Do drivers have to change number plates if they move to new French department?
Plates show a regional logo as well as department code - a source of pride for some
Drivers sometimes pick the department where they were born or grew up to be shown on their number plate
pisaphotography / Shutterstock
Reader Question: We have bought a new home in France, but are keeping our car. Do we need to update the number plate?
Modern numberplates in France have department and region information on the right-hand side.
This information typically shows where the vehicle was first registered.
These number plates show the number of the relevant department as well as a symbol, usually the coat of arms of the region the department is in, above it.
This has been the case since 2009, with the introduction of the current système d'immatriculation des véhicules (SIV) and the ‘AA-123-AA’ number plate format.
However, it is not mandatory to change the number plate of the vehicle to show which department the vehicle is registered in if you move to a new department.
The number and symbol - which are set to the right of the main number on the plate - are largely aesthetic, and were originally set to be removed from the number plates altogether during the transition to the SIV.
However, public backlash kept them in place as people were used to the previous system whereby a driver’s department was indicated as part of the number on the plate.
In fact, if you wish, you can adapt your number plate to show any department code you wish – something many drivers in France do to show local pride in the place they were born or grew up.
Read more: What do the different number plate colours of cars mean in France?
However, note that you cannot use stickers to cover this part of the number plate, and must have an entirely new plate made and attached to your vehicle.
New plates can be purchased both online and in person, but government advice site Service Public recommends ordering them from a garage, as these are the most trusted source and have less chance of providing a number plate that does not comply with regulations.
Vehicles with non-conforming number plates risk fines of up to €750.
Read more: France licence plate theft: How to avoid it, tips if you are a victim
