Passeport - French Passport Guide
Your complete guide to applying for or renewing a French passport. Find out what documents you need, the step-by-step process, and typical processing times across French departments.
Required Documents
- Birth certificate less than 3 months old
- Proof of French nationality (if applicable)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, tax notice, etc.)
- 2 recent ID photos (35x45mm, plain background)
- Previous passport (for renewals)
- 86 EUR tax stamp (timbre fiscal) for adults, 42 EUR for 15-17, 17 EUR for under 15
- Completed CERFA form (pre-filled online recommended)
- Valid carte d'identite (if available)
Steps to Follow
- Gather all required documents
- Complete the CERFA pre-application online at ants.gouv.fr
- Purchase the required tax stamp (timbre fiscal)
- Book an appointment at your local mairie equipped with biometric stations
- Attend with all original documents and copies
- Provide your fingerprints and photo at the appointment
- Receive a receipt and track your request on ants.gouv.fr
- Collect your passport at the same location when notified
Departments
FAQ
A French passport is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 18.
The cost depends on age: 86 EUR for adults, 42 EUR for ages 15-17, and 17 EUR for children under 15. If renewing with an expired old-format passport, the full fee applies.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can be longer during peak travel season (spring/summer). Urgent procedures exist for exceptional circumstances.
Yes, you can hold both documents simultaneously. They are independent and have separate validity periods.
In exceptional cases (humanitarian reasons, medical emergency, death of a family member abroad), some prefectures offer an emergency passport procedure. Contact your prefecture directly.
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