Duratum

Guides · Réunion

National ID card renewal in Réunion

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Mairie (Town Hall) / Préfecture de La Réunion (Prefecture of Réunion).

Renewing a French National ID card (Carte Nationale d'Identité - CNI) in Réunion involves submitting an application at a town hall, either by appointment or during opening hours. The process requires submitting specific documents, including proof of identity, address, and French nationality.

Your timing

It is generally advisable to begin the renewal process several weeks, or even a few months, before the current card's expiration date. This allows time to secure an appointment at a town hall, gather all necessary documents, and account for processing times, which can vary depending on the period and location.

Start 60 days ahead

This lead time accounts for potential delays in obtaining an appointment at a town hall and the subsequent processing time for the new card, which can range from a few weeks to several weeks.

The process

  1. 1Verify the expiration date of the current National ID card.
  2. 2Gather necessary supporting documents, which typically include proof of identity, French nationality, and address, along with a recent photograph.
  3. 3Complete the pre-application online on the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS) website (optional but recommended to save time at the town hall).
  4. 4Schedule an appointment at a town hall equipped for ID card applications, or check their walk-in hours.
  5. 5Attend the appointment with all required documents and the pre-application number (if applicable) for fingerprinting and submission.
  6. 6Track the application status online via the ANTS website.
  7. 7Collect the new National ID card at the same town hall where the application was submitted, often by presenting the old card and a receipt.

What to bring

  • Old National ID card (if available, even if expired)
  • Proof of French nationality (e.g., birth certificate less than 3 months old, certificate of French nationality) if the old card is expired by more than 5 years or if the information cannot be verified.
  • Proof of address (e.g., electricity bill, rent receipt, tax notice less than 6 months old)
  • One recent, compliant identity photograph (less than 6 months old, standard format)
  • Fiscal stamp (timbre fiscal) if the old card cannot be presented or if it was lost/stolen (details on cost and acquisition to be confirmed with authorities).

Who handles it

Mairie (Town Hall) / Préfecture de La Réunion (Prefecture of Réunion)

https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/N358

Renewal of a National ID card is generally free of charge if the old card can be presented. A fiscal stamp (timbre fiscal) is typically required if the old card was lost or stolen, or if it cannot be presented for other reasons. The current cost of this fiscal stamp should be confirmed with the responsible authority.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Ensure all supporting documents, especially the birth certificate and proof of address, meet the recency requirements (e.g., less than 3 or 6 months old).
  • The identity photograph must strictly adhere to official standards regarding size, background, and facial expression; non-compliant photos will lead to rejection.
  • Appointments at town halls can sometimes be booked weeks in advance, so it's important to plan ahead.
  • The physical presence of the applicant, including minors, is mandatory for fingerprinting and document submission.

Sources

Other documents in Réunion

National ID card renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

Don't rely on remembering

Add this document to Duratum and we'll tell you when to start, and remind you before it matters.

Track my National ID card