First used in the Oise two months ago, the new national identity card has entered into force in all regions and will be valid for 10 years. But what does she look like? In addition to its reduced size, like the driver’s license (bank card format), the document benefits from a stricter security system.
The previous version was from 1995 but was perhaps not secure enough. Identity fraud accounted for nearly 45,000 complaints or findings made by law enforcement agencies in 2019, according to the interior ministry. But with this new version, the situation could well change …
The new identity card features a QR code and an electronic chip
As explained France Info, the new identity card would comply with European standards for the fight against identity fraud. Each chip contains the information issued on your card, your photo and your fingerprints (except for children under 12). The QR code works on the same principle but your signature is also integrated, thus proving the accuracy of the data.
With the new identity card, the police will see your data
The police will be the first to be able to control your identity, thanks to the telephones which are themselves secure, but they will not be the only government services to have access to your information. As specified France Info, if you are asked for a photocopy of your identity card from the Family Allowance Fund and it turns out to be altered, the agency’s agents may notice that it is ‘a false document.
Old identity cards are still valid
Don’t worry, the old versions are still relevant today. You can keep them until the end of their validity period. Good to know: the old version of the identity card has undergone an extension of its validity period, going from 10 to 15 years in 2014. Do not forget to add 5 years to the year of end of validity of your card, if you were of legal age when it was issued and if it was still valid on January 1, 2014.
On the other hand, nothing changes as for the mention of gender, which will always be “H” for men and “F” for women. When will we see a national identity card where gender will no longer be mentioned?