Official documents are being digitized. Thus, identity cards and driving licenses are now, and gradually, available in 100% dematerialized formats. Regarding the permit, the tests have started and the generalization via the France Identity application is planned for 2024.
Regarding the vital card too, 2024 should be a pivotal year. For the moment, the digital version of the card only concerns people attached to the Health Insurance of eight departments.
A gradual deployment by the end of 2025
To access the application, which therefore replaces the traditional smart card, it is currently essential to be affiliated with Health Insurance, MSA or MGEN of the Alpes-Maritimes, Rhône, Sarthe, Loire-Atlantique, Puy-de-Dôme, Bas-Rhin, Saône-et-Loire and Seine-Maritime.
It is also necessary to be over 16 years old and especially to be equipped with a smartphone under iOS 7 or Android 12, at least. For the other departments and social security, it will still be necessary to wait. A gradual deployment throughout France is planned for 2024.
In the meantime, holders and candidates for the digital vital card can replace – or simply supplement – the physical version with a mobile application installed on their smartphone. The app provides access to healthcare expenses for the 7 days following the visit to a healthcare professional.
An optional, non-biometric card
The installation of the vital card application for eligible people requires that they bring their existing physical card or their digital social security card. ID will also be required during the process.
Note that the use of the application does not require an internet connection. To connect to the card, healthcare professionals must have a compatible tool, either a QR Code reader or an NFC reader.
Note that the digital card is not intended – at present – to replace its physical version. It is in no way compulsory, any more than the vital card is in general.
In February, the CNIL recalled the various points of attention taken into account during the examination of the draft text. The Commission underlined in particular “the balance to be found between the offer of an innovative digital service making it possible to simplify the daily life of users and the need not to accentuate the digital divide.”