Registration, the annual tax and insurance
1The lesson in plain words
Since 2022 one document, the certificat d'enregistrement, proves registration and nationality. Bigger boats also pay a yearly tax.
One document since 2022
Since 1 January 2022, the certificat d'enregistrement (the boat's titre de navigation) has replaced both the carte de circulation and the acte de francisation. Older documents stay valid. The maritime affairs service now handles registration, rather than customs. Keep the certificate on board.
Who registers
Register sail/motor craft at least 2.5 m long, motor craft above 4.5 kW at any length, and all jet skis. Beach craft are exempt: sail under 2.5 m; motor under 2.5 m and at most 4.5 kW; human-powered under 3.5 m. Qualifying human-powered craft at least 3.5 m register voluntarily within 2 NM, compulsorily beyond. French flag normally requires at least half EU/EEA ownership. Eligible owners abroad can appoint a representative domiciled in France; companies face separate establishment and management conditions.
Online and on time
Buying, selling and most changes are done free at demarches-plaisance.gouv.fr (sea craft only; rivers and canals use other offices). Report a sale, a new address, an engine change or a boat leaving the fleet within one month. Until the buyer registers the sale, the seller may still be billed the tax.
The yearly tax
The old DAFN became the taxe annuelle sur les engins maritimes à usage personnel in 2022. It is due from the owner on 1 January for boats of 7 m or more, boats under 7 m with 22 fiscal horsepower or more, and jet skis of 90 kW or more. Fiscal horsepower is the administrative tax rating, not the engine's advertised horsepower. Restricting the engine does not exempt it.
Insurance and marks
French law has no general duty to insure a pleasure boat at sea, but most ports require third-party cover. It is strongly advised. Motorboats show the registration number on both sides. Sailing boats of at least 7 m show their name and registration service at the stern; smaller sailing boats need no external marks. The registration number must also be visible near the helm or in the cockpit.
Lent or rented boats
Before a rental or loan, complete annex 240-A.6, with start/end dates and any additional drivers. The user signs it and the provider countersigns it. Keep the user's copy available on board for inspection; the provider keeps another copy.
2Key data
- Certificat d'enregistrement
- Since 1 Jan 2022; replaces carte de circulation and francisation
- Registration
- Sail/motor ≥ 2.5 m, motor > 4.5 kW, jet skis; exemptions apply
- Changes and sales
- Report within 1 month (demarches-plaisance.gouv.fr)
- Annual tax applies
- ≥ 7 m, or ≥ 22 fiscal hp, or jet ski ≥ 90 kW
- Insurance
- No general legal duty at sea; ports usually require it
3Key points
- 1
The certificat d'enregistrement replaced the carte de circulation and acte de francisation in 2022.
- 2
Sail/motor ≥ 2.5 m, motor > 4.5 kW, jet skis: register; beach craft exempt. Eligible human-powered: optional ≤ 2 NM, must beyond.
- 3
Report sales and changes within one month, online at demarches-plaisance.gouv.fr.
- 4
Annual tax applies to boats ≥ 7 m, smaller boats ≥ 22 fiscal hp, and jet skis ≥ 90 kW.
- 5
Rented or lent boats carry a completed annex 240-A.6, signed by the user and countersigned by the provider.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: French boats still get a carte de circulation and a separate francisation act from customs.
Right: Since 1 January 2022 both are merged into the certificat d'enregistrement, issued by the maritime affairs service. Old documents remain valid.
Wrong: Insurance is compulsory for every boat in French waters.
Right: There is no general legal duty at sea, but ports and marinas usually demand third-party cover. Insure anyway: a collision can cost far more than the boat.
Wrong: If I restrict my engine, the boat escapes the annual tax.
Right: Restricting the power does not exempt the boat. The tax follows length and fiscal power as registered.
5Practice case & exam keys
You buy a used 6.5 m motorboat with a 150 hp outboard whose registration certificate records 13 fiscal hp, from a private seller in Brittany. The seller hands you an old carte de circulation. What must you do, and will you pay the annual tax?
Show the answer
Register the change of owner within one month, online at demarches-plaisance.gouv.fr, and ask the seller to report the sale too. You will get a certificat d'enregistrement in your name. The old card stays valid until then. The boat is under 7 m and under 22 fiscal hp, so no annual tax is due. Arrange third-party cover and check any marina's insurance requirements.
Exam keys
- Certificat d'enregistrement (titre de navigation) since 1 Jan 2022.
- Registration: sail/motor ≥ 2.5 m, motor > 4.5 kW, jet skis; beach craft exempt. Qualifying human-powered: optional ≤ 2 NM, required beyond. Changes: 1 month.
- Annual tax: ≥ 7 m, < 7 m with ≥ 22 fiscal hp, jet skis ≥ 90 kW.
- Insurance: not a general legal duty at sea; required by most ports.
Finish this unit
When you've read it, answer three questions. Get all three right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.
My notes for this unit
No notes