The administrative formalities involved in a move are usually quite extensive. In addition to the organizations and authorities you'll need to contact to report your change of address, you'll also need to replace certain administrative papers. These include your electoral card, and your vehicle registration certificate if you have one. Foreign nationals holding a residence permit must also apply for a duplicate of their document once they have notified us of their move. Follow the guide to find out how to change these documents after a move.
Documents that must be changed when moving house
If you change your address, you'll need to replace several administrative documents. They depend on your nationality and personal situation:
- you have reached the age of majority: you must change your electoral card;
- if you have a car: you must change your vehicle registration document within one month;
- you are a foreign national: you must declare your change of address and request a duplicate of your residence permit.
Voter registration card
To vote in elections, you need to go to the polling station in your place of residence and show your voter's card along with proof of identity. If you're moving, you need to notify the town hall of your change of address so that you can vote where you're moving to.
To obtain your new electoral card, contact the town hall in your new place of residence, which is responsible for managing the commune's electoral roll. They will then contact your former commune of residence to inform them of your change of address. You will then be removed from the list with your old address.
You will receive your new electoral card shortly before the next electoral deadline. Applying for registration on the electoral roll and receiving a new electoral card are completely free of charge.
Vehicle registration certificate
If you own a car, you must notify us of your change of address within 30 days, and change the vehicle registration document. After this deadline, you risk a fine of 135 euros in the event of a roadside check if you fail to report your new address. Any fines not paid until the authorities find your new address will be increased by 375 to 750 euros.
To change your vehicle registration certificate after moving house, you need to contact the national vehicle registration service: https://immatriculation.ants.gouv.fr/
There are two possible scenarios:
- you have an old 9999 ZX 00 (FNI) license plate: in this case, the move requires you to switch to a new license plate. The procedure is subject to a fee, and will require you to change numbers, and therefore to replace the number plate on the vehicle;
- you have a European SIV registration (AA-436-AB): simply register your new address online to receive an insert to stick on your vehicle registration document. If this is one of the first 3 changes to your vehicle registration document, the process is free of charge. From the 4th change of address onwards, you need to request a new vehicle registration document, which will be sent to you by registered post: a fee will then be charged.
The documents required to change your vehicle registration document after a move are as follows:
- the original registration certificate (for an old registration) or a photocopy (for a new registration): remember to keep a photocopy of the registration certificate if you send the original;
- a registration application (Cerfa form no. 13750*03), duly completed and signed;
- a copy of a valid identity document for the owner of the vehicle registration document;
- copy of proof of address less than 6 months old;
- Proof of valid roadworthiness test for vehicles over 4 years old;
- a cheque or money order for 2.76 euros if the change of address requires formalities by post (with an old registration or from the 4th change for a new registration).
When you contact your insurer for your new home insurance contract, don't forget to ask them to update your car insurance card at the same time. Moving house can also be a reason to change car insurers.
Residence permits for foreigners living in France
If you are a foreign national holding a residence permit, you must notify us of your change of address within 3 months of moving house, and request a duplicate residence permit.
You need to contact the prefecture in your new place of residence. If you change your address within the same commune, you must also notify your change of address. The procedure varies from one prefecture to another: find out in advance how to proceed in your département.
Documents that do not need to be replaced after a change of address
National identity card
Old or new, your national identity card (CNI) does not need to be changed when you move house. However, if your card is about to expire, you can renew it for your own convenience, before the expiration date.
Passport
Like an identity card, a passport does not have to be changed when you move house.
Driver's license
Nor do you have to renew your driving license if you move house. This document, which has no expiration date, needs to be renewed only in the event of loss or theft.
Change of address: simplify your procedures with online services
Many administrative procedures can now be carried out easily online. If you're moving house, you can inform several authorities of your change of address by filling in a single form (your health insurance fund, pension funds, tax office, family allowance fund, Pôle Emploi, certain energy suppliers, etc.).
The form is available on the Service-public.fr website: https://psl.service-public.fr/mademarche/JeChangeDeCoordonnees/demarche?execution=e2s1
For your change of address to be taken into account, you must indicate :
- the effective date of the change of address ;
- your full name and address before the move;
- your new contact details.
You will then receive an e-mail confirmation from each of the organizations concerned.
To save time, please fill in this form first. If necessary, you may need to complete this form at a later date by contacting other organizations.