Introduction to France License Plates ↡

When you see a license plate in France, it’s not just a random assortment of letters and numbers; it represents a system that has been streamlined over the years to ensure ease of vehicle identification and regulation. Whether you are moving to France, buying a car, or simply curious about how French license plates work, this guide will provide everything you need to know. France’s license plate system is designed to reflect not only a vehicle’s identity but also the region where it is registered. Understanding the intricacies of the French license plate system is essential for anyone planning to drive or own a vehicle in the country.

The Structure of France License Plates

The modern French license plate follows the “Système d’Immatriculation des Véhicules” (SIV), introduced in 2009. Plates in this system consist of two letters, followed by three numbers, and ending with two more letters (e.g., AB-123-CD). This alphanumeric sequence is national, meaning that the registration numbers no longer change when a vehicle moves to a new region, unlike the previous system.

Regional Identification with France License Plates

Even though the registration number is national, the plates still include a regional identifier on the right-hand side. This identifier consists of a blue band with the French and EU flags on the left, and a two-digit code indicating the department where the vehicle was registered on the right. The department code is accompanied by the emblem of the respective region, allowing for quick recognition of where the car originates.

For example:

• 75 represents Paris
• 13 represents Bouches-du-Rhône (Marseille)
• 69 represents Rhône (Lyon)

This regional marker, while not mandatory to change if the car moves, serves as a cultural and practical identifier.

How to Register a Vehicle in France

If you are planning to purchase or bring a vehicle into France, you must follow the registration process to obtain a legal France license plate. Here’s a breakdown of how to register your vehicle in France:

1. Obtain a Certificate of Conformity (Certificat de Conformité Européen)
   This certificate proves that the vehicle complies with European Union standards. If the vehicle is imported from outside the EU, additional steps are necessary to ensure compliance.
2. Provide Proof of Identity and Residency
   You must prove that you are a resident in France to register a vehicle. Required documents include a valid ID and proof of residency, such as a utility bill or rental agreement.
3. Submit Vehicle Documentation
   This includes the original vehicle registration document (Carte Grise) from the country of origin, proof of insurance, and a technical inspection (Contrôle Technique) report if the car is more than four years old.
4. Pay the Registration Fees
   Registration fees in France vary based on the vehicle’s age, type, and emissions. The fees include regional taxes and the cost of issuing the France license plate.

Types of France License Plates

Just like in many other countries, France has several types of license plates depending on the vehicle’s use:

• Standard Plates
  Used on regular cars, motorcycles, and trucks. These plates follow the standard alphanumeric format and include the regional identifier.
• Diplomatic Plates
  Diplomatic plates are easily recognizable by their unique format, beginning with the letter “CD” (Corps Diplomatique). These plates are issued to diplomats and embassy vehicles.
• Temporary Plates
  Temporary plates are issued to vehicles that are either imported or in transit. These plates are valid for a short period while the car is being registered in France permanently.
• Electric Vehicle Plates
  With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), France has introduced special plates for EVs that allow them to enjoy certain privileges, such as access to low-emission zones.

Changes in France’s License Plate System

Prior to the introduction of the SIV system in 2009, the French license plate system was region-based, meaning that the number changed when a vehicle moved to a different department. Now, under the new system, vehicles keep the same registration number for life, even if they change ownership or move across departments. This change was made to simplify the registration process and to align more closely with European standards.