Can a registration office require a translation of the certificate of conformity?
In principle, no. The European certificate of conformity follows a harmonised model laid down by implementing regulation (EU) 2020/683: each entry carries the same number in every language (0.1 make, 0.2 type, 0.10 VIN, 13 mass in running order, 27 power, 49.4 WLTP CO₂…). Registration authorities and authorised professionals know how to read a COC in German, Italian or English.
In practice, a request for a translation does come up from time to time: an official unfamiliar with the model, an older certificate in a national format, a file lodged with a professional who applies their own checklist. Rather than leave a file blocked, we offer a translation as an option.
What does the translation option cover?
The option (€39) provides a plain translation into French of every entry of the certificate, laid out against the entry numbers so that the official finds each figure at once. It is designed for the French registration file (ANTS) and is delivered as a PDF, together with the digital copy of the certificate; it is yours to attach to your application or hand to the professional handling it.
It covers the certificate we obtain for you, whatever the language in which the manufacturer issues it.
What the option does not cover
- A sworn translation, produced by a court-certified translator and bearing their stamp: we offer it on quote, as the price depends on the language and the volume.
- The translation of other documents: sales contract, invoice, foreign registration certificate. The latter also follows a harmonised model (directive 1999/37/EC) and normally needs no translation.
- A translation into a language other than French.
In which language does the manufacturer issue the certificate?
The manufacturer issues the certificate in the language of its homologation department or of the country of first registration: German for most German brands, Italian, English, sometimes several languages on the same document. The page of each brand states the usual language of the document. The harmonised format makes that language secondary: the technical data are identified by their entry number.
When is a sworn translation really necessary?
Rarely for an ordinary registration. It may be requested in an individual approval file with the national technical authority, in an expert appraisal or litigation, or by certain bodies that require it under their internal rules. If you are asked for one, send us the office’s written request: we prepare a quote and, often, tell you that a plain translation would do.