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How French individual approval works

From the file to the approval report: the six official steps, what the DREAL checks and how to prepare for inspection day.

Updated on

The 6 steps of an RTI

The ministry describes the same procedure for every region. Only the ways of sending the file and paying vary from one DREAL to another.

  1. Building the file

    You download the form that matches your vehicle (RTI01.2 for an imported vehicle), gather the supporting documents and fill in the forms.

  2. Sending the file

    On the Octave2 platform or by post, depending on your DREAL.

  3. Examination

    An officer reviews the file. They may ask you to complete it, to have paid tests carried out by a recognised laboratory, or to modify the vehicle.

  4. Appointment and technical inspection

    Only when the file is complete and admissible. The vehicle is presented at the address given on the appointment letter.

  5. Paying the fee

    You are asked to pay only if the vehicle’s conformity is established.

  6. Issue of the documents

    You receive the document certifying the approval, to keep and pass on to a future buyer, and a receipt to attach to the registration request.

Submitting online or by post

Since 20 July 2026, the Octave2 platform has accepted RTI requests. It provides messaging with the officer and real-time tracking. It is being rolled out gradually: check the arrangements for your region.

Submitting the file online from a laptop

Good to know. Octave2 accepts PDF, JPG, XLS, XLSX and ODS files, with one document per file. Your chassis number (VIN) is used to find the request.

Inspection day

An officer compares the chassis number stamped on the body with the documents

The officer checks the vehicle and that it matches the file, then writes a report. The examination may lead to a request for corrections.

What to prepare

  • The appointment letter
  • The originals of every document
  • A clean vehicle in perfect mechanical condition
  • Lighting that is compliant and working
  • The chassis number and manufacturer’s plate clearly visible
  • The means of payment accepted by your DREAL

If the request is refused

If the vehicle does not conform at the end of the procedure, the DREAL sends you a reasoned refusal decision. The RTI01.2 form provides that a request for a derogation can be sent to the ministry in charge of transport.

After the approval report

With the receipt, you apply for registration online with the ANTS. For a vehicle from outside the European Union, attach the 846 A customs certificate. Details are in before and after the RTI.

Owner receiving his documents next to his car

Official sources