After the driver's license, it's the ID card's turn to get a makeover. In a few months, the official document that we all know will be replaced by a smaller, biometric version. Exit therefore the old models, large, blue and cardboard which are struggling to fit into our portfolio. They should gradually disappear.
Date of commissioning
In accordance with European regulations adopted on June 20, France intends to strengthen the security of identity cards issued by implementing a card in credit card format. The deployment of the latter has been tested since Tuesday in the Oise before extending to the entire territory by August 2, 2021.
Smaller, biometric and more secure
Smaller, the new digital identity card will contain an electronic chip with biometric elements. It contains all the usual information such as name, first name, date and place of birth, sex, nationality, address and date of validity. It will also be equipped with a QR code to detect possible fraud. Like passports, a scanned photo and two fingerprints will also be required, except for minors under the age of twelve. The government sees this as a way to fight identity fraud and theft.
Ten years of validity
Among the other novelties of this digital identity card, and not least, its period of validity. For security reasons, the latter will be reduced from fifteen to ten years. Thus, identity card renewals will be more frequent.
What are the lead times?
The deadlines for obtaining this new "sesame" remain unchanged. Just like our good old blue laminated document, it will take between two to four weeks depending on demand.
What is the price ?
Renewing your identity card is completely free, provided you bring your previous document. This also applies to new digital identity cards.
Do I have to change my ID card?
If your national identity card is still valid, you do not have to request the new version at this time. "After this date, you can apply for the new card, which will remain free and optional, with a validity period reduced to ten years", Marlène Schiappa clarified in an interview given to Parisian. So you can still prove your identity with the old model.
You are also not required to have an ID card if you have another ID such as a passport. The only exceptions that require you to request the replacement of the identity card: its expiration, its deterioration or in the event of loss and theft if you do not have other identity paper.
⋙ Identity card renewal: what documents do I need?
Is my identity card still valid?
In principle, the national identity card is valid for ten years (the dates are mentioned on the latter). But in practice, it is much more complex. Since January 1, 2014, the period of validity of the national identity card has been reduced from ten to fifteen years. This extension applies if and only if the card was issued to an adult and if it was still valid on January 1, 2014.
Read also :
⋙ Can I travel with an expired identity card?
⋙ Is the driver's license a piece of identification?
⋙ Driver's license, identity card … Do you have to change your address?