How to Get a Passport in France? A Step-by-Step Guide
A French passport is an important identity and travel document for French citizens travelling outside France. Whether you are applying for your first passport, renewing an existing one, replacing a lost or stolen passport, or applying for a passport for a child, there are several important steps to follow.
So, how do you get a passport in France?
Generally, you need to prepare the required documents, complete an online pre-application if you choose to do so, make an appointment at an authorised town hall (mairie), submit your application in person, provide fingerprints when required, pay the applicable tax stamp and collect your passport when it is ready.
The exact documents required can vary depending on your age, whether you are applying for your first passport or renewing one, and whether you already have a French national identity card. Processing times can also vary depending on the location and time of year.
This guide explains how to get a passport in France step by step, including eligibility, required documents, passport fees, applications for children, renewals, lost or stolen passports, processing times and frequently asked questions.
Who Is Eligible for a French Passport?
A French passport is issued to people who have French nationality. Simply living, working or studying in France does not automatically make someone eligible for a French passport.
If you are a foreign citizen living in France, you generally travel internationally using the passport issued by your country of nationality. Depending on your immigration status, you may also need a French residence permit or other documents.
If you are French by birth, descent, naturalisation or another legal route, you can apply for a French passport once your French nationality has been established.
As a French citizen, you may also be eligible to apply for a French national identity card.
How to Get a Passport in France: Main Steps
The French passport application process generally involves these steps:
- Check your eligibility and application situation.
- Determine whether you need a first passport, renewal or replacement.
- Gather the required documents.
- Get a compliant passport photograph.
- Complete an online pre-application, if desired.
- Purchase the appropriate electronic tax stamp.
- Find an authorised mairie equipped to process passport applications.
- Make an appointment if required.
- Attend the appointment with your original documents.
- Provide fingerprints when required.
- Submit and validate your application.
- Track the passport application.
- Collect your passport when it is ready.
The online pre-application is not mandatory, but completing it in advance can help save time during the appointment.
Step 1: Determine Whether You Need a First Passport or Renewal
Before starting your French passport application, identify which situation applies to you.
You may be applying for:
- Your first French passport
- Renewal of an existing passport
- Replacement of a lost passport
- Replacement of a stolen passport
- Replacement of a damaged passport
- A passport for a minor
The required documents can vary depending on the situation.
For example, someone renewing a valid passport may be able to use their existing passport as an important supporting document. Someone applying for a first passport may need additional evidence of identity or French nationality.
If your previous passport expired more than five years ago, additional documents may be required depending on whether you have a valid French identity card and whether your birth records can be verified electronically.
What If I Recently Became a French Citizen?
If you have recently acquired French nationality, you can apply for a French passport once your nationality has been officially established.
Depending on your situation, you may need documents proving your French nationality. Make sure you have the appropriate proof before starting your passport application.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Preparing the correct documents is one of the most important parts of the passport application process.
For a typical adult passport application in France, the documents may include:
- French national identity card, if applicable
- Previous passport, if applicable
- Recent compliant identity photograph
- Proof of address
- Electronic tax stamp
- Pre-application number or QR code, if you completed the online pre-application
- Birth certificate, where required
- Proof of French nationality in certain situations
Original documents are generally required when submitting the application.
The exact document requirements depend on your personal circumstances. Additional documents may be needed if you were born outside France, if your French nationality needs to be established, or if your previous passport has been expired for a long period.
Do You Need a Birth Certificate for a French Passport?
Not every applicant needs to provide a birth certificate.
In some situations, a birth certificate may not be required if your civil-status information can be verified electronically.
However, if your birth records cannot be accessed electronically and additional proof of civil status is required, you may need to provide a recent full copy or extract of your birth certificate.
Always check the document requirements that apply to your individual situation before attending your appointment.
Step 3: Get a Compliant Passport Photo
Your passport photograph must meet French identity-document requirements.
The photograph should be:
- Recent
- Clear
- Properly framed
- Taken according to official passport-photo standards
- Within the required validity period
For applications in France, the identity photograph generally needs to be less than six months old and meet the required standards.
An incorrect photograph can delay the application or require you to provide a replacement photograph.
It is therefore advisable to use an approved professional photographer or authorised photo booth rather than an ordinary personal photograph.
Step 4: Complete the Online Pre-Application
One convenient way to prepare your passport application in France is to complete the online pre-application.
This allows you to enter much of your personal and civil-status information before visiting the mairie.
The general process is:
- Start the passport pre-application online.
- Enter your personal information.
- Provide your civil-status details.
- Select the appropriate passport application type.
- Complete the requested sections.
- Save your application information.
- Receive your pre-application number or QR code.
The online pre-application is optional. If you do not complete it in advance, you can generally complete the required process at the mairie.
However, preparing the application online can make your appointment more efficient.
Step 5: Purchase the French Passport Tax Stamp
A French passport requires a timbre fiscal, or electronic tax stamp.
For a standard passport application in metropolitan France, the current amounts are:
| Applicant | Passport Tax Stamp |
|---|---|
| Adult, 18 or older | €86 |
| Child up to 14 | €17 |
| Minor aged 15–17 | €42 |
These amounts apply to standard applications in metropolitan France and can change in the future.
Make sure you purchase the correct tax stamp for the applicant and application type.
Additional expenses may apply for passport photographs or other services used during the application process.
Step 6: Find an Authorised Mairie
Passport applications in France are generally submitted at a mairie equipped to process passport applications.
Importantly, you do not necessarily have to apply at the mairie closest to your home.
You can generally apply at an equipped mairie, even if it is located in another area.
This can be useful if your nearest mairie has limited appointment availability or a long waiting period.
Before visiting, check whether the mairie processes passport applications and whether an appointment is required.
Step 7: Book Your Passport Appointment
Once you have found an appropriate mairie, check its appointment requirements.
If an appointment is required, choose an available date and time.
Before attending, make sure you have prepared:
- Original identity documents
- Passport photograph
- Proof of address
- Previous passport, if applicable
- French identity card, if applicable
- Electronic tax stamp
- Pre-application number or QR code
- Birth certificate, if required
- Proof of French nationality, if required
- Any additional documents relevant to your circumstances
Preparing everything in advance can help prevent an unnecessary second visit.
Step 8: Attend the Mairie Appointment
You normally need to attend the mairie in person to submit your application.
During the appointment, an official will review your application and supporting documents.
If you completed the online pre-application, the official can use your pre-application number or QR code to access the information you entered.
You will generally need to present the required original documents.
The official may check your identity, photograph, address, civil-status information and other details.
If a required document is missing, you may need to provide it before the application can be completed.
Step 9: Provide Your Fingerprints
A French passport is a biometric passport.
As part of the application process, fingerprints are normally collected when required.
The biometric information is used as part of the secure identification process associated with the passport.
Different rules can apply to children. For example, children under 12 are not required to provide fingerprints during the passport application process.
Step 10: Submit and Validate Your Application
After the mairie has checked your documents and collected the required information, your application is submitted for processing.
Keep any receipt, application information or tracking details provided to you.
Once the application has been validated, you may be able to track the progress of passport production using the information provided during the application.
Tracking your application can help you know when the passport has reached the collection stage.
Step 11: Wait for Your French Passport
There is no single processing time that applies to every French passport application.
Processing times can depend on factors such as:
- Location of the application
- Time of year
- Number of applications being processed
- Whether the application is complete
- Whether additional verification is required
For this reason, you should not wait until immediately before an international trip to apply for a passport.
If you already have travel plans, start the application process as early as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Get a French Passport?
The processing period varies depending on when and where you apply.
There is no universal number of days that applies to every application.
Applications submitted during periods of high demand may take longer than applications submitted at less busy times.
Therefore, applying early is one of the best ways to avoid passport-related problems before international travel.
Step 12: Collect Your French Passport
Once your passport is ready, you will receive information about its availability.
You generally need to collect the passport from the location specified during your application.
Collection rules can vary for minors depending on their age. In some situations, the child and legal representative may need to attend together.
A French passport issued to a minor is generally valid for five years.
Make sure you collect the passport within the required period. An uncollected passport may eventually be destroyed.
How Long Is a French Passport Valid?
A French passport is generally valid for:
- 10 years for adults
- 5 years for minors
If a child turns 18 before their passport expires, the passport does not automatically become invalid. It can generally continue to be used until its expiry date.
Always check the passport’s expiry date before travelling internationally.
You should also check the entry requirements of your destination because some countries require a passport to remain valid for a specific period beyond the planned travel date.
How Much Does a French Passport Cost?
The cost of a French passport depends on the applicant’s age and where the application is submitted.
For standard applications in metropolitan France, the current tax-stamp amounts are:
Adults: €86
Children up to 14: €17
Minors aged 15–17: €42
The fee is generally paid through an electronic tax stamp.
Other expenses, such as the cost of an approved passport photograph, may also apply.
How Much Does a French Passport Cost Outside France?
If you apply for a French passport through a French embassy or consulate outside France, the fee structure is different.
The applicable amount can also depend on whether the applicant provides the photograph or has the photograph taken at the relevant location.
Applicants living outside France should check the current consular fee before submitting their application.
How to Get a French Passport as a Foreigner Living in France?
Simply living in France does not make you eligible for a French passport.
A French passport is issued to French citizens.
If you are an Indian, British, American, Canadian, Australian or other foreign citizen living in France, you generally continue to use the passport issued by your country of nationality.
A French residence permit allows eligible foreign nationals to live in France, but it is not the same as French citizenship and does not itself provide eligibility for a French passport.
If you later become a French citizen through an applicable legal process, you can then apply for French identity documents, including a French passport.
How to Renew a French Passport?
Renewing a French passport generally involves many of the same steps as applying for a first passport.
You should:
- Check the expiry date of your current passport.
- Gather the required documents.
- Obtain a compliant passport photograph.
- Complete an online pre-application if desired.
- Purchase the applicable tax stamp.
- Find an equipped mairie.
- Book an appointment if required.
- Attend the appointment with your original documents.
- Submit the application and biometric information when required.
- Collect the new passport when it is ready.
If your current passport is still valid, you will generally need to provide it as part of the renewal process.
If your previous passport has been expired for more than five years, additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances.
What to Do If Your French Passport Is Lost?
If you lose your French passport, you should report the loss according to the applicable procedure and apply for a replacement.
A lost passport is not treated exactly like an ordinary renewal.
You may need to provide additional information or a declaration concerning the loss.
If you later find a passport that has already been officially reported lost and invalidated, do not assume that you can use it for travel. An invalidated passport may no longer be valid.
What to Do If Your French Passport Is Stolen?
If your French passport has been stolen, report the theft to the appropriate authorities.
You will then need to apply for a replacement passport.
Keep any declaration or documentation related to the theft because it may be required during the replacement process.
The replacement procedure can differ from a normal passport renewal, so check the requirements that apply to your situation.
What to Do If Your French Passport Is Damaged?
If your French passport is seriously damaged, you may need to apply for a replacement.
Damage can affect the passport’s information, security features or usability.
Do not wait until the day of your international trip to replace a damaged passport.
A severely damaged passport can potentially cause problems during travel or border checks.
Can a Child Have a French Passport?
Yes. A French minor can have their own passport.
The application must generally be made by a person who has parental authority, such as a parent or legal guardian.
For a minor applying in France, the child and the responsible legal representative generally need to attend the application appointment according to the applicable rules.
The legal representative must provide the required identity document.
A passport issued to a minor is generally valid for five years.
The current passport tax stamp is €17 for children up to 14 and €42 for minors aged 15–17 when applying in metropolitan France.
What Documents Are Required for a Child’s French Passport?
The documents required for a child depend on the child’s individual circumstances.
They may include:
- Child’s identity document, if applicable
- Recent compliant passport photograph
- Proof of address
- Identity document of the parent or legal representative
- Previous passport, if applicable
- Birth certificate, if required
- Proof of French nationality in certain circumstances
- Online pre-application number or QR code, if applicable
Prepare the original documents required for the appointment.
Some documents may not be necessary if the child’s civil-status information can already be verified electronically.
Can You Apply for a French Passport Online?
You can prepare your French passport application online by completing the pre-application process.
However, the passport application is not generally completed entirely online when applying in France.
You normally still need to visit an equipped mairie to submit the application, provide the required documents and complete the necessary identity procedures.
The online pre-application is designed to make the in-person process easier and can help save time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a French Passport
A few common mistakes can delay a French passport application or require an additional appointment.
Using an Incorrect Passport Photo
Make sure your photograph meets the official requirements and is recent.
Forgetting the Tax Stamp
Check the applicable passport fee before attending your appointment and make sure you have the correct electronic tax stamp.
Bringing Copies Instead of Required Originals
If original documents are required, make sure you bring them to the appointment.
Selecting the Wrong Application Type
Choose the correct application category, such as first passport, renewal, lost passport, stolen passport or damaged passport.
Applying at the Last Minute
Passport processing times can vary depending on demand, location and the time of year.
Not Checking Appointment Requirements
Many mairies require appointments. Check the requirements before visiting.
Forgetting Proof of Nationality
If additional evidence of French nationality is required in your case, prepare it before your appointment.
Not Collecting the Passport on Time
Once your passport is available, collect it within the applicable period to avoid the document being destroyed.
French Passport Application Checklist
Before visiting the mairie, use this checklist:
- Confirm your French nationality
- Determine whether you need a first passport or renewal
- Check the required documents
- Prepare your French identity card, if applicable
- Prepare your previous passport, if applicable
- Obtain a compliant passport photograph
- Prepare proof of address
- Complete the online pre-application, if desired
- Save your pre-application number or QR code
- Purchase the appropriate electronic tax stamp
- Find an equipped mairie
- Book an appointment if required
- Bring all required original documents
- Attend the appointment
- Provide fingerprints when required
- Keep your application or tracking information
- Track the passport production process
- Collect your passport when it is ready
FAQs
How do I get a passport in France?
To get a French passport, you must be a French citizen, prepare the required documents, complete an optional online pre-application, pay the applicable tax stamp, submit your application at an equipped mairie and collect the passport when it is ready.
How much does a French passport cost?
For standard applications in metropolitan France, the current tax stamp is €86 for adults, €17 for children up to 14 and €42 for minors aged 15–17.
Can a foreigner get a French passport?
Not simply by living in France. A French passport is issued to French citizens. Foreign residents generally use the passport issued by their country of nationality.
Do I need to apply at my local mairie?
No. You can generally apply at an equipped mairie that processes passport applications. The application location does not necessarily have to be your local mairie.
Is the online passport application mandatory?
No. The online pre-application is optional. However, completing it before your appointment can help save time during the application process.
How long does it take to get a French passport?
There is no single processing time for every application. The processing period can vary depending on the location, time of year, application volume and individual circumstances.
How long is a French passport valid?
A French passport is generally valid for 10 years for adults and five years for minors.
Can I get a French passport for my child?
Yes. French minors can have their own passports. The application is generally made by a person with parental authority according to the applicable rules.
What should I do if I lose my French passport?
Report the loss according to the applicable procedure and apply for a replacement. A lost passport requires a different process from a standard renewal.
Can I travel immediately after applying for a French passport?
You should not assume that your passport will be available immediately after applying. Processing times vary, so apply well before your planned international travel.
Final Answer
Getting a passport in France is a straightforward process when you prepare the correct documents and follow the required steps.
First, confirm that you have French nationality and determine whether you are applying for a first passport, renewal or replacement. Next, prepare the required documents, obtain a compliant passport photograph and complete the online pre-application if you want to save time.
You then need to purchase the appropriate electronic tax stamp, find an equipped mairie and make an appointment if required. During the appointment, officials will check your documents, process your application and collect biometric information when required.
After submitting your application, you need to wait for the passport to be produced and then collect it from the designated location.
For standard applications in metropolitan France, the current tax stamp is €86 for adults, €17 for children up to 14 and €42 for minors aged 15–17.
The key to a smooth French passport application is to prepare your paperwork carefully, check the requirements for your individual circumstances, make your appointment in advance and apply well before your planned international travel.
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