Free online tool for FranceCheck French VAT ID
Validate French VAT IDs (VAT ID / numéro TVA / French VAT) online in seconds. Simple validity check or qualified request with PDF audit report — free and without registration. Required for all intra-community supplies to or from France (2026).
Check French VAT ID
Enter the French VAT ID to be checked. France is pre-selected.
Legal Basis for French VAT ID Validation
Validation follows national tax law and EU directive.
French General Tax Code (CGI)
The French General Tax Code (CGI) Art. 262 ter regulates tax-free intra-community supplies. Art. 286 ter I-1° requires qualified verification of the TVA number.
Proof Requirement
Per BOFiP instructions, the supplier must prove the validity of the TVA number and the physical shipment.
Archival
Retention period in France is 6 years per Art. L102 B LPF; 10 years recommended.
EU Basis
Art. 31 Reg. (EU) 904/2010 governs the VIES system (VAT Information Exchange System) as the official EU interface for cross-border VAT ID verification. Directive 2006/112/EC provides the harmonised EU basis for the common VAT system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most important questions about the French VAT ID.
What terms are used for the French VAT ID?
The French VAT identification number is known by several names: VAT ID, numéro TVA, French VAT. Also referred to as VAT number FR or France VAT ID. All terms refer to the same number registered in the EU VIES system.
What is the difference between VAT ID, tax number (Steuernummer) and MwSt number?
The VAT ID (also known as USt-IdNr., UID, UStID, MwSt-Nummer, VAT Number) is the VAT identification number for the EU single market — with country code (FR) and verifiable via the VIES system. The tax number (Steuernummer) is a purely national identifier issued by the local tax office and has no relevance for cross-border trade. "Umsatzsteuer-Nummer" is often used synonymously but technically means the VAT ID. The terms "MwSt-Nummer" and "Mehrwertsteuer-Nummer" refer to the same number — only the label differs.
What is the format of an French VAT ID?
The French VAT ID consists of the country code FR followed by the national number structure, e.g. FR12345678901. It is issued by the national tax authority (French Directorate General of Public Finance) and registered in the EU VIES system.
When do I need to verify an French VAT ID?
VAT ID verification is required for: intra-community supplies to or from France, cross-border B2B services, tax-exempt invoicing to French business partners, and as good-faith proof during tax audits. The consultation number from a qualified check is a legally binding record.
How is an French VAT ID applied for?
Applications are submitted to the French Directorate General of Public Finance via the online portal www.impots.gouv.fr. Issuance is usually free of charge; processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. Companies without a French establishment can register for tax purposes and obtain a VAT number.
What VAT rates apply in France in 2026?
In 2026, France applies a standard rate of 20 %. Additionally, reduced rates of 10 %, 5.5 %, 2.1 % apply. Source: European Commission, as of 2026-04-17.
How does the Docuflair audit report differ from national portals and VIES?
The Docuflair tool uses the official VIES interface and additionally provides a cryptographically secured PDF audit report with SHA256 hash — as integrity proof for later tax audits. National portals typically only support domestic applicants; the EU VIES system provides only a basic browser view without a qualified report. Docuflair works for all 27 EU countries including France.
How long must VAT ID verification documents be retained in France?
Retention period in France is 6 years per Art. L102 B LPF; 10 years recommended.
Also check for other EU countries
Your business partners are in other EU states? Docuflair supports all 27 countries.
Need to check many VAT IDs automatically?
For companies with high verification volume, Docuflair offers professional VAT-Check software with bulk processing, API integration and CRM integration.