably impossible. Then, you'll have to go to customs to obtain the 846A form.
Stefan Gavell
21 mai 2025
Hello,

I have purchased a classic car in Italy at an estate auction. I would like to temporarily register it France (WW plates) for 4 months before exporting it to the USA. I have a French resident address.

Please advise if this is something that can help with. Reply in French is ok.
- Eplaque
  22 mai 2025
  If you plan on driving the car from Italy to France, it is not possible since the car was bought in Italy. It must get Italian temporary plates to be exported. Once in France you can get a WW and we can assist, but the export procedure must be done based on the permanent Italian registration, a WW cannot be used to register the car.
Charlie
17 avril 2025
How is the 5% VAT tax assessed on cars that aren't being purchased for import but where owned prior to arrival in France? I’ve owned mine for over 30 years.

And how do the technical inspectors assess a car they will have no knowledge of. As far as I know, there isn't a single variation of my Australian classic car in Europe.
- Eplaque
  18 avril 2025
  In France the criteria to be eligible to the classic car category are: older than 30 years, not made anymore, and not modified. It's rather simple, and we don't think that customs bother with the technical aspects of the car, therefore if the car is older than 30 years, you should be eligible to the reduced VAT and duties rate.
PaulJjiggins
14 avril 2025
We are moving to France later in the year . We have a car undergoing restoration so is not roadworthy ( a collection of parts / engine and chassis) as this is a permanent move I intend to restore the car over the coming years and then register the car in France as a plus 30 year old classic all the advice I can see is for roadworthy cars needing to be registered on arrival. Advice would be very appreciated
- Eplaque
  15 avril 2025
  Unfortunately it's impossible to register a car that's not roadworthy as you need a MOT to do so. We're not sure how to proceed with customs when the car is not in one piece, better to contact them. Worst case scenario you can clear it at the customs later once restoration is over. You'll have to pay VAT and duties, but it will be 6.5% instead of 30% since it's a classic car.
Andy Bristow
26 mars 2025
Hi. I am buying a classic car in Belgium and as the plate belongs to the owner, the car will be delivered without reg plates. I want to insure it against fire and theft while it is being registered. Do you know of any insurance companies that will do this given it has no registration plates. I’ve tried a couple and they won’t do it as their system requires a registration plate
- Eplaque
  27 mars 2025
  Yes, it's usually impossible to insure a car without a number plate. Maybe try with https://www.assurancesclavel.com/ If no luck with them too, the solution is to get a temporary WW registration (if possible), you can then use that number to insure the car.

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