How to register your boat in France?

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It takes up to a month to get your boat registered with the new owner. 

When buying a used sailboat, we need to get the ownership transferred. 
Everything can be done online. 
Except that our seller didn't do it online, so we couldn't do step 1 below. 
Also our seller printed a template that didn't allow 2 owners on the sales agreement. 
Therefore Nico is the sole owner at the moment. 

Altogether, we had to do the registration the old way, by snail mail. 
Which is very lengthy, especially since we live on the boat now, and we don't have any printer. 

Eventually we made it and sent it all to the DDTM.


How to register your boat in France


1. Get Seller’s Transfer Code

   - The seller declares the sale on demarches-plaisance.gouv.fr via FranceConnect and gives you a transfer code.


2. Collect Documents  

   - Bill of sale that contains all boat info (HIN, length, etc.)), the "carte de francisation", your ID, your proof of residence, and proof of VAT or customs clearance if applicable.


3. Register Online

   - Log into demarches-plaisance.gouv.fr with FranceConnect, use the transfer code, upload docs, and enter boat name/home port.


4. Pay Any Fees

   - Registration is free; if over 7 meters, you might owe the DAFN tax (check online—small sailboats are often exempt).

We did it online, so we are waiting for the invoice. TBC.

5. Get Certificate

   - Receive your digital navigation certificate (valid 10 years) within weeks.


6. Display Name 

   - Add the boat name and registration area (e.g., “TL” for Toulon) on the rear or both sides of the bow, letters at least 4 cm tall. 
So far ours is Sète. I don't think it'll change, so we'll probably keep the sticker on. 


Two owners

 Since the original sales deed only lists Nico as the owner, once the boat’s ownership is officially transferred to him, he’ll need to go online and file another sales registration stating that he sold 50% of the boat to me.

At this point, I don't care if the boat bears my ownership or not. 


 

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