Lost or stolen grey card needs declaration before duplicate

Owners who lose their grey card or have it stolen in Algeria must first report it to the police or gendarmerie, according to Algérie 360.

The grey card, also known as the registration card, proves that a vehicle belongs to its owner and can be driven.

The process starts with that declaration and then continues at the commune where the owner lives.

How to declare a loss or theft

In case of loss, the owner must declare the disappearance to the police or gendarmerie where the document was lost.

In case of theft, the owner reports the theft to the same services.

The declaration takes the place of the card in the duplicate file, and it protects the owner if the stolen card is used fraudulently.

A damaged card follows a lighter procedure. The owner writes a sworn statement and has it legalised at the town council (APC).

In every case, the vehicle's registration number stays the same.

For a lost or stolen identity card, a declaration to the security services is also the first step. It is therefore better to report all missing documents at once.

Fees, filing and the receipt

The duplicate file follows the same pattern as an ordinary registration file. It holds documents on the owner and the vehicle, and the declaration of loss or theft is its central piece.

The duplicate costs a fixed stamp duty of 200 dinars (DZD), whatever the power of the vehicle. The stamp code sets this amount in article 145.

The stamp can also be bought online, on the Tabioucom platform of the Ministry of Finance.

The file is lodged at the vehicle registration service of the commune of residence. Issuing grey cards passed from daïras to communes in recent years.

This service is separate from civil status.

Since 5 April, all operations go through the national vehicle registration information system. It also covers vehicles already registered in wilaya files, and each vehicle file can be reached from any registration service in the country.

Filing gives a receipt, known as the yellow card or provisional circulation card. It allows the owner to drive legally for 30 days, while the service issues the permanent card.

The General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) issued a reminder that the receipt serves as a grey card. Keep the receipt in the vehicle, with the declaration of loss or theft.

A driver without it risks the penalties set for not showing documents at a road check.

What is the QR code card?

The new grey card carries a QR code linked to the national registration platform. The code lets control services identify the vehicle and its owner instantly, and it limits the risk of forgery.

The reform follows a ministerial instruction of 28 February, which has applied since 5 April. Old grey cards remain valid for driving, and owners do not have to renew them.

The new highway code also recognises a registration card in paper, electronic or digital form.