The Biometric Passport: Presentation And Formalities

Since 28 June 2009, biometric passports containing a photo and digitised fingerprints have gradually replaced the electronic passports manufactured since April 2006 in France. Here are the characteristics of the biometric passport and the formalities to be completed to obtain this passport.

Presentation

Since June 28, 2009, the biometric passport has succeeded the electronic passport in France in order to make this document even more secure, to facilitate the procedures for users and to shorten the time it takes to issue it.

This new passport complies with the European standards set out in the European regulation of 13 December 2004.

It is issued in more than 2,000 municipalities in all French overseas departments and communities and in 212 French diplomatic missions abroad (for French nationals, whether travelling or living abroad).

Features

Biometric passports, which certify the identity of their holder, are issued on an individual basis. Each minor child wishing to travel must now have his or her own passport and can no longer appear on the passport of his or her parents.

Biometric passports include a secure chip in which the information on the paper document (name and address) is recorded, as well as a photo and the fingerprints of two fingers.

When the passport application is submitted, the fingerprints of 8 fingers are collected (except for children under 6 years old). In addition, the equipment at the town hall allows the applicant's photos to be taken on the spot, which guarantees a photo that meets international security standards.
To be noted: it is nevertheless possible to provide your own photos, provided that they comply with international standards.

The transition to the biometric passport is gradual and without a deadline for the use of valid passports. Thus, holders of current passports can continue to use them until their expiry date. In addition, holding a passport remains optional, as it was before.

The validity period of biometric passports is 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors.

Apply for a passport

Any person of French nationality may apply for a biometric passport.
Applicants must apply in person at one of the 2,000 equipped town halls (or at France's diplomatic representations abroad that are equipped), regardless of where they live.
Minors must be present and must be accompanied by a person exercising parental authority (father, mother, guardian).

The average time to obtain a passport is approximately one week (compared to 2 to 3 weeks for an electronic passport).

The cost is :
- 88 euros for adults (89 euros if photos are taken at the town hall)
- 44 euros for minors aged 15 to 18 (45 euros if the photos are taken at the town hall)
- 19 euros for minors under 15 years old (20 euros if the photos are taken at the town hall)
The tax stamp corresponding to this amount can be purchased at a tobacconist's, treasury or business tax office (SIE).

The documents to be provided are :
- 2 identical, recent and perfectly resembling photographs of the face, bareheaded (format 35mm x 45 mm).
- a tax stamp corresponding to the cost of the passport (see above)
- proof of address or residence
- an identity document or any other official document with a photograph / the old passport for a renewal
For a minor who has never had a passport: an identity document or any other official document with a photograph, and one in the name of the person exercising parental authority.
- proof of French nationality (unless the applicant was born in France and at least one of his/her parents was born in France).
- proof of parental authority (for minors)
- proof of the applicant's civil status: birth certificate with filiation or full copy of the Marriage certificate, subject to proof of the impossibility of producing the aforementioned birth certificate.
For minors: birth certificate with filiation of the minor

The originals of all these documents must be presented. They will be scanned on site by the agent of the town hall. Other documents must be provided if a second name is to be used (spouse's name, other parent's name).