The France Identité app enables the digitization of certain documents
Reader question: I read an article about an “official” app that can store digital versions of certain French identity documents. Can I Residence card in addition?
The app is called “France Identité” and allows users to upload digital versions of certain official identification documents.
Currently, two main identification documents can be uploaded and then stored on your phone:
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A French identity card (national identity card) if your current card has the modern credit card format
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If you have a French identity card, you can also add a French driving license, provided it is in credit card format.
If necessary, you can use the ID stored in your phone to show it to the police if you are stopped while driving, as proof of age or identification – for example, to collect a package or enter an age-restricted area – or to make administrative requests via FranceConnect.
Read more: What is the FranceConnect button used for on websites?
There are plans to integrate many more ID card formats into the app in the future, including Residence cards for non-EU citizens and vehicles’ grey cards (registration documents).
Such new additions were supposedly supposed to be available by the end of 2024, but as of August 2024 there were no updates on when the app might include these features.
This means that you cannot currently upload your Carte de séjour (French residence card) – regardless of its type.
Read more: What is the difference between a French Carte de Séjour and a Titre de Séjour?
Are there alternative apps?
In France, there are no other authorized smartphone apps that allow you to digitize physical ID copies.
Even if an app claims to create a digital version of an ID card, it is not legitimate because only the France Identité app is recognized by the French authorities.
Digital versions or photocopies of documents are not always accepted, for example those that you you need in your vehicleor if travel by train.
In these cases, it is officially recommended that you carry the original of your ID with you.
A test for digital versions of the carte Vitale health card was expanded to other departments in early 2024. However, this refers to scanning or paying with the card at a doctor’s appointment; it cannot be used as an official ID.
Read more: Digital Carte Vitale launches in many areas: Where and how will it work?
