Buying a vehicle abroad: how to obtain a tax clearance?

Verified 01 October 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

The tax receipts (or tax certificate) indicates that the vehicle is in regular situation with regard to the TVA: titleContent. It makes it possible to obtain certificate of registration (previously called vehicle registration certificate) if you have purchased a new or used vehicle in a country of l' other than France. The approach differs according to your department.

Warning  

You have no need of a tax discharge for a trailer, one semi-trailer, one agricultural vehicle or forest.

General scenario

Step-by-step approach

You must present the documents following:

If you have purchased a new vehicle that has never been registered, you may be asked for a certificate of conformity. The manufacturer can deliver it digitally.

One certified translation you may also be asked if the invoice or registration certificate is not not written in french.

You must send your request for tax clearance by email at tax department of your home department.

The TVA: titleContent possibly due will be exclusively payable by transfer.

Departments 06, 44, 57, 59, 62, 67, 69 and 75

Step-by-step approach

You must present the documents following :

  • Purchase Invoice (if you bought the car from a garage or company) or transfer certificate (if you purchased the vehicle from an individual)
  • Certificate of Registration obtained in the foreigner country
  • Proof of identity on behalf of the person who purchased the vehicle
  • Proof of domicile in France
  • If you are not not the person who bought the vehicle, the mandate of representation.

If you have purchased a new vehicle that has never been registered, you may be asked for a certificate of conformity. The manufacturer can deliver it digitally.

One certified translation you may also be asked if the invoice or vehicle registration certificate is not not written in french.

The request for a tax release is made obligatory using the French national agency's for secured documents online service (ANTS).

If you are a private, the request for a tax discharge shall be made at same time that the application for registration.

The request is made on the internet:

Registration of a vehicle and request for tax clearance for individuals

If you are a professional and you do not know the final purchaser of the vehicle, you can only request the tax discharge.

The request is made on the internet:

Request for a tax release for professionals

If you are an individual, the TVA: titleContent possibly due will be payable by credit card or direct debit.

If you are a professional, the TVA: titleContent possibly due will be paid either on your declaration of TVA, either immediately by credit card or direct debit.

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