Your vintage car looks beautiful; you've just finished the restoration using parts you found on our online store, of course, and now it's time to get it on the road. One question remains: which registration document should you choose? You can register your vintage car with a standard registration document or with a "Certificat d’Immatriculation de Collection," the new name for the classic car registration document. Here are some tips to help you decide.

Carte Grise

The Classic Vehicle Registration Certificate in Brief

Firstly, if you want to know if you already have a registration certificate with the "collection" mention, refer to line Z1 which should indicate it if that is the case.

Next, it should be noted that obtaining a Collection Registration Certificate is reserved for vehicles that are more than thirty years old. To do this, you must obtain a certificate proving that your vehicle is indeed a "collector's item." You can obtain this either from the car manufacturer, if it still exists, or from the FFVE after completing an application.

The final step will be to obtain a registration certificate, and that's standard; you'll get it from the ANTS, just like with your everyday car.

Where do you want to drive ?

A long time ago, the vintage vehicle registration certificate no longer restricted your movements to just your own department. And the Collection Registration Certificate doesn't either. In that regard, you can be at ease.

Now we can tackle the thorny issue of traffic in large urban areas. The current restrictions implemented by Low Emission Zones (ZCR) to reduce pollution have been circumvented by obtaining exemptions for older vehicles since they are driven very little.

These are the same arguments currently being used to obtain exemptions for future low-emission zones (ZFE). While we do not yet know the specifics, vehicles of a certain age should no longer be allowed to drive in the affected urban areas.

The FFVE is currently working to obtain a specific sticker for vintage vehicles. However, be aware that it will probably be reserved for vehicles with a vintage registration certificate.

No definitive decision has been made, we promise to discuss it again !

Usage... and insurance

Before choosing between a regular registration card or a collector's registration certificate, you need to consider the intended use. Only one use is restricted by the CIC: the vehicle for professional use. Whether you wish to rent it out for weddings or transport anyone for a fee, you can do so if you are a VTC (chauffeur-driven transport vehicle).

But usage is also related to insurance. If your vintage vehicle has a regular registration certificate, you can insure it as a regular vehicle or as a classic. The only limitation is that most classic car insurance policies prohibit "daily" use. Technically: the commute to work will not be covered. So make sure to find out if you wish to use your vintage car daily.

Also, if you choose the classic vehicle registration certificate, your insurer might require you to switch to classic car insurance. Make inquiries in advance to avoid unnecessary restrictions.

An influence on the Technical Inspection...

Depending on the mention on your Vehicle Registration Certificate, the Technical Inspection will be affected. If you have a standard registration certificate, it is the normal procedure: you will need to undergo it every two years.

If you have a collector's registration certificate, there are two cases:

  • - If your car's original registration date is before 1960, you are exempt (but you can still voluntarily have a technical inspection from time to time to check everything).
  • - Your car dates from after 1960: you will need to undergo a technical inspection, but only once every 5 years !

... and on license plates !

Since October 15, 2009, license plates have been in the SIV format: AA-111-AA instead of 111-AA-XX (department number).

Moreover, until now, one could keep their old number... but the switch to the SIV (Vehicle Registration System) is mandatory for all cars, even without changing ownership, for some time now. The only way to keep your old registration: having registered it as a collector's registration at the time... because if you do it now, or if you buy a car tomorrow, you will be required to have a new registration that will necessarily be in the SIV.

Finally, be aware that the only way to have a vintage vehicle with a black plate, the old-fashioned way, is to have a classic vehicle registration certificate !

In any case, we advise you to refer to the FFVE website for any questions., it's this way.