Buying a second-hand motorbike abroad is a financially attractive option and it is suitable for those looking for a rare model of two-wheeler. Thanks to the opening of the European Union's borders, it is now easier to buy your used motorbike or scooter abroad if the opportunity arises. However, you should be aware of the requirements for registering a foreign motorbike in France.
How to register a second-hand motorbike bought abroad
After completing the formalities for importing a motorcycle into France, the new buyer must take a few administrative steps. The buyer has one month from the date of purchase to register the used motorbike or scooter with the prefecture. Motorcyclists who are checked with an out-of-date motorbike registration card are liable to a €135-fine. The administrative procedure is carried out in the prefecture or sub-prefecture of the department. Remember that you can also authorize a relative to do this for you. Alternatively, you can appoint an approved professional to carry out this service. Depending on the establishment, the formalities can be carried out on the spot or by post.
Documents required to register a motorbike purchased in the EU
To register two-wheelers purchased in the European Union, the registration application must include several administrative, compliance and tax documents. These include the vehicle's old registration certificate, Cerfa form No. 13750, proof of sale of the vehicle, valid identity document, recent proof of residence (less than 6 months old), European certificate of conformity or certificate of identification to a Community type or RTI report, tax receipt, proof of technical inspection (less than 6 months old) and a vehicle conforming to a French national type. For the latter document, it is the certificate of identification to a national type.
Documents required to register a motorbike purchased outside the EU
When the vehicle is purchased outside the European Union, the new buyer will have to provide almost the same documents, i.e., a valid identity document, proof of residence, Cerfa form No. 13750, proof of sale of the vehicle, proof of a recent roadworthiness test, the vehicle's old registration certificate, a vehicle that conforms to a Community type and a vehicle that conforms to a French national type. Unlike vehicles purchased in the EU, the new owner will not have to provide a 1993 VT REC tax receipt, but will have to add an 846 A customs clearance certificate to his file.
