Passation

Passation is a noun derived from the French verb passer, referring to the act of transferring or handing over something from one party to another. The term is used in various legal, administrative, and organizational contexts to denote a formal transfer of authority, property, responsibilities, or rights.

In governance and administration, passation de pouvoirs denotes the ceremonial or administrative handover during political transitions or leadership changes, often involving the transfer of documents, briefings, and the assumption of duties by the successor.

In procurement and contract law, passation des marchés publics describes the process of contracting public works or services, including steps such as bidding, evaluation, negotiation, signature, and execution of contracts. The term emphasizes the formal completion of a procurement transaction.

In civil and property law, passation can refer to the execution or registration of a legal act, such as a transfer of ownership or the notarized recording of other instruments. The exact scope and procedures vary by jurisdiction and legal tradition.

Usage of passation is more common in Francophone legal, administrative, and diplomatic language. In English-language contexts, equivalent terms such as transfer, handover, assignment, or consummation may be used, depending on the specific domain. The concept generally centers on the formal and orderly transfer of something from one party to another.