Vehicle documents and how long to keep them
| Document | Minimum period | Starting from |
|---|---|---|
| Notice of a minor traffic offense (contravention) | 3 years after the decision became final | Date the decision became final |
| Notice of a more serious offense (délit) | 6 years after the decision became final | Date the decision became final |
| Purchase and repair invoices | As long as you own the car, + 2 years if you sell it | Date you sold the car |
| Vehicle transfer certificate (certificat de cession) | For as long as the car is kept | — |
| Driving test certificate (CEPC) | Until you receive your license | — |
| Home or car insurance policy | 2 years after the policy ends | Date the policy ended |
| Receipt, premium notice, cancellation letter | 2 years from the date of the document | Date of the document |
| Car insurance record (relevé d’informations) | Permanent | Keep for good |
Source: Service Public. These are minimum periods: nothing stops you from keeping a document longer, and anything related to an ongoing dispute should be kept.
Fines: 3 or 6 years after the decision
The period doesn’t start from the date of the offense, or from the payment, but from the day the decision became final. It’s the limitation period for the penalty, set by the Criminal Code.
- For a minor offense (contravention), the notice is kept for 3 years.
- For a more serious offense (délit), such as speeding by 50 km/h or more, the notification is kept for 6 years.
Purchase and repair invoices: as long as you own the car
Purchase and repair invoices are kept as long as you own the vehicle, then 2 years after you sell it. The reason is the warranty against hidden defects (garantie des vices cachés): the buyer has 2 years from the discovery of the defect to act, and no later than 20 years after the sale.
File them in one folder, from oldest to newest. On the day of the sale, that folder also shows the buyer how the car was maintained.
Selling, buying, passing your driving test
The vehicle transfer certificate (certificat de cession) is kept as long as the vehicle is kept. Service Public notes that it can help the buyer to keep it for as long as they own the vehicle, in case of a dispute with the previous owner.
The driving test certificate (CEPC, certificat d’examen du permis de conduire), given after you pass the test, is kept until you receive your license. It is valid for 4 months from the day of the test.
Car insurance
The car insurance policy is kept 2 years after it ends: that’s the period to take action, for example to claim compensation. After an accident that caused bodily injury, this period becomes 10 years from the date the injury stabilized (consolidation). Premium notices, receipts and the cancellation letter are kept for 2 years from their date.
The car insurance record (relevé d’informations) is kept for good. Your insurer gives it to you at the end of the policy or on request, and it shows your no-claims bonus or penalty (bonus-malus).
Frequently asked questions
How long should I keep a traffic fine notice in France?
3 years from the date the decision became final. For a more serious offense (délit), such as speeding by 50 km/h or more, 6 years.
How long should I keep my car’s servicing invoices?
As long as you own the car, and 2 more years if you sell it, because of the warranty against hidden defects. The same goes for the purchase invoice.
How long should I keep a vehicle transfer certificate (certificat de cession)?
For as long as the vehicle is kept. Service Public notes that it can help the buyer to keep it for as long as they own the vehicle, in case of a dispute with the previous owner.
How long should I keep my car insurance record (relevé d’informations)?
For good. It shows your no-claims bonus or penalty (bonus-malus), and your insurer gives it to you at the end of the policy or on request.
How long should I keep a cancelled car insurance policy?
2 years after the policy ends. Premium notices, receipts and the cancellation letter are kept for 2 years from their date.
Sources
Checked on October 24, 2026.