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How to buy a car in France as a foreigner: US guide
American expats in France often reach a point where owning a car becomes necessary. For example, you may want to explore the countryside or simply avoid crowded trains during peak hours.
If you're thinking about buying a car in France, you're probably wondering how the purchasing process works, what documentation you'll need, and whether it's even possible as a non-French citizen.
Now, buying a car in France as a foreigner presents challenges. French bureaucracy has a reputation for complexity, and you'll need a French address to register and insure your vehicle.
With patience and preparation, though, Americans living in France can successfully navigate the system and get behind the wheel. Here's how to buy a car in France and what you need to know before starting.
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Can Americans buy a car in France?
Yes, Americans can buy a car in France, but you'll only be able to register and insure it if you're a French resident.
This means that it typically doesn't make sense for tourists and temporary visitors to buy a French car since they won't be able to drive it without registration and insurance.
Registration requires a French address, and insurance companies typically won't cover you without a valid French driver’s license and proof of residency.¹
Buying a car in France as a foreigner also means dealing with French administrative procedures, which can sometimes be frustratingly slow or complicated. Overall, it can be a less straightforward process than what you're used to in the US.
What are the requirements to buy a car in France as a foreigner?
To buy and drive a car in France, you'll need to prove your residency status and ability to operate the vehicle with the following documents:
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Valid passport and residence permit: You'll typically need both to prove your identity and legal right to live in France, although sometimes you won't need to show your permit/visa
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French address with proof of residence: Utility bills, rental contracts, or housing attestations confirm where you live and are required for registration
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French driver’s license (or, sometimes, US license): You can drive with your US license for up to 1 year, as long as you have a proper residence status and an International Driving Permit, but sometimes it can be required to get a French driver’s license for insurance or if your vehicle doesn't match the category on your license¹
Buying a car in France typically only requires basic documents like your ID and proof of address, but registration and insurance will likely require additional paperwork, including full car documentation.
Types of cars to buy in France
New cars
New vehicles are popular in France because they don't have any maintenance issues and come with manufacturer warranties. They're also easy to get from an authorized brand dealer.
However, prices run higher than used options, which can be a dealbreaker for some Americans. Financing exists but remains difficult for foreigners to secure without an established French credit history, and paying in cash isn't realistic for many people.
Used cars
The used car market in France is extensive, and you'll find vehicles available at significantly lower prices than new ones.
However, sellers can be slow to respond and difficult to communicate with, especially if you don't speak French. Also, it's important to get comprehensive vehicle history reports to verify the car's condition before purchase.
French car brands
Peugeot, Renault, and Citroën are popular French brands. They're often practical and affordable, and there are widespread service networks across the country that make repairs quite easy.
Electric cars and hybrids
Government incentives can make French-manufactured electric vehicles more affordable and convenient to own than traditional models.
Electric vehicle owners typically qualify for the Crit'Air vignette, which is a sticker permitting entry into low-emission zones in major French cities.¹
Where to buy a car in France
Many Americans in France buy cars from traditional dealerships, but you can also explore online platforms to connect with private sellers.
Here are a few options for where you can buy a car in France:
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Franchise dealerships: Authorized brand dealers sell new cars with warranties, and this is usually the easiest but also the most expensive option
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Used car dealers: You will find pre-owned vehicles across multiple brands, but service quality and support can vary
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Online marketplaces: Websites like Leboncoin list offers from private sellers and dealers throughout France, but they're usually in French
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Private sellers: You can buy a car from a friend, neighbor, or someone in your social circle, but make sure to verify its condition, ideally with a mechanic
If you're not ready to buy a car in France yet, leasing is an option that works well for some foreigners. The dealership takes care of registration, insurance paperwork, and maintenance, which saves you from dealing with all of that yourself.
How much is a car in France?
So, how much does a car cost in France? It depends heavily on whether you choose a new vehicle or a used one as well as the insurance coverage you select.
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory, but many Americans decide to buy comprehensive coverage, which is more expensive.
Here are some important costs at a glance:
| Expense | Approximate cost¹ ² ³ |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (new compact car) | 36,192 USD |
| Toyota Corolla sedan 1.6 (new mid-size car) | 36,673 USD |
| Registration fee (carte grise) | Varies by region and vehicle |
| Technical inspection (contrôle technique) | 80 USD to 130 USD |
| Third-party liability insurance (annual, mandatory) | 235 USD to 700 USD |
| Third-party fire, theft insurance (annual) | 350 USD to 940 USD |
| Comprehensive insurance (annual) | 700 USD to 2,350 USD |
In the US, many Americans finance their cars. However, in France, getting a car loan can be challenging for foreigners, especially if you haven't lived in the country for a long time.
You'll typically need an established credit history and proof of stable employment, so most American buyers end up paying cash for their vehicles.
That said, you may be able to find a specialized lender willing to work with expats, but be prepared for a large down payment and high interest rates.
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How to buy a car in France: step by step
1. Confirm your residency status
Make sure you have all of the necessary French address documentation before you start looking at cars. Without legal residency, you typically can't complete registration or get insurance.
2. Get your French driver’s license
You can drive with your US license for up to 1 year, but for registration and insurance purposes, you may need a French license. The best thing, ideally, is to get a French license.
3. Decide on your budget
Calculate what you can spend on the vehicle plus insurance as well as one-time expenses like registration and inspection costs.
You should plan to pay cash since financing options for foreigners are limited and require extensive documentation.
4. Choose your vehicle type
Smaller cars are often easier to drive in French cities, where the streets are narrow and the parking is tight, especially if you live in or often have to drive through historic neighborhoods.
A smaller vehicle may also cost less to register and insure.
5. Search for cars
To find a car in France, the best approach is usually to try different things, such as visiting a dealership, browsing French marketplaces, and asking within your social circles for recommendations.
Getting a new car at a dealership is usually the easiest way to secure a vehicle, but it also comes with a premium price.
6. Check the vehicle history
For used cars, request the vehicle's *contrôle technique *(technical inspection) certificate and verify its history through available records. This inspection must be current and valid.
7. Arrange a test-drive and inspection
Test-drive any car you're seriously considering and have it inspected by a mechanic if you're buying a used vehicle. A mechanic will charge you a fee, but their expertise is almost always worth it.
8. Get an insurance quote
Contact French insurance companies for quotes before finalizing the purchase, but you typically don't have to activate coverage until after buying.
Third-party liability insurance is legally required in France, but many drivers decide to get comprehensive coverage to be protected on the road.
9. Complete the sale
Agree on the final price (with private sellers, there may be some room for negotiation) and complete the sales contract.
The seller should provide the certificate of sale (certificat de cession), technical inspection certificate, and certificate of conformity (CoC).
10. Register the vehicle
You must register your car and get a registration certificate within 1 month of purchase.¹
Some dealerships may handle this process for you. For private sales, register online through the ANTS (National Agency for Secure Titles) website and provide all of the required documentation, such as your ID, proof of residence, and car documents.
11. Equip your car with mandatory items
Before driving, make sure your vehicle has a high-visibility vest, a warning triangle, and any other legally required safety equipment.¹
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Driving in France: Requirements
French roads generally follow EU standards, but they're not that much different from those in the US. However, you'll likely need some time to fully adapt when you start driving.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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France drives on the right side of the road, the same as the US, so you won't need to adjust to left-side driving
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Toll roads (péages) are common on highways and require payment either by cash, card, or electronic badge at toll booths
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Parking regulations are strictly enforced in cities, with color-coded zones indicating paid parking, restricted areas, and time limits
Generally, you can use your US driver's license in France if you're there for a short stay for up to 1 year, along with an International Driving Permit.¹
However, the best thing, especially for long-term residents, is to get a French driver’s license.
How to import a car from France to the US
If you really like the car you bought in France, you may want to import it to the US.
However, while theoretically possible to do, it's usually a difficult process that requires you to comply with federal safety and emissions standards set by the Department of Transportation and the EPA.
Your French car will most likely require expensive modifications, and the shipping costs are steep because you have to move your car across the ocean.
This is why most Americans sell their French cars before returning home.
Researching the costs of buying a car in France helps you budget, but there's an important expense that many Americans overlook: the cost of sending an international transfer or paying with your US card to purchase a car abroad.
Banks often charge high fees for wire transfers and add markups to currency exchange rates. Using your US credit or debit card or withdrawing cash typically means paying foreign transaction fees.
Especially on a large amount like a car purchase, you can lose hundreds or even thousands of USD just to get your money from the US to France and convert it to EUR.
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With Wise, you can send secure and trackable large amount transfers to 140+ countries worldwide with transparent fees and the fair mid-market exchange rate.
Have a look at the main benefits for using Wise to send large transfers:
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- Upfront, transparent fees
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Sources
- Expatica - Buying a car in France as a foreigner
- Numbeo - Cost of Living in France
- Fab French Insurance - Types of Car Insurance Policies Available in France
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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