Which government bodies must I inform when changing address?

Reader question: I read the article about the man who passed through a motorway péage, not realising that he had not been recorded or tagged, and subsequently faced a large bill. What struck me was the statement that, because he had not updated the postal address on his carte grise, the various warning notices had not reached him. I have recently moved but understood that, when you move and give your new address to your mairie, they ensure that all government bodies are informed. Is this not the case? How do I update the address on my carte grise?

Changing address in France also means informing certain government departments and organisations of your new address.

Even if some authorities, such as your mairie, record a change of address, residents are responsible for updating their details with the relevant organisations.

A postal redirection service, such as the one offered by La Poste, can help ensure that letters reach your new address. However, this is only a temporary safeguard, as you still need to update your official records.

The government offers a free online change-of-address service that allows residents to notify several organisations at once, including the tax authorities, health insurance services and vehicle registration services.

However, not every organisation is covered, so it is important to check that your details have been updated.

The most important step for motorists is to update the address on their certificat d’immatriculation (vehicle registration document, formerly and often still known as the carte grise). This must be done within one month of moving.

The process can be completed online through the official France Titres website and is generally free of charge for the first three address changes. A fee of €2.76 applies for the fourth change.

You will need to log in using FranceConnect or an ANTS account and provide your new address. You may also need proof of address (justificatif de domicile), for example, a document from your electricity provider. An address sticker is sent by post.

Drivers who lease their vehicles should contact the leasing company, which is responsible for making the change.

Other organisations must also be informed separately. Residents can update their address with the tax authorities through their personal account on impots.gouv.fr, while health insurance details can be changed through their Ameli account.

Anyone receiving family benefits or housing assistance should update their details through their Caf account.

Drivers are obliged to inform their car insurance provider, as a change of address can affect their policy. Other organisations to notify include their bank, home insurance provider and complementary health insurer (mutuelle).

Employees must also notify their employer of a change of address.