Free tool
Raffle permit in France, who to ask
In France, a raffle run by an association is usually authorised by the mayor of the town where its registered office is. In Paris, it is the Préfecture de police. Enter the town or postcode of your registered office and your type of organisation; the tool tells you who to write to and why, with official contact details, then offers to prepare your file: the official Cerfa form prefilled, the letter and the prize list, in French.
- Official contact details, dated
- Application file next
- Free, no sign-up
Go further
The permit is the start. GoTombola handles everything else.
Preparing the request, selling tickets, collecting the money, drawing in front of everyone and telling the winners — your whole raffle in one place.
- Start by the rulesThe request prepared with your campaign's details.
- Sell onlineA page in your name, a link and a QR code to share everywhere.
- Draw live, certifiedOn the big screen, time-stamped and verifiable by every participant.
A free plan to get started, no commitment.
How to apply for a raffle permit in France
- Enter your registered office's town. The official address of your association, not necessarily where the event takes place. The “Example” button fills the search so you can try it.
- Choose your type of organisation. Association, school, business, foundation… the rule is not the same for every kind of organisation.
- Read the answer. The competent authority, why it is that one, and its official contact details with their source and date.
- Prepare your file. The “Prepare my file” button opens the application tool with your town and organisation already filled in. It fills in the official Cerfa form, the letter and the prize list, in French.
- Send it in time. Before you sell the first ticket. Keep a copy of the request and of the answer.
The rule, in plain words
- General case: a raffle whose prizes are objects (never money) and whose proceeds go exclusively to charity, the encouragement of the arts or non-profit sport is authorised in advance by the mayor of the town where the organiser's registered office is (articles L322-3 and D322-1 of the French Code de la sécurité intérieure).
- In Paris, the request goes to the Préfecture de police.
- An association or foundation recognised as being of public utility files a prior declaration instead of asking for a permit (since the law of 15 April 2024).
- Contact details come from the French government directory (Annuaire de l'administration, open data under the Licence Ouverte), with the date they were read.
Doing it yourself or with GoTombola
The tool tells you who to write to. GoTombola can also prepare the file with you.
| This free tool | With GoTombola | |
|---|---|---|
| Find the competent authority | Yes | Yes |
| Application file | Prefilled by the application tool, you send it | Prepared with your campaign |
| Follow the request | Up to you | In your account |
| Account needed | No | Yes |
What this tool is not
This is general information about the French rule, not legal advice. Some situations are special (for example Alsace-Moselle, or a raffle run by a company); if in doubt, ask your town hall directly. This tool covers France only.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to run a raffle in France?
Usually, yes. An association asks the mayor of the town of its registered office; in Paris, the Préfecture de police. An association or foundation recognised as being of public utility files a declaration.
Which town hall — the registered office's or the event's?
The one of the town where the association's registered office is, meaning its official address.
When should I apply?
Before you start selling tickets. Ask your town hall how much time it needs.
Where do the contact details come from?
From the Annuaire de l'administration, the French government directory, published as open data under the Licence Ouverte. The date it was read is shown with every result. If an address has changed, the town hall itself is the reference.
Is my search sent over the internet?
No. The search runs in your browser, from public files. Nothing you type is sent.