Renew Your French ID Card Online

How to Renew Your French National Identity Card (CNI)

Renewing your French National Identity Card (Carte Nationale d’Identité or CNI) involves completing an online pre-application and attending an appointment at an authorized municipal office (mairie). The renewal process allows eligible French citizens to replace an expired or soon-to-expire identity card with a new, secure, credit-card-sized polycarbonate document.

Whether your current card is approaching its expiration date, has already expired, or has been lost or stolen, you should follow the official procedures established by French authorities. Preparing the necessary documents and booking an appointment in advance can help make the renewal process more efficient.

Steps to Renew Your French ID Card Online

The renewal process begins with an online pre-application through France Titres (ANTS), the official French government service responsible for identity document applications. After completing the preliminary application, you must attend an appointment at an authorized municipal office to finalize your request.

• Online pre-application: Access the official France Titres (ANTS) portal and complete the required renewal information. Save your pre-application number or QR code, which can be used to retrieve your application.
• Book a town hall appointment: Arrange an appointment at a mairie equipped with the necessary biometric collection equipment.
• Submit your documents: Bring your pre-application reference, current identity card, photograph, proof of address, and any additional documents required for your situation.
• Fingerprint collection: Applicants aged 12 and older generally have their fingerprints collected as part of the application process, subject to applicable exceptions.
• Collect your new card: Once your application has been processed, follow the collection instructions provided by the issuing office. The new card is generally collected from the same mairie where the application was submitted.

The online pre-application reference or QR code is generally valid for 12 months. Keep it available until your application has been completed, and check the official portal for the current validity period and appointment requirements.

Documents Required to Renew a French National Identity Card

Before attending your appointment, prepare the documents required for your particular renewal situation. The exact list may vary depending on whether your current card is valid, expired, lost, or stolen.

• Pre-application reference: Your France Titres (ANTS) pre-application number or printed QR code.
• Current identity card: Bring your existing CNI if available. If it has been lost or stolen, you may need a declaration of loss or a police or gendarmerie report, depending on the circumstances.
• Recent identity photograph: Provide a photograph taken within the last six months that meets official French identity photograph standards.
• Proof of address: Provide an acceptable proof of residence, generally dated within the last year. Check the current requirements for your application and local circumstances.
• Passport or birth certificate: A valid or recently expired passport may be requested in certain cases. If your identity card expired more than five years ago, or has been lost or stolen, and you do not have a valid passport, a recent birth certificate may be required depending on your circumstances and whether your birth registration can be verified electronically.

Additional documents may be necessary if your name, marital status, or other personal information has changed. Review the document checklist provided by France Titres or the mairie before your appointment to avoid delays.

Cost of Renewing a French National Identity Card

The cost of renewing a French CNI depends on whether you can return your existing card and the reason you need a replacement.

• Standard renewal: Generally free when you return your previous identity card.
• Lost or stolen card: A €25 tax stamp fee generally applies when replacing a lost or stolen card.

Before submitting your application, confirm the current fee and payment requirements through the official French government website. Additional costs may apply for supporting services, such as obtaining certain documents or photographs.

Collecting Your New French Identity Card

After your application has been processed and your new card is ready, follow the notification and collection instructions provided by the issuing municipal office. Your replacement CNI is a secure, credit-card-sized polycarbonate identity document.

You will generally collect the new card from the mairie where you submitted your application. If you still have your old identity card, you will normally be required to surrender it when collecting the replacement. Bring any collection reference or identification requested by the issuing office.

Renewing a French ID Card from Abroad

French citizens living outside France may be able to renew their national identity cards through the relevant French embassy or consulate. Procedures, appointment availability, document requirements, and biometric collection arrangements can differ from those used by municipal offices in France.

If you are applying from abroad, contact the French consulate responsible for your place of residence and check its current instructions before starting the application. Confirm whether an online pre-application is required and which supporting documents you must bring.

Important Information Before Renewing Your French CNI

The French national identity card is issued to eligible French citizens. Renewal procedures depend on the validity of your existing card, the availability of supporting documents, and whether you are applying in France or abroad.

For the most accurate information about appointments, photographs, supporting documents, fees, and collection procedures, consult the official France Titres (ANTS) portal or contact an authorized mairie or French consulate.