How to ask for the new electronic identity card even if you have the old model still valid

It is now possible to request early renewal of your old-style identity card to obtain the new model and save it to your smartphone. We explain how.

You will save space in your wallet. After replacing the multi-part pink cardboard paper with the “bank card” driving license, you can now apply for the new national identity card (CNI) even if your old-style one is still valid.

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This government's desire, announced in 2024, is now concrete. Like all documents accessible in digital form, you can integrate your identity card on your smartphone via the France Identité application. Please note: to apply for a replacement of your old national identity card, it must expire in more than a year.

Here's how to get your new electronic identity card now

As with all applications for official documents, this is done on the ANTS website, the National Agency for Secure Documents, which is now called France Titres. Have your current ID card with you then, once on the page:

1. Identify yourself using the method of your choice.
2. Click on Identity card and/or passport.
3. Select the correct option from the two offered and confirm with Start this process online.
   
4. Click Accept and continue.
5. You will have to answer a series of questions. Do so and then click the Continue button.
6. When asked What is the reason for your pre-application?, select A national identity card only.
   
7. When asked For what reason do you wish to obtain an identity card?, choose Renewal for digital identity.
8. Fill in the requested fields with your national identity card information and confirm with Continue before following the rest of the process.

Now that you have completed your pre-application, there are two things left to do. The first is to go to the website https://rendezvouspasseport.ants.gouv.fr/ to make an appointment with the town hall. The second is to gather the necessary supporting documents that will be requested when you go there, namely:

• Your current, valid identity card.
• A passport photo less than 6 months old that complies with the standards (photo booths issue compliant photos).
• Proof of address dated less than a year ago (electricity or gas bill, internet provider bill, mobile phone plan bill, rent receipt, tax notice, etc.).
• The pre-application number and/or the QR code obtained at the end of the process.

Once you have given all this to the town hall, all you have to do is wait for them to contact you to collect the new card. Note that this “convenience” renewal is not a priority. Requests for a first card, following an expiration or a change in marital status, for example, will be processed before yours. The time to obtain your document can therefore be quite long depending on where you live.

To go even further, you can then have your digital identity certified. This means you no longer have to travel to prove who you are during certain procedures. You'll find details on the website https://france-identite.gouv.fr. Certification still requires physical validation at a town hall. Depending on the town hall, this can be done without an appointment.