Obtaining a Tax Clearance Certificate (Quitus Fiscal) as an Individual

/in /by

Individuals who purchase a vehicle in another European Union country and wish to register it in France must first obtain a tax clearance certificate, commonly referred to as a Quitus Fiscal.

This document confirms that the vehicle complies with French Value Added Tax (VAT) requirements and is generally required before the registration process can be completed through the French vehicle registration system.

The request for a Quitus Fiscal should be submitted once the vehicle has been delivered.

Online Procedure for Certain French Departments

Residents of the departments of Nord, Pas-de-Calais, Moselle, and Bas-Rhin must complete their request through the dedicated online service that combines vehicle registration and tax clearance certificate applications.

Through this digital procedure, applicants can:

  • Submit their registration request.
  • Apply for a Quitus Fiscal.
  • Upload supporting documents electronically.
  • Pay any VAT due using a bank card or direct debit.

When the application is submitted by an authorized representative, eligibility for the online process is determined by the purchaser’s home address or registered business address.

Procedure for Residents of Other Departments

Applicants residing in any other French department must submit their Quitus Fiscal application by email using Form 1993-PART-D-SD.

Any VAT due on the vehicle purchase must be paid by bank transfer.

The application should be sent to the tax office responsible for the applicant’s place of residence.

Documents Required for the Application

A Quitus Fiscal request must include the following supporting documents:

Proof of Identity and Residence

  • Proof of residence in France.
  • If hosted by another person, a copy of the host’s identity document and proof of address.
  • A valid identity document belonging to the vehicle purchaser.

Vehicle Documentation

  • The foreign registration certificate if the vehicle has already been registered abroad.
  • The purchase invoice when the vehicle was acquired from a dealership or company, or a transfer certificate when purchased from a private seller.

The purchase document should contain:

  • The seller’s full name or business name and address.
  • The seller’s VAT number, where applicable.
  • The purchaser’s full name or business name and address.
  • The invoice number and issue date.
  • The delivery date.
  • The vehicle’s make, model, category, and type.
  • The vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number.
  • The foreign registration number.
  • The date of first registration.
  • The actual mileage.
  • The purchase price.

Representation by a Third Party

If the application is submitted by someone other than the purchaser, a signed authorization and a copy of the representative’s identity document must also be provided.

Additional Requirements for New Vehicles

For new vehicles that have never been registered, the tax authorities may request a Certificate of Conformity. This document is generally issued by the manufacturer and may be provided in electronic format.

Additional Supporting Evidence

Depending on the specific circumstances of the transaction, the tax administration may require further documentation before issuing the certificate.

Where the invoice or foreign registration document is not written in French, a certified translation may also be requested.

Why the Quitus Fiscal Is Important

The Quitus Fiscal serves as official evidence that the VAT obligations relating to the vehicle have been satisfied or properly assessed. It is a key document required for registering a vehicle acquired within another European Union Member State and completing the administrative process in France.