Passport renewal in France
Renewing a French passport involves submitting an application at a designated town hall or consulate equipped with biometric stations. The process requires providing updated photos, supporting documentation, and paying a fee to receive a new e-passport.
It is recommended to begin the renewal process several months before a planned trip, as appointment availability at local town halls can be limited and processing times fluctuate based on seasonal demand.
Start 60 days ahead
This accounts for the frequent delays in securing an appointment at a mairie (town hall) and the standard administrative processing time for document printing and transit.
The process
- 1Verify the validity of the current passport and determine if a renewal is necessary.
- 2Complete a pre-application online via the official ANTS portal to receive a registration number.
- 3Purchase the necessary fiscal stamp (timbre fiscal) online or at a designated retailer.
- 4Book an appointment at a town hall (mairie) or a consulate that offers biometric passport services.
- 5Attend the appointment in person to provide fingerprints, submit the pre-application number, and present required documents.
- 6Collect the new passport in person at the same location once notified that it is ready.
What to bring
- Current passport
- Pre-application number or printed Cerfa form
- Proof of address less than one year old
- One color passport photograph taken within the last six months meeting official standards
- Electronic fiscal stamp (proof of payment)
Who handles it
Agence nationale des titres sécurisés (ANTS - National Agency for Secure Titles)
https://passeport.ants.gouv.fr/
The fee is 86 EUR for adults, 17 EUR for minors under 15, and 42 EUR for minors aged 15-17; confirm the current rate on the official ANTS portal.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure passport photos strictly comply with French administrative standards, as non-compliant photos will cause immediate rejection.
- Check appointment availability in neighboring municipalities if the local town hall has a long waiting list.
- Confirm the specific proof of address requirements, as only certain documents like utility bills or tax notices are accepted.
Sources
- Passeport : demande ou renouvellement service-public.fr
- ANTS - Faire une demande de passeport passeport.ants.gouv.fr
Other documents in France
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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