How to do the roadworthiness test without the use of the vehicle?

Verified 12 January 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

In principle, the vehicle registration certificate ({circumflex over ({circumflex over)}) is mandatory to pass the roadworthiness test. In the absence of a registration certificate, you must present one or more official documents allowing the identification of the vehicle. Accepted documents vary depending on the type of vehicle:

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Car, motorhome up to 3.5 t, van

The accepted documents are in particular the following for one car, one motorhome of 3.5 t maximum, or a van :

  • Vehicle identification card issued online on the website of theANTS: titleContent
  • Provisional traffic card valid for 7 days issued by the police in case of immobilization of the vehicle
  • Certificate issued by the manufacturer or his representative in the case of a vehicle over 30 years of age
  • Certificate issued by the French Federation of Vintage Vehicles (FFVE) in the case of a vehicle over 30 years of age
  • Certificate of registration foreigner
  • Official document proving the origin of ownership of the vehicle and endorsed by the administrative authorities of the country of origin
  • Official document certifying that the certificate of registration has been withdrawn
  • Copy of the certificate of registration endorsed by a professional vendor
  • Copy of the certificate of registration issued by a commissioner of justice (formerly bailiff and judicial auctioneer)
  • Receipt for lodging an individual type-approval certificate, dated less than one year, issued by the vehicle type-approval department, indicating the reason for approval
  • Copy of the certificate of registration covered by a rental business
  • Provisional Certificate of Registration (CPI) valid
  • Certificate of registration crossed by the former owner of the vehicle
  • French Forces and Civilian Elements Stationed in Germany (FFECSA) special certificate with the words “Final cancelation of the FFECSA special series” and the date of validity of the certificate.

Motorized vehicle with 2 or 3 wheels or motor quadricycle (motorcycle, scooter, quad…)

The accepted documents are in particular the following for a 2- or 3-wheel motor vehicle or a motor quadricycle (L-category vehicle) :

  • Provisional Certificate of Registration (CPI) valid.
  • Vehicle identification card issued online on the website of theANTS: titleContent
  • Provisional traffic card valid for 7 days issued by the police in case of of immobilization of the vehicle
  • Certificate issued by the manufacturer or his representative in the case of a vehicle over 30 years of age
  • Certificate issued by the French Federation of Vintage Vehicles (FFVE) in the case of a vehicle over 30 years of age
  • Certificate of registration foreigner
  • French Forces and Civilian Elements Stationed in Germany (FFECSA) Special Certificate with the words “Final cancelation of the FFECSA special series” and the date of validity of the certificate
  • Certificate of receipt of a single type-approval file, dated less than one year, issued by the department responsible for vehicle type-approvals, indicating the reason for approval
  • Certificate of registration crossed by the former owner of the vehicle
  • Copy of the certificate of registration endorsed by a professional vendor
  • Copy of the certificate of registration issued by a commissioner of justice (formerly bailiff and judicial auctioneer)
  • A copy of the certificate of registration for which a rental business is issued.

In the case of a vehicle of category L1e put into circulation before July 2004 which was never registered, the following documents are also accepted:

  • Duplicate certificate of conformity issued by the manufacturer or his representative in France
  • Vehicle invoice provided that it includes at least the type, make, type and identification number of the vehicle
  • Certificate of insurance provided that it includes at least the type, make, type and identification number of the vehicle.

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