How to register a used vehicle

PROCEDURE

TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY

Last updated: 24/11/2023

Individuals who are resident in Monaco and professionals who are exercising an activity domiciled in Monaco, can register a used vehicle in the Principality.

Understanding the process

The following can register and maintain registration of a used vehicle (*) in the Principality:

Individuals who are resident in Monaco and can prove their residency by showing either a national ID card or a national passport with proof of address (gas or electricity bill from the SMEG, rental agreement), or a valid residence permit
For professional use or when assigning a vehicle for professional use by staff, individuals or legal entities authorised to exercise and who are in practice exercising a professional, commercial or industrial activity

Non-trading property companies and non-trading companies whose consultancy or management activities are mainly carried out for the benefit of their founders or members and whose founders or members are not domiciled in the Principality are excluded from registration under the above provisions.

All vehicle registrations are recorded in a register. A certificate of registration and two registration plates to be positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle are issued.

A single rear registration plate is issued for trailers, semi-trailer, quadricycles, motorcycles, mopeds, and similar vehicles. However, a front plate can be issued on request for quadricycles.

The front plate features a tapered red and white badge and the letters MC. The badge is positioned to the left of the registration number. The rear plate has a stamp validating the registration and bears the words "Principality of Monaco" in the same horizontal line below the registration number.

Registration plates must be fixed firmly to the vehicle in the locations designated for that purpose.

The certificate and plates indicate the number assigned to the vehicle as well as the validity period of the registration, which will be until 31 December of the current year, or 31 December of the following year if the vehicle is registered between 1 October and 31 December.

Registration can be renewed for another year during the annual renewal period (Stickers).

See the following procedure for details: How to renew your annual car sticker

Should you fail to renew your annual car sticker, the vehicle will be deregistered in accordance with the conditions established by ministerial decree. The vehicle is no longer authorised to drive on the roads.

In this case, the owner of the vehicle must then return the registration certificate, and pay the relevant administrative fees as stipulated by ministerial decree. The registration plates must also be returned if the vehicle has been deregistered following a failure to complete a technical visit.

See the procedure: How to regularise a vehicle deregistered for failure to renew a registration (car sticker)

In addition, vehicles must undergo a periodic technical inspection, details of which are set out in: Technical inspection of vehicules

From 4 January 2023, if the technical inspection is not accepted before the due date, or if the vehicle still has defects after the second inspection, the vehicle is no longer authorised to drive on the roads.

To rectify the situation, you will need to make a new appointment and pay an additional fee. See the factsheet: Regularising a vehicle whose registration has expired

In the event that the residence permit is not renewed, the conditions for maintaining registration in the Principality are no longer met and the vehicle will need to be removed from the number plate database according to the procedures set out in the factsheet: How to apply for a certificate for registration abroad. Failure to follow these procedures will result in the vehicle being removed from the number plate database and no longer authorised to drive on the roads. The same applies to companies, associations or foundations which have ceased to operate.

Any vehicle that is more than 30 years old can be registered as a vintage car at the request of the owner. Vehicles registered as vintage cars may only be driven on an occasional basis at rallies or other events where the participation of a specific type of vehicle is required

They may also, however, be driven in the Principality under the same conditions as vehicles registered as standard cars.

When owners of vintage cars need to drive these vehicles outside the Principality to take them to the locations where rallies or other events are being held, they must complete a declaration in triplicate. This declaration must be torn from a book containing 24 numbered pages issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office. Each page includes three sections in which the declarations must be completed.

The first two sections, or sections A and B, must be sent to the Police Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office respectively, at least three days before the date of departure of the vehicles indicated in the declaration, with the postmark serving as proof. The third section, section C, must be retained by the drivers and presented in the event of a check.

Private cars registered as "vintage cars" (M1) are required to undergo a technical inspection at least once every 72 months. The Vehicle Testing Centre may issue a technical inspection report for this length of time only if the vehicle is already registered as a "vintage car".

Any vehicle that is more than 30 years old may also be registered as a standard car provided that the documents include a European certificate of conformity. Private cars that are more than 30 years old and are not registered as "vintage cars" (M1) are required to undergo a technical inspection at least one every 12 months from the time that they reach 30 years old.

(*) In accordance with Article 3i § of Regulation (EU) 883/2014, any application for registration or approval of vehicles from Russia is suspended, regardless of their use (professional or private) or condition (new or used).

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Tarifs 2023

PDF604.3 kB

The application to register must be sent to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office using the appropriate forms, duly completed and signed on the original.

The forms may be:

Download online

STC001 Demande d'immatriculation (385-0055_04-2023)
PDF257.9 kB

STC005 Certificat de vente ou de cession d'un véhicule d'occasion Interactif (385-0055_06-2022)
PDF205.3 kB
Collected from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office

All applications to register a used vehicle must be accompanied by original copies of the following documents and, if necessary, an official translation into French by a sworn translator at a court of appeal in Monaco or France.

Documents must be in French or if they are written in a foreign language, be accompanied by a translation into French, by a sworn translator at the Monaco Court of Appeal or a French Court of Appeal

Where necessary, translations can be made in the country issuing the documents to be translated. In this case, they must be legalised or apostilled.

If the country issuing the documents to be translated is a signatory to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, the apostille for the sworn translation can be requested directly from the Court of Appeal where the translator is registered.

If the issuing country is not a signatory to the Hague Convention, diplomatic or consular legalisation of the translation will be required.

The list of sworn translators in the Principality of Monaco is available from the Monaco Court of Appeal, while the list of sworn translators at the French Court of Appeal can be found on the following website www.directory-sworn-translator.com for sworn translators approved by the French Court of Appeal.

Any administrative procedure undertaken at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office by a third party must be accompanied by a mandate signed by the principal and by supporting documents showing proof of these persons' identities.

The mandate allows the representative to submit and track the progress of the principal’s application(s), but not to sign documents instead of the principal.

For Monegasque nationals:
- A copy of a valid Monaco national identity card
- Or a copy of a national passport with proof of address (gas or electricity bill from the SMEG, rental agreement) dated within the last 3 months
For residents: a copy of a valid residence permit
The registration application form
An original signed certificate of sale or transfer, in the case of a vehicle sold by an individual (private individual) or an entity that is not VAT-registered
Or copy of an invoice for a vehicle sold by a legal entity or individual business (garage or company), or a VAT-registered entity, which includes:
- A unique invoice number based on a continuous chronological sequence
- The seller’s identity (surname, postal address, postal code and city, Trade and Industry Registry or SIRET number)
- The purchaser’s identity (surname and first name or registered name, postal address, postal code and city)
- A description of the asset sold (must include vehicle serial number and odometer reading where possible)
- Amount

The invoice must be for the benefit of one person only. If this is not the case, one of the co-purchasers will need to withdraw, in writing, and attach an original signed copy of a letter to the application, accompanied by a copy of the relevant identity document

The previous original registration certificate
The previous original registration plates
A copy of the report of a technical inspection passed no more than six months ago in Monaco for cars with a GVWR of less than or equal to 3,5 tonnes and which are more than 4 years old, and for vehicles with a GVWR of more than 3,5 tonnes and which are more than 1 year old
If the vehicle has been modified or rebuilt, one of the following documents depending on the circumstances:
- The original bodywork certificate (Annex VII) issued by a bodywork specialist approved by the manufacturer
- The original report of the initial conformity check of a vehicle (annexe III) issued by a bodywork specialist approved by the manufacturer
- A copy of the report of individual or single vehicle type approval issued by the Regional Directorate for Environment, Urban Planning and Housing of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region (DREAL)
The payment, to be made by Visa or Mastercard bank cards only, cheque or postal order (clearable in Monaco or France), made out to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office and cash, in accordance with the current fee schedule

NB: In the case of a second-hand vehicle registered in Monaco and purchased at a public auction, the certificate of sale may be replaced by a certificate of auction including the note "sold with registration certificate" or "sold without registration certificate".

For Monegasque nationals:
- A copy of a valid Monaco national identity card
- Or a copy of a national passport with proof of address (gas or electricity bill from the SMEG, rental agreement) dated within the last 3 months
For residents: a copy of a valid residence permit
The registration application form
If there has been a change in ownership:
- An original signed certificate of sale or transfer, in the case of a vehicle sold by an individual or an entity that is not VAT-registered
- Or a copy of an invoice for a vehicle sold by a legal entity or individual business (garage or company), or a VAT-registered entity, which includes:
  - A unique invoice number based on a continuous chronological sequence
  - The seller’s identity (surname, postal address, postal code and city, Trade and Industry Registry or SIRET number)
  - The purchaser’s identity (surname and first name or registered name, postal address, postal code and city)
  - A description of the asset sold (must include vehicle serial number and odometer reading where possible)
  - Amount

The previous original registration certificate (carte grise) for the vehicle, which must be legible and in good condition, and on which the holder has written, clearly and indelibly, the words "sold on (date of sale)"
In the case of vehicles from France sold by a French professional car dealer:
- A copy of the declaration of purchase receipt, if the registration certificate (carte grise) is not in the name of the professional car dealer
- A copy of the declaration showing that the vehicle is no longer used for demonstration purposes, in the case of "demonstration vehicles"
A copy of a no-pledge certificate dated within the last 15 days, issued by the relevant authorities
A copy of the report of a technical inspection passed no more than six months ago in Monaco for cars with a GVWR of less than or equal to 3,5 tonnes and which are more than 4 years old, and for vehicles with a GVWR of more than 3,5 tonnes and which are more than 1 year old
If the vehicle has been modified or rebuilt, one of the following documents depending on the circumstances:
- The original bodywork certificate (Annex VII) issued by a bodywork specialist approved by the manufacturer
- The original report of the initial conformity check of a vehicle (annexe III) issued by a bodywork specialist approved by the manufacturer
- A copy of the report of individual or single vehicle type approval issued by the Regional Directorate for Environment, Urban Planning and Housing of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region (DREAL)
The payment, to be made by Visa or Mastercard bank cards only, cheque or postal order (clearable in Monaco or France), made out to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office and cash, in accordance with the current fee schedule

NB: In the case of a second-hand vehicle registered in France and purchased at a public auction, the certificate of sale may be replaced by a certificate of auction including the note "sold with registration certificate" or "sold without registration certificate".

If the previous registration certificate is not available, one of the following documents must be provided:

A vehicle identification document for a vehicle (document which summarises the technical characteristics)
Or a copy of the report of individual or single vehicle type approval issued by the Regional Directorate for Environment, Urban Planning and Housing of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region (DREAL)

For Monegasque nationals:
- A copy of a valid Monaco national identity card
- Or a copy of a national passport with proof of address (gas or electricity bill from the SMEG, rental agreement)
For residents: a copy of a valid residence permit
The registration application form
If there has been a change in ownership:
- An original signed certificate of sale or transfer, in the case of a vehicle sold by an individual or an entity that is not VAT-registered
- Or copy of an invoice for a vehicle sold by a legal entity or individual business (garage or company), or a VAT-registered entity, which includes:
  - A unique invoice number based on a continuous chronological sequence
  - The seller’s identity (surname, postal address, postal code and city, Trade and Industry Registry or SIRET number)
  - The purchaser’s identity (surname and first name or registered name, postal address, postal code and city)
  - A description of the asset sold (must include vehicle serial number and odometer reading where possible)
  - Amount

The previous original registration certificate issued by the relevant authorities in the country of origin or an equivalent original official document if held by the authorities in the country of origin
If appropriate, an original certificate of ownership and an original certificate showing deregistration issued by the relevant authorities in the country of origin
- A copy of the Full European certificate of conformity issued by the manufacturer
- Or the identification certificate for an imported used vehicle conforming to a recognised type in the EU /original identification certificate for an imported vehicle conforming to a recognised type in France issued by the manufacturer
- Or a copy of the Fédération Française des véhicules d’époque(French Vintage Car Federation) certificate for vehicles that are more than 30 years old
- Or a copy of the report of individual or single vehicle type approval issued by the Regional Directorate for Environment, Urban Planning and Housing of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region (DREAL)
A copy of the report of a technical inspection passed no more than six months ago in Monaco for cars with a GVWR of less than or equal to 3,5 tonnes and which are more than 4 years old, and for vehicles with a GVWR of more than 3,5 tonnes and which are more than 1 year old
For modified and rebuilt vehicles, a copy of the report of individual or single vehicle type approval issued by the Regional Directorate for Environment, Urban Planning and Housing of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region (DREAL)
For vehicles from the European Community (EC), the original certificate of purchase/VAT exemption issued by the Department of Tax Services in Monaco
For vehicles from outside the EC, the original receipt showing payment of customs duties (846A form) issued by the French Customs Authority
The payment, to be made by Visa or Mastercard bank cards only, cheque or postal order (clearable in Monaco or France), made out to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office and cash, in accordance with the current fee schedule

NB: In the case of a second-hand vehicle registered abroad (outside France) and purchased at a public auction, the certificate of sale may be replaced by a certificate of auction including the note "sold with registration certificate" or "sold without registration certificate". If the previous registration certificate is not available, one of the following documents must be provided:

A vehicle identification document for a vehicle (document which summarises the technical characteristics)
Or a copy of the report of individual or single vehicle type approval issued by the Regional Directorate for Environment, Urban Planning and Housing of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region (DREAL)

In all cases where registration of a used car purchased at a public auction is being requested, if it is not possible to supply the previous registration certificate, a report of individual or single vehicle type approval issued by the Regional Directorate for Environment, Urban Planning and Housing of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region (DREAL), must be provided in addition to the documents noted above.

To submit your application, you must first make an appointment with an agent of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office.

You can request an appointment in one of the following three ways:

Online using the online service made available for this purpose
By email to circulation@gouv.mc
By telephone on (+377) 98 98 80 14

The staff of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office will be waiting for you at the time of the appointment; you should bring with you the documents listed in steps 1 and 2 and your preferred means of payment.

You can find all the information about making an appointment with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office by following this link

The certificate and registration plates or set of registration plates, if applicable, are available within 72 hours by appointment arranged by the customer manager at the end of the interview and on presentation of the payment receipt (invoice).

You can request an appointment in one of the following three ways: