Have you found a used car in France at a price that simply doesn’t exist in Italy? Or are you thinking of buying new from a dealer across the border to save a few thousand euros? Importing a car from France is an increasingly common choice, but it hides quite a few bureaucratic and logistical pitfalls that can turn a bargain into an expensive nightmare.
In this updated 2025 guide I explain everything you really need to know, with concrete examples and practical checklists, so you can organise the purchase, transport and registration without wasting time or money.
Why Import a Car from France (Real Pros and Cons)
The French used-car market is huge and often cheaper: greater supply, lower average prices, well-maintained company cars and genuine mileage (thanks to strict government odometer checks).
Main advantages:
- Prices often 10–25% lower than in Italy (especially diesel and estate cars)
- Company and lease vehicles with certified history and documented maintenance
- Much wider choice of estate cars and family models (almost disappeared in Italy)
Real disadvantages:
- Mileage is often higher (French people drive more)
- Possible rust issues on cars from the north
- Italian bureaucracy is slower and more expensive than it seems
- Risk of odometer fraud (though it has decreased in recent years)
It’s worth it if you save at least €2,000–3,000 net after all expenses. It’s not worth it if you’re buying a low-mileage car or if you’re in a hurry to register it.
Private Seller vs French Dealer: Key Differences
Buying from a private seller
- Simple sales certificate (certificat de cession)
- No VAT paid (if used >6 months and >6,000 km)
- Minimum legal warranty (2 years only if seller is a professional)
- Higher risk of surprises (mileage, hidden accidents)
Buying from a dealer
- Invoice with French VAT (20%) if new or nearly new
- Commercial warranty (often 12–24 months)
- European Certificate of Conformity (COC) usually included or discounted
- Lower fraud risk, but slightly higher price
Practical rule: if you save less than €1,500–2,000 net compared to an Italian dealer, it’s better to stay in Italy.
Before Buying: Essential Checks
Don’t trust photos and the seller alone. Always do these checks:
- Mileage history → request the free Histovec report from the official French site
- Accidents and damage → check CarVertical, AutoDNA or Histovec
- Financial liens → verify on the SIV site (Situation Administrative du Véhicule) that there are no liens or blocks
- Maintenance → stamped service book, invoices, records
- Test drive → if you can’t do it yourself, ask for a video or hire a local mechanic
A mistake here can cost you thousands of euros later.
Documents You Must Obtain in France
These are the essential documents to take away:
- Certificat d’immatriculation (French registration document, formerly “carte grise”)
- Certificat de cession (signed sales certificate from seller and buyer)
- European Certificate of Conformity (COC) – essential for registration in Italy; if missing it costs €100–300 to obtain
- Invoice or payment receipt
- Technical inspection (equivalent to MOT) valid (if car >4 years old)
- Quitus fiscal (if VAT is due)
Without the COC registration gets stuck for months.
How to Bring the Car to Italy
You have three main options.
Driving it with French plates
- You need temporary French insurance or a valid Italian policy
- French temporary plates (WW) for max 4 months
- You pay tolls and fines in France with the original plates
- Risks: fatigue, wear, administrative blocks if not registered within deadlines
Transport by car carrier
- The most popular solution for those who don’t want to drive
- Door-to-door (pickup from dealer or private seller, delivery home or to PRA office)
- Average cost €600–1,500 depending on route
- Ideal if the car is stationary or you don’t want to risk the road
Ship (RO-RO)
- Only for long routes (e.g. Marseille–Genoa) or combined with relocation
- Fixed times + port days
- Rarely convenient for most cases
Registering a French Car in Italy: Main Steps
- Deregistration in France → the seller must deregister (cross out the carte grise)
- Temporary plates → get French WW or Italian temporary plates to drive legally
- Technical inspection → if required (depends on age and mileage)
- Motorizzazione / PRA → submit COC, invoice, registration application
- IPT and road tax → pay the provincial transfer tax
- PRA → final registration and Italian plates
An agency for vehicle paperwork saves you time, but adds €200–400 extra.
Real Costs of Importing a Car from France
| Cost item | When it applies | Approximate amount (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAT (if applicable) | New car or used22% on purchase pricePrivate → no VAT if >6 months and >6,000 km | ||
| IPT (Provincial Transfer Tax) | Always | €150–300 approx | Depends on kW and province |
| Agency paperwork | Almost always | €200–450 | Includes Motorizzazione and PRA |
| COC (if not provided) | Always required | €100–350 | From manufacturer or authorised services |
| MOT/inspection (if needed) | Car >4 years | €60–100 | In Italy or France |
| Temporary plates | To drive before final registration | €100–250 | French WW or Italian |
| Car carrier transport | If you don’t drive | €500–1,800 | Depends on route and car type |
Total extra costs beyond purchase price: usually €800–2,500.
Realistic Timelines (and What Slows Them Down)
- Purchase and documents: 1–4 weeks
- Transport: 3–10 days
- Registration: 15–60 days (depends on PRA and agency)
What slows everything down:
- Missing COC
- Incomplete documents
- Car with administrative block in France
- Overloaded Motorizzazione offices
- Required inspections or tests
Plan for at least 2–3 months overall.
Common Mistakes That Cost Money and Time
- Buying without Histovec and COC
- Driving with expired French plates
- Not deregistering in France before registering in Italy
- Choosing transporter based only on lowest price
- Leaving personal items in the car during transport
- Not checking IPT and regional road tax beforehand
- Expecting registration in 10 days
- Forgetting required inspection
How Trasportami Works for Importing from France
- Enter route France–Italy, car model and condition (drivable or not).
- Compare real quotes from specialised transporters for imports.
- Choose and book: pickup from dealer or private seller, delivery where you want.
For your importing a car from France with safe transport, enter your details on Trasportami: in just a few minutes you’ll have clear quotes and can bring the car home without worries.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Importing a Car from France
Do I have to pay VAT when importing a used car from France? No, if the car is over 6 months old and has more than 6,000 km; otherwise yes (22% in Italy).
How much does it cost to register a French car in Italy? On average €800–2,000 including IPT, paperwork, COC and possible inspection.
Can I drive the car with French plates in Italy? Yes, for max 60 days with valid insurance; then you must register it.
Is the COC always mandatory? Yes for almost all cars; without it you can’t register.
How long does it take to get Italian plates? From 15 to 60 days, depending on agency and Motorizzazione.
Is it better to transport by car carrier or drive? Car carrier if you don’t want to risk wear or fatigue; drive if you have time and the car is compliant.
What happens if I don’t register within the deadlines? Fine from €400 to €1,600 + vehicle seizure.
Does Trasportami pick up the car directly from a French dealer? Yes, door-to-door pickup and delivery across Europe, including France.
