The essentials on the old registration card

IN BRIEF
Year of change	Since April 15, 2009, the old registration card has been replaced by the registration certificate.
After the sale	The owner must cross out the registration card, enter the date and time of the transfer, and sign the document.
Harmonization	Harmonization of the fields of the registration card in theEuropean Union with correspondence between the old and new sections.
Conservation	The crossed out old registration card must be kept for 5 years for archiving by the new purchaser.
Required documents	Provide a copy of both sides of the old registration card and other documents to validate certain procedures.

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Since April 15, 2009, the traditional registration document has given way to the registration certificate, a modernized document aimed at harmonizing information at the European Union level. However, the old registration document continues to play a crucial role, particularly when selling a vehicle. Understanding the specificities and management of this document remains essential for owners of used cars. In a few minutes, find out everything you need to know about the old registration document, its technical sections and the steps to follow after selling a vehicle.

Since April 15, 2009, the old registration document has given way to a new document called the registration certificate. This change was aimed at modernizing and harmonizing information at the European Union level. However, handling the old registration document, particularly when selling a vehicle, remains a frequent question. This article will give you a general understanding of what you need to know about the old registration card, from its use to its management in the event of a sale.

Replacing the old registration card with the registration certificate

Since April 15, 2009, the gray card as we knew it has been replaced by the registration certificate. This new document aims to meet modern requirements in terms of information security and standardization. This certificate also facilitates administrative procedures thanks to harmonization at the level of the European Union.

Handling before and after the sale of a vehicle

Cross out the gray card

When selling a vehicle, the former owner must cross out the registration document. This action includes recording the date and time of the transfer, the documents to be kept, as well as the seller's signature. This step is crucial to avoid any subsequent dispute and is imperative for the validity of the transaction.

Documents to provide

For the sale to be valid, several documents must be completed and provided. A double-sided copy of the old crossed out registration document is essential. Other documents include the certificate of transfer and the certificate of administrative status, sometimes also called certificate of non-pledge.

Harmonization of technical sections

In order to standardize information on the registration document across the European Union, certain sections have been modified and harmonized. For example, the commercial name (D3) of the old registration document has been adjusted to better meet European standards.

What to do in the event of a registration document in the name of the former owner?

It happens that the registration document is still in the name of the previous owner. In this case, it is necessary to regularize the situation as quickly as possible. To do this, the buyer must go to the website of the National Agency for Secure Titles (ANTS) and follow the online procedures. All necessary documents must be provided, including the crossed out registration document of the previous owner.

Archiving and preservation

The regulations require that the new buyer retains the crossed out registration document for a period of five years. This document may prove essential for possible future administrative procedures or to prove the legitimacy of the transaction. In the event of an inspection, the presentation of this card is therefore essential.

Why and how to cross out the registration document?

Crossing out the registration document is a precautionary measure to officially indicate that the vehicle has been sold. This notice prevents any possibility of counterfeiting or fraud. The former owner must write down the exact date and time of the sale and sign the crossed out card. This precaution protects all parties involved in the transaction.

Element	Detail
Replacement date	April 15, 2009
New document	Registration certificate
Action in case of sale	Cross out the registration document, enter the date and time, sign
After-sale storage	5 years by the new buyer
European harmonization	Fields adapted to match EU standards
Declaration procedure	Complete two paper documents and one online on ANTS
Name of previous owner	Regularize quickly in the event of a transfer
Reading	Understanding of old rubrics like D2, D3
Use	Do not drive with an uncrossed registration document

• Replacement: Since April 15, 2009, the old gray card has been replaced by the registration certificate.
• Sale of the vehicle: It must be crossed out, dated, and signed by the seller at the time of sale.
• Archiving: It must be kept for 5 years by the new owner for archiving.
• European harmonization: The sections have been harmonized within theEuropean Union to facilitate understanding.
• Online document: Certain procedures, such as the change of owner, are now carried out on the website of theANTS.
• Prohibition: It is prohibited to hand over a registration document not crossed out to the new buyer.
• Copy: A double-sided copy of the old registration document is necessary for certain administrative procedures.
• Commercial name (D3): The designation "D3" refers to the commercial name of the vehicle.