When buying a used car , certain documents are essential to modify the registration certificate and thus become the full owner of the vehicle. Among these documents, some are mandatory and others recommended for a safe purchase. Let’s review each of these documents.
Required documents when buying a car
- The registration certificate (gray card): At the time of the sale, the seller must cross the registration certificate with two lines diagonally, indicate: Sold (or possibly transferred), the date and time of the transaction. And then sign. Optionally, the exact mileage can also be specified. If it is a recent registration certificate, the upper right corner must be cut out. You may also be asked for this paper if you take out a car loan with the manufacturer.
- The transfer certificate (Declaration of transfer): This document is available at the prefecture, town hall or gendarmerie and can also be downloaded from the Internet here , then printed. Once the document is completed, it must be signed by the seller and the buyer. In the event that several owners are indicated on the registration certificate, the declaration of transfer must be signed by each of them .
- The certificate of administrative situation (not guaranteed): Available in the prefecture or downloadable: here . This document proves that the vehicle is not pledged (credit organization) and that no opposition prevents the transfer of the registration certificate.
- The technical inspection report (car over 4 years old): This document must be less than 6 months old . Be careful if a counter-visit has been imposed and not carried out. This will not prevent the transfer of gray card , but may cause the buyer to have to bear the costs of an expensive repair. It will also be difficult to cancel the sale in the event of a subsequent discovery of a defect.
Don’t forget to find out about your auto cover! Some do not allow you to be covered outside the EU. If you are buying a car abroad, it would be best to take out short-term car insurance to cover you. Available by the day, by the week or at least, it is a temporary solution not to be overlooked when traveling. Ask your insurer!
Although not mandatory, certain documents are recommended
Without being required for the change of registration certificate , certain documents can be very useful.
- The maintenance booklet: This booklet traces the maintenance history of the car . If the seller is careful, this book has been kept up to date and makes it possible to check that the car has been correctly monitored. Some parts, like the timing belt, need to be changed at specific mileage. The maintenance log will confirm whether or not this maintenance has been carried out and on time.
- The manufacturer’s manual: Although it may seem superfluous to an experienced motorist, this manual contains very useful information such as the oil to be used or the fluids recommended for the brakes, the power steering or the air conditioning . If it is a recent car, it probably carries a large amount of electronics. Reading the manual therefore saves time on the use of certain specific functions
