Automobile. Classic cars: how to obtain the specific registration document?

There are several steps you need to take to benefit from the many advantages of the crisis card specific to classic vehicles. In addition to the original license plate, which can remain on the car, collectors can take out cheaper car insurance, as these vehicles are better maintained and generally run less.

But they can especially skip the technical inspection if the maximum permissible weight (MPW) is greater than 3.5 tonnes, regardless of the date the car was put on the road. The exemption also applies if the vehicle was put on the road before 1960. And for vehicles after 1960, owners will still be able to benefit from a modification by having an obligation to have a service every five years compared to two years for classic cars.

For personal use

However, several conditions must be met to be eligible for the scheme. First, the vehicle must be at least 30 years old. A list established by the French Federation of Vintage Vehicles (FFVE) is available on their website. To apply, you can contact a professional approved and authorized by the state—a garage or dealership—or submit the application online to ANTS.

To do this you will need to provide several documents:

• the FFVE certificate to prove that it is indeed a collector's vehicle;
• the vehicle's old registration document or a certificate;
• proof of address;
• the report of a technical inspection less than six months old - for a vehicle with a GVW less than or equal to 3.5 tonnes.

You'll receive a provisional registration certificate that will allow you to drive in France for one month before receiving your classic car registration card. It's also important to prove that the car is for personal, not commercial, use. Once you have your classic car registration card, you can facilitate your future participation in collector events.

The cost of the process varies depending on the vehicle and region. The simulator on the Service-public.fr website allows you to estimate the price.