What are the possibilities for obtaining a certificate of conformity for free?
In 1992, representatives of EU member states agreed on legislation that initially provided for a single system to certify that a vehicle complied with technical and safety requirements. This document was called the European certificate of conformity.
Sometimes the certificate of conformity or COC can be a significant expense. This cost results from the need for in-depth research among the vehicle's series and parts to verify compliance with the destination country's national regulations. Before being put on the market, vehicles undergo specific tests by a technical service in accordance with community legislation. But is it possible to obtain a European certificate of conformity for free or at least a little cheaper among all these costs?
1- Contact previous owners.
The previous owner may have kept the original document, and even if they have lost it, often a scan or photocopy may suffice (depending on the country of registration, for example, in France, this will be sufficient, but countries like Spain still only accept paper).
If the vehicle is old, it may also be a red-cross, which is somewhat the ancestor of the free COC. Based on a certificate of conformity, a European registration of the vehicle becomes possible for free.
2- It is a new or never registered vehicle.
In this specific case, it's hit or miss. For some brands, it's more expensive, but for many, it's free. Request a quote from us in this specific case, but expect it to be paid most of the time, as the vehicle must never have been registered, in addition to being new.
3- You bought the vehicle in a dealership or garage
Try negotiating! It is possible to request the provision of this document in advance or a discount on the price corresponding to the rate on our website. You can contact us for a formal quote, but often a screenshot will suffice.
4- The vehicle is over 30 years old.
If the first registration date is over 30 years old, then you can avoid obtaining a certificate and go through a certificate of collection vehicle. You will find this procedure in our left-hand menu (other certificates).
If the vehicle is almost 30 years old (for example, 29 years), we recommend waiting as this procedure is much cheaper.
5- You do not drive on public roads.
No need for a certificate of conformity! If you only drive on private land, it is not necessary!
For example, if your vehicle will only be used for car racing (hill climb, circuit), you do not need homologation as it is only required on open roads.
7- COC is not obligatory by derogation.
In some cases, such as for a displacement of less than 50cc on two wheels, it may be possible not to need a COC. The COC may not be truly free, but it amounts to the same as you will not have to pay for it.
6- Renegotiate
The hidden costs during a commercial transaction can be recognized by a court as deception, even in other European countries. Explain to the seller that they were required to justify the homologation of the vehicle they were selling, and if not, they must lower the price accordingly.
7- COC is not compulsory under derogation.
In certain cases, such as for two-wheeled vehicles with a displacement of less than 50cc, it may be possible not to need a COC. The COC may not be completely free, but it amounts to the same thing since you won't have to pay for it.
6- Renegotiate
Hidden costs in a commercial transaction can be recognized by a court as a deception, even in other European countries. Explain to the seller that they were required to provide proof of homologation for the vehicle they were selling and that if they didn't, they must lower the price accordingly. In the same way that a real estate seller must provide proof of asbestos and termite inspections.
In the past, we have often offered our negotiation assistance service for these particular cases, especially for expensive cars.