First-Time FR France ID card 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Application Tips - Beginner's Guide

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: 35 × 45 mm (width × height) printed on quality photographic paper without borders or cutting marks
• Head size and positioning: crown to chin measures 32–36 mm, head centered with 4 mm margin between top of head and photo edge
• Background color: uniform light grey or white, free of patterns, shadows or textures to ensure strong subject contrast
• Facial orientation: full-face view directly facing the camera, shoulders square, eyes level and looking straight at lens
• Expression and eyes: neutral expression with closed mouth, eyes open and clearly visible (no squinting or tilting)
• Glasses policy: permitted if worn daily, lenses must be clear and glare-free, frames must not obscure eyes or cast shadows
• Head coverings: only for religious or medical reasons, must not hide hairline or cast shadows on face, ears and forehead fully visible
• Photo quality and finish: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), true-to-life color balance, no red-eye, matte or semi-matte finish
• Recency of photo: taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance, avoid drastic hairstyle or makeup changes
• No image manipulation: unretouched, natural skin tones; digital filters, airbrushing, or compositing are strictly prohibited
• Identity and residency proof: original birth certificate or valid passport plus proof of address issued within 3 months (utility bill, rental contract)
• Application form and parental consent: fully completed French ID application form (CERFA n°12101*02); minors require signed parental authorization
• Appointment and fees: book an appointment online at your mairie or consulate, bring originals and photocopies, pay applicable fees by card or cheque
• Biometric data capture: attend in person for fingerprinting and signature capture as part of the first-time card issuance process

Step-by-Step Process

• Gather Documents: Download and print the Cerfa n°12101*02 application form from service-public.fr, collect proof of French nationality (birth certificate or valid passport), proof of identity (school ID or driver’s license), two recent utility bills or tax notices for address verification, and one self-addressed pre-stamped envelope for mail-in submissions.
• Prepare Compliant Photos: Have two identical 35 × 45 mm photos printed on high-quality paper showing full face (32–36 mm from chin to crown), neutral expression, light uniform background, no shadows or reflections; use a certified photomaton booth (norme ISO/IEC 19794-5) or professional studio to guarantee acceptance.
• Complete the Form Accurately: Fill in all fields in block capitals, double-check spelling of names and dates, sign and date the form where indicated, and attach the two photos on the designated spots without bending or gluing outside the frames.
• Book Your Appointment: Contact your local mairie or préfecture online via their official portal or by phone at least two weeks in advance, choose a slot that allows you to arrive 10 minutes early, and note any additional local requirements (e.g., COVID-19 health pass or proof of appointment confirmation).
• Attend the Appointment: Arrive with originals and photocopies of all documents plus payment (check, cash, or carte bancaire) for the €25 fee; present documents in the specified order, have your fingerprints scanned, confirm your mailing address, and obtain a receipt with your dossier number.
• Track Your Application: Use the dossier number on the ANTS website (ants.gouv.fr) or via the MaVoiexpresse app to monitor status updates daily; if ‘En cours de fabrication’ exceeds 15 days, call the mairie to request expedited processing.
• Collect Your ID Card: Once notified, return to the mairie within three months with the receipt and your old ID (if any), verify all personal data on the printed card is correct before signing, and pay any additional local fees for expedited collection if needed.
• Tips to Avoid Rejection: Always carry extra photocopies, ensure names on all documents match exactly, never use photos older than six months, and keep digital backups of everything in case of losses or resubmissions.

Tips and Best Practices

• Verify photo dimensions: use exact 35×45 mm (5×5 cm) measurements—common DIY prints often miss by a millimetre, and any size deviation triggers outright rejection.
• Correct head proportions: position the head so it occupies 70–80 % of the frame (32–36 mm from chin to crown)—avoids too‐small or oversized portraits that fail France’s biometric standards.
• Neutral expression & straight gaze: maintain a closed mouth, relaxed facial muscles and direct eye contact—smiling or tilting the head is a frequent reason for photo refusals.
• Uniform background & lighting: choose a plain white or off-white backdrop with soft, even lighting—shadows, gradients or textured walls are common mistakes that lead to rejection.
• No glasses or reflective accessories: remove eyewear or use non-reflective lenses—glare or tinted lenses obscure your eyes and invalidate the image under French ID rules.

Conclusion

Conclusion

• Photo Requirements: 35×45 mm size, head height 32–36 mm, plain light background, neutral expression, eyes visible, no glasses or headgear
• Documents Checklist: proof of French nationality, valid ID or passport, proof of address (less than 3 months old), two identical photos, application form
• Application Process: book an appointment online or at your local mairie/consulate, submit originals and copies, pay applicable fee, obtain receipt
• Processing Time: typically 2–4 weeks in France, up to 3 months at overseas posts; monitor status via the official portal
• Final Tips: schedule appointments early, verify local requirements, use a professional photographer familiar with French ID standards, keep copies of all documents