French Vehicle Sale Declaration — Cerfa 15776

Yes. The CERFA 15776 is compulsory for any sale or gift of a used vehicle between private individuals in France, regardless of the vehicle's value. Without it, neither the seller's removal from the carte grise (registration certificate) nor the buyer's re-registration can be processed by the ANTS. The form must be completed in two signed copies and includes key details: VIN, registration plate, mileage, and the exact date and time of the cession (transfer). Digital completion followed by printing for signature is accepted.

The seller must declare the cession online via the ANTS (Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés — France's national registration authority) within 15 days of signing the CERFA. This online declaration is a separate step from completing the paper form: it is the action that officially removes the seller from the vehicle's registration record. Failing to complete it within 15 days means the seller remains legally responsible for any traffic fines, offences, or incidents involving the vehicle — even after the physical handover has taken place.

Three documents are required. First, the signed CERFA 15776 — the buyer's copy. Second, the original carte grise (vehicle registration certificate) crossed out with the handwritten note 'vendu le [date]' and the seller's signature; this crossed-out document serves as temporary proof of ownership. Third, a recent certificat de situation administrative — commonly called a certificat de non-gage — confirming the vehicle is free of outstanding finance charges, seizure orders, or administrative oppositions. Without this third document the buyer cannot complete their ANTS registration.

The buyer has one calendar month from the date of transfer to apply for a new carte grise (vehicle registration certificate) in their own name. The application is made entirely online at ants.gouv.fr. During this one-month window, the crossed-out carte grise and the signed CERFA may be used as temporary proof of ownership. Driving beyond the deadline without a valid registration can lead to fines and complications at the contrôle technique (mandatory periodic roadworthiness inspection) or when renewing vehicle insurance.

A certificat de non-gage — formally called a certificat de situation administrative — is an official document confirming that the vehicle carries no outstanding finance charges, seizure orders, or administrative oppositions that would prevent its transfer. It is free of charge and available within seconds on the Histovec platform (histovec.interieur.gouv.fr) or directly through the ANTS portal by entering the vehicle's registration plate. It should be obtained on or very close to the day of the transaction, as the buyer needs it to complete their new registration on the ANTS website.