How long does it take to get your identity card?

The national identity card (CNI) is issued free of charge by the French State. It serves to identify each individual. It is not mandatory to have one, but it is provided upon request. One must prove they are French to obtain one. Anyone who can may obtain a CNI. Since November 8, 2016, the process to obtain it is the same as for passports with electronic chips.

Abroad, one must contact the consulate. The card can be received after approximately 4 weeks. This period begins when the complete file is submitted at the town hall.

Main conclusions to remember

• The average processing time for identity cards is 4 weeks for complete and compliant files.
• Appointment times at the town hall may vary depending on the municipality.
• It is recommended to prepare in advance and check the completeness of the file before submission at the town hall.
• French citizens abroad should contact their local consulate.
• Measures are being taken to facilitate processes and increase collection points across the territory.

What is a national identity card (CNI)?

A national identity card (CNI) is a very important French document. It shows that a person is French. With it, one can prove their identity everywhere, particularly in public services. Regardless of age, all French citizens can have one. This includes those living outside of France.

Official identification document

The CNI is a fundamental document in France. All authorities and public counters recognize it. It helps to confirm who you are for things like paperwork or travel. For users, the user reception at the prefecture is an essential contact point for obtaining information and services related to the CNI.

Issued free of charge by the French State

The French government provides this card without asking for money. Every French citizen can have one. You just need to follow the steps to obtain it.

Proof of French nationality required

To get a CNI, one must prove they are French. This shows that one is part of France. Quite simple, right?

How to obtain an identity card?

Since November 8, 2016, requests for national identity cards (CNI) have changed. They are now processed like requests for biometric passports. This new method simplifies the procedures and speeds up processing times.

Application to be submitted at the town hall

To obtain an identity card, you must go to a town hall with a biometric station. This helps to process requests more quickly and obtain identity documents faster.

Procedure aligned with biometric passports

The application for an identity card and that for a passport are similar. This similarity makes the processes less complicated. Citizens are served more efficiently.

How long does it take to get an identity card at the prefecture?

The request for a national identity card now follows the rules for biometric passports. However, waiting times may vary depending on your location. Generally, it takes about 4 weeks to receive your CNI after submitting a complete file at the town hall.

Average delay of 4 weeks

To calculate the 4-week delay, certain steps are taken into account. First, there is the time to verify the file at the CERT. Then, there is the production, packaging, and transport of the CNI by the ANTS. However, in special cases, this time may be longer, especially if your file is complex.

Complete and compliant file required

To receive your CNI in 4 weeks, your file must be complete. This means it must be well-prepared and contain all necessary documents. Before making your appointment at the town hall, make sure to check everything. Don’t hesitate to ask for help at the town hall to ensure you have everything you need.

Delays by region and department

Obtaining your identity card may take more or less time depending on where you live in France. Here are several examples for better understanding.

Occitanie: 8 weeks on average

On average, it takes 8 weeks in Occitanie to receive an identity card. The region is very active in administrative procedures. This explains these longer delays compared to the national average.

Hérault: 50 equipped town halls

In Hérault, 50 town halls offer a collection device. This concerns requests for identity cards and passports. This equipment simplifies access to prefecture counters and reduces waiting times for people.

Haute-Loire: 29 days for CNI, 33 days for passports

In Haute-Loire, people wait about 29 days for a national identity card. For a passport, it’s a bit longer, 33 days. These times are short compared to the rest of France. This shows good organization of prefecture services.

Preparation and anticipation

At this time of high demand, well preparing your file is crucial. This helps to obtain your identity card faster. Here’s what you need to do:

Check the completeness of the file

Check that you have everything needed for your request. This includes a valid passport, a translated and legalized birth certificate, correct identity photos, and sometimes a marriage certificate. Having these documents ready is the first step.

Use the online pre-application

Make your request online in advance for a quicker and stress-free appointment. The online pre-application allows you to ensure the completeness of your file. This gives you time to correct any missing items before arriving at the town hall.

Cancel unhonored appointments

If you cannot attend your appointment at the prefecture, cancel it. This will give others the chance to take that slot. Canceling unnecessary appointments helps to make the process more efficient for everyone.

Procedure for French citizens abroad

If you are a French citizen living abroad, contact the local consulate for the identity card. You need to make an appointment for this. In France, however, you go directly to the town hall without an appointment.

Information on processing times is available at www.isere.gouv.fr. It is updated quarterly. So make sure to contact the consulate and find out how long you need to wait for your identity card.

What is the average processing time at the prefecture?

The average time to obtain an identity card includes two parts. First, there is a 12-day period to process the file at the CERT. Then, you need to count an additional 11 days for the card's production, packaging, and transport.

Processing time at the CERT

At the Expertise and Resource Center for Titles (CERT), the file is examined for an average of 12 days. This is the first step to obtaining a new identity card.

Production and transport time

After the file is reviewed, the production of the card, its packaging, and its delivery to the town hall then take about 11 days.

Facilitating procedures

The government has strengthened its support for local authorities to simplify citizens' procedures. This aims to increase the places where applications can be made, particularly in the area of public security in Île-de-France.

Emergency plan 2022

In 2022, an emergency plan was implemented. It responds to the high demand for identity cards and passports. This plan aims to make contact with public services easier and more accessible.

Increase in collection devices

Their number has increased across the country. Thus, people will wait less for their procedures. The goal is to make services more convenient and efficient for everyone.

Allocations to municipalities

French municipalities receive funding from the State for their needs. The DGF is crucial. In Hérault, municipalities received €243,092,183 in 2024, €7,050,023 more than in 2023 (+3%).

This amount was on average 16% of the usual revenues of municipalities. This is more than the national average, which is 15%.

Annual fixed allocation

A fixed part of the DGF is dedicated to Hérault municipalities. Between 2017 and 2024, it increased by 18.9%. In 2024, 55.8% of municipalities saw their share increase. However, 34.5% were capped.

Allocation based on the number of requests

The allocation per inhabitant in Hérault is higher than the average in France: €179.4 compared to €171.8. In 2024, 80.7% of municipalities benefited from an increase in their DGF. Furthermore, the share of equalization allocations in the DGF has risen to 50%.

Exceptional allocation for connection

A special allocation of €1,500 will assist in connecting town halls to an online appointment service, including a new appointment system. This assistance will facilitate citizens' procedures.

Where to submit your application?

To apply for an identity card or passport, go to a town hall with a biometric station. Almost all town halls in France have one. This makes the procedures simpler and reduces waiting times.

Town halls equipped with biometric stations

At these town halls, you can directly provide your digital information and photos for your identity card and passport. This easier process saves you time.

Lists and contact information available

You can view an online list of town halls with equipment and their contacts. This is convenient for quickly finding where to submit your application and obtain an appointment.

Contact and information

If you need information about procedures at the prefecture, we are here to help. Send your questions to [email protected]. We will respond quickly.

Additionally, you have access to an online guide to procedures on our site. This will facilitate your understanding of the steps to follow for the processes.

Conclusion

It is important to prepare well to apply for an identity card. The procedures are simpler today. Public services have improved to reduce bureaucracy.

However, organization is still necessary. Making an online pre-application helps a lot. This reduces the number of visits to the prefecture and speeds up the process.

Thanks to these actions, waiting for your identity card is easier. Processing times are improving for everyone due to better public service.