When you contact the prefecture, make sure that your letter is properly processed. The sending of your letter must be secure.
If you make an online request, you will receive an electronic acknowledgment of receipt (ARE). This message informs you when the administration has received your request, within 10 days. However, if there are multiple requests continuously or if there is a risk to their security, you will not receive this ARE.
It is very important to fully understand the electronic acknowledgment of receipt (ARE). This marks the beginning of the time the administration will take to respond to you. Thus, you know that your file is being handled and you can see the status of your request.
Importance of the electronic acknowledgment of receipt
The electronic acknowledgment of receipt (ARE) is key for your requests to the administration. It shows when your request was received. This date starts the time the administration has to respond to you.
The administration has a maximum of 15 days to respond. However, an ARE is not always sent. This happens if your request seems to be abusive or if a document is missing. They may then stop processing your request.
If you do not receive a response, the ARE will indicate when your request was accepted or rejected. After 2 months without a response, it is often considered that your request is accepted.
| Duration of the ARE | Observed trend |
|---|---|
| 6 months | Longer initial processing time |
| 3 months | Intermediate processing time |
| 1 month | Shorter final processing time |
The durations of the ARE are shortening, from 6 months to 1 month. This shows that the process is improving in the prefectural services.
How to send a letter to the prefecture
You must follow these steps to send a letter to the prefecture securely in the public sector:
Check that all recipient details are correctly indicated. This includes the name of the prefecture, the address, and the phone number. Do not forget to include your information so they can contact you if necessary.
Next, write a clear and concise letter explaining your request. Be polite even if you are eager to get a response. Do not forget to attach the necessary documents.
Finally, send your letter by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt. This proves that they have received your correspondence. Thus, if there is ever an issue, you will have proof.
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