French Association Registration (Cerfa 13973): Edit Online Free & Download PDF
Creation of an association, prior declaration (Cerfa 13973)
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French Association Registration (Cerfa 13973) in short
Cerfa 13973*04 is used to declare a new association (under the 1901 law) to the associations registry and to request its publication in the Official Journal of associations (JOAFE). Publication gives the association legal personality. The form does not apply in Alsace-Moselle. You can also declare online.
| Issued by | Ministère de l'Intérieur (formulaire diffusé par Service Public) |
|---|---|
| Current version | 13973*04 (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | One of the people in charge of running the association, or an authorised agent. An agent attaches a mandate signed by a board member. |
| Who receives it | The associations registry of the département where the association has its registered office. The form's guide says the prefecture or sub-prefecture of the office, and the police prefecture for Paris. |
| Where to send it | In person at the associations registry, or by post with a stamped envelope (20 grams) addressed to the management address. Online declaration (e-création) is also possible. |
| Deadline | No legal deadline. Service Public says the registry issues a receipt within 5 days of a complete file, sometimes longer depending on the registry. |
| Fee | Free. Service Public says publication in the JOAFE is free. |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF |
How to fill out French Association Registration (Cerfa 13973), line by line
| 1. Informations publiées au JOAFE | Name The association's name as in the statutes, up to 250 characters, followed by any acronym. |
| 1. Informations publiées au JOAFE | Purpose The purpose as you want it published. The guide advises against an email address containing a person's name, as publication cannot be anonymised later. |
| 1. Informations publiées au JOAFE | Registered office and website The full office address. The website is optional. |
| 2. Informations non publiées | Short name and management address The short name is up to 38 characters. Fill in the management address only if it differs from the registered office. |
| 2. Informations non publiées | Association phone and email Optional but recommended to help processing. |
| 3. Assemblée constitutive | Date The date of the meeting where at least 2 people decided to create the association. |
| 4. Signature | Date, place, name, role and signature Signed by a board member or the appointed agent. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing a document: minutes of the founding meeting, statutes signed by at least 2 board members, list of board members (cerfa 13971).
- Leaving a date of birth on the statutes, minutes or mandate. Service Public says the declaration can be rejected.
- Writing a name that differs from the statutes.
- Putting a personal email address in the purpose published in the JOAFE.
- Forgetting the stamped envelope when filing by post.
- Using this form for an association in Alsace-Moselle, where registration is done with the court.
Questions about French Association Registration (Cerfa 13973)
What documents go with cerfa 13973?
The minutes of the founding meeting, a copy of the statutes signed by at least 2 board members, the list of board members (cerfa 13971), the mandate if an agent files, and a stamped envelope if filing by post. For a union or federation, add the list of member associations.
When does the association legally exist?
Service Public says it gains legal personality and capacity when its creation is published in the JOAFE. The publication request is included in the form.
What is the RNA number?
It is the national register of associations number: the letter W followed by 9 digits. It is on the declaration receipt.
Can I create an association online?
Yes, with the e-création online service. The paper form is still accepted in person or by post.
Can I fill in the form on a computer?
Yes. The official page lists it as a dynamic form and the PDF has fillable fields. It must then be signed.
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Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the Ministère de l'Intérieur or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.