Can i change the number plate on my french car?

NUMBER PLATES CONTAIN INFORMATION INCLUDING A DEPARTMENT CODE AND REGIONAL LOGO READER QUESTION: I HAVE MOVED TO A NEW DEPARTMENT SO MY ADDRESS IS NOW IN ALPES-MARITIMES (PREVIOUSLY

GIRONDE). DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY CAR’S NUMBER PLATES TO SHOW THIS? The first thing to note is that it is not necessary to change your vehicle’s number plate if you move to a new department.

Since 2009 and the introduction of the _système d'immatriculation des véhicules_ (SIV), cars have been given number plates with a ‘AA-123-AA’ format (for cars) which remains for the

vehicle’s lifespan (other vehicles may have different formats). This main section of the number plate is given to a vehicle when it is first registered, and it cannot be chosen by the

driver. In addition, it cannot usually be altered to display a new format, except in specific circumstances discussed below. French plates also display a department code and regional logo on

the right-hand side, however these serve no administrative purpose, and were introduced after fierce local backlash to the new system. Many people wanted to retain this information as a

sense of local pride. Regardless of where your car is registered or from where you purchased it, you can have any department code and its accompanying logo. Some people choose to do this to

show the rural areas they come from, especially in larger cities. It is therefore possible to purchase a number plate with a new departmental code and logo, as a purely aesthetic move. Note

however that it is illegal to use a sticker on this part of the number plate to show a certain department code. A couple in Toulon, Var were fined €90 in 2019 for doing so. READ MORE: NUMBER

PLATE FRAUD: THOUSANDS OF DRIVERS FALL VICTIM IN FRANCE EACH YEAR SOMETIMES NUMBER PLATES MUST BE CHANGED There are cases where you still must change your number plate, which include if

your number plate: * Has been stolen (or if someone has copied it and, for example, you are receiving speeding fines) * Has been lost * Has been damaged * Is ineligible, non-compliant, or

deformed * If the vehicle is second-hand and still has plates from the old system READ MORE: WHAT ARE ‘WW’ CAR REGISTRATION PLATES IN FRANCE? Plates can be ordered from a number of online

sites however Service Public recommends using a number plate manufacturer or going through a garage, to ensure it meets regulations. You will not be able to choose the format of your number

plate, however. The following information will be required for second-hand vehicles: RELATED ARTICLES FRENCH DRIVING LICENCES: HOW TO CHECK IF YOU HAVE ANY POINTS HOW DO YOU REGISTER A USED

CAR IN FRANCE?