Certificate of registration: how to obtain a vehicle identification card?

Verified 20 October 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

The identification card is a document that summarizes the technical characteristics of the vehicle. It is delivered electronically and does not allow the vehicle to travel on the public highway.

The identification card is issued to you in different situations, in particular if you need to have the vehicle roadworthiness test carried out in the absence of the registration certificate (previously called -) in the event of loss or theft.

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You have to do the roadworthiness test and you no longer have the certificate of registration

It is no longer possible to request an identification card from the prefecture or sub-prefecture.

You must apply for the online form using an online service from theANTS: titleContent :

Request a vehicle identification card

You must identify yourself via France Connect.

You must also have (or create) an ANTS user account.

A digital copying device (scanner, digital camera, smartphone or tablet equipped with a photo function) is required.

Some numeric points (with computers, printers and scanners) are available in each prefecture and most sub-prefectures. You can complete the process there. You can be helped by digital mediators if you encounter difficulties with the use of the internet.

You can also be accompanied in your approach by a house France Services.

Who shall I contact

You must bring a digital copy (photo or scan) of the following documents:

  • Proof of identity and of residence less than 6 months of the holder
  • Declaration of loss or theft of the certificate of registration or any other document justifying the absence of the certificate of registration.

If you're doing it for someone else, you need a digital copy of the mandate signed and of its identity document.

The approach is free of charge.

At the end of the online procedure, the identification form will be available in your personal area of the ANTS website, under the heading "My documents".

Warning  

The identification card does not replace the registration certificate. It does not allow the vehicle to travel on the public highway.

Some numeric points (with computers, printers and scanners) are available in each prefecture and most sub-prefectures. You can complete the process there. You can be helped by digital mediators if you encounter difficulties with the use of the internet.

You can also be accompanied in your approach by a house France Services.

Who shall I contact

You bought a vehicle at auction without a registration certificate

It is no longer possible to request an identification card from the prefecture or sub-prefecture.

You must apply for the online form using an online service from theANTS: titleContent :

Request a vehicle identification card

You must identify yourself via France Connect.

You must also have (or create) an ANTS user account.

A digital copying device (scanner, digital camera, smartphone or tablet equipped with a photo function) is required.

Some numeric points (with computers, printers and scanners) are available in each prefecture and most sub-prefectures. You can complete the process there. You can be helped by digital mediators if you encounter difficulties with the use of the internet.

You can also be accompanied in your approach by a house France Services.

Who shall I contact

You must bring a digital copy (photo or scan) of the following documents:

  • Application by the judicial representative or the commissioner of justice (formerly auctioneer) or the sales commissioner conducting the sale
  • Declaration of loss or theft of the certificate of registration or any other document justifying the absence of the certificate of registration.

If you're doing it for someone else, you need a digital copy of the mandate signed and of its identity document.

The approach is free of charge.

At the end of the online procedure, the identification form will be available in your personal area of the ANTS website, under the heading "My documents".

Warning  

The identification card does not replace the registration certificate. It does not allow the vehicle to travel on the public highway.

Some numeric points (with computers, printers and scanners) are available in each prefecture and most sub-prefectures. You can complete the process there. You can be helped by digital mediators if you encounter difficulties with the use of the internet.

You can also be accompanied in your approach by a house France Services.

Who shall I contact

Who can help me?

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