Buying a license-free car in 2026: the complete guide
Everything to know before buying a license-free car: who can drive, new or used, buying steps, financing and insurance. Looking to compare prices? See our page license-free car prices.
Who can buy and drive a license-free car?
AM licence (BSR)
Mandatory for people born after 1 January 1988. Available from age 14 through 7 hours of training at a driving school.
Born before 1988
People born before 1 January 1988 may drive a license-free car without any specific licence, under an acquired right.
Suspended or revoked licence
If your category B licence is suspended or revoked, a license-free car often remains usable. Check the court ruling: some bans cover every motor vehicle.
From age 14
With the AM licence, a 14-year-old can legally drive a license-free car. Ideal for getting around for school or work.
New or used?
| Criterion | New | Used |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 8,000 to 14,000 € | 2,500 to 9,000 € |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer | 0 to 12 months depending on seller |
| Risks | No hidden defects | Wear, unknown history |
| Availability | 2 to 8 week lead time | Immediate |
| Customisation | Options, colours of your choice | As is |
For detailed prices by model, see our page new license-free car prices and our guide used license-free cars.
The 5 steps of buying
- 1
Set your budget
Cash purchase or financing? Factor in insurance (600 to 1,200 €/year), yearly upkeep (~300 €) and charging or fuel. Realistic total budget: 10,000 to 15,000 € over 3 years for new, 6,000 to 10,000 € for used.
- 2
Choose the right model
Electric or petrol? 1 or 2 seats? Closed or open body? Compare on our page dedicated to license-free car prices and pinpoint the models that match your daily needs.
- 3
Find a dealer or a listing
Approved dealer for new cars and warranty, private seller or Leboncoin for cheaper used cars. Always check the history with Histovec (histovec.interieur.gouv.fr).
- 4
Choose your financing
Cash: negotiation possible. Standard loan: rates of 4 to 7 %. Lease-to-own: low monthly payment but you do not own the vehicle. Compare manufacturer offers (often good) and banks.
- 5
Take out insurance before delivery
Insurance must be active when you take the car. Get several quotes: the gap between insurers can reach 400 €/year. Mandatory wording on the insurance certificate: light motor quadricycle (L6e).
Electric or petrol?
| Criterion | Electric | Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | From 7,990 € (Ami) | From 8,500 € |
| Cost per km | ~0.03 €/km | ~0.08 to 0.12 €/km |
| Range | 60 to 120 km | 250 to 400 km |
| LEZ | Allowed everywhere | Possible restrictions |
| Upkeep | Very low | Oil change, belt, filter |
Full detail in our guide electric license-free car.
Where to buy a license-free car?
Approved license-free car dealer
+ Manufacturer warranty, after-sales, test drive possible
− List price, little negotiation
Used (private seller / Leboncoin)
+ Lowest prices, negotiation possible
− No warranty, inspection required
Leasing / lease-to-own
+ Low monthly payments, recent vehicle
− Not an owner, limited mileage
Importing (Belgium, Spain)
+ Savings of 10 to 20 % on some models
− French type-approval to verify, distant after-sales
Your license-free car deserves a suitable GPS
TacTac works out filtered routes for license-free cars, with no motorway and a realistic ETA at 45 km/h.
Early access →Frequently asked questions
Can you buy a license-free car without holding a licence?
Yes, anyone can buy a license-free car. To drive it, though, you need either the AM licence (formerly the BSR) or to have been born before 1 January 1988. The purchase itself needs no specific licence.
What is the average price of a new license-free car in 2026?
The price of a new license-free car ranges from 7,990 € (Citroën Ami) to 14,000 € for top-of-the-range models (Ligier JS60, Microcar Due). The average sits around 10,000 to 12,000 €. Used, reckon on 30 to 50 % less.
Is it better to buy an electric or petrol license-free car?
It depends on how you use it. Electric (Ami, Topolino) is ideal in town over short distances: cheaper to run, quiet, allowed in LEZ. Petrol (Aixam, Ligier diesel) suits longer trips and rural areas without a charging point better.
Is lease-to-own possible on a license-free car?
Yes, most major license-free car manufacturers (Aixam, Ligier, Microcar) offer lease-to-own plans. Reckon on a down payment of 10 to 20 % and monthly payments of 100 to 200 €/month depending on the model and term. Some independent lenders also cover used cars.
Is insurance mandatory for a license-free car?
Yes, insurance is mandatory, at minimum third-party liability. Reckon on 600 to 1,200 €/year depending on the profile and the cover. Young drivers (AM licence) often pay more. Compare several insurers that specialise in license-free cars.