"Book a préfecture appointment for my vehicle registration" remains one of the most common searches, even though this process hasn't gone through a préfecture counter at all for several years now. Here's what's changed.
Why this confusion persists
For decades, the préfecture was the mandatory point of contact for vehicle registration, licence confiscation, or ID cards. The gradual closure of physical counters dedicated to these processes, replaced by national online platforms, happened without users' habits changing at the same pace. The word "préfecture" still stays associated with these processes in many people's minds, even when it's no longer the responsible body.
What's now handled only online, outside the préfecture
- Vehicle registration certificate. Since November 2017, only via the ANTS website or through an authorized professional (garage, dealer).
- Driving licence. Application, renewal (loss, theft, change of civil status), points balance lookup: all done online via ANTS.
- National ID card. The application is made online, but filing the file and fingerprinting require a visit to a town hall equipped with a data-collection device, not the préfecture.
- Passport. Same process as the ID card: apply online, file at an equipped town hall.
What actually remains the préfecture's responsibility
- Residence permits (first application, renewal, status change).
- French naturalization, including the civic exam for naturalization.
- Procedures related to immigration law in general (asylum, regularization, removal) and certain specific administrative summonses.
- Medical exams for the driving licence medical board, depending on local organization.
The right move before looking for an appointment
Find the processes actually tracked préfecture by préfecture in our process catalogue, or check the live map for available slots.