In addition, only nominal taxes are payable on a change of name or address. Several taxes and charges are payable, although some only apply to particular types of vehicles.
The vehicle registration document is called the certifcat d’immatriculation, formerly the carte grise, a term which is still used. In the case of a new vehicle, the registration process is normally undertaken by the dealer, when the taxes are added to the purchase price of the vehicle. The same applies for the importation of a vehicle from within or outside of Europe, with higher registration charges that apply for the latter. If you purchase a new or second-hand car (or other vehicle) in France you will be obliged to register it.
