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

Requirements

• Photo specifications: 35 × 45 mm color photo printed on matte or glossy paper with sharp contrast and no borders
• Head position: full face centered, eyes open and level, neutral expression with closed mouth, head covering only for religious reasons without obscuring facial features
• Background requirements: plain, uniform light gray or off-white background with no shadows, patterns, or objects visible
• Head size and proportions: distance from chin to crown 32–36 mm, eyes positioned 22–28 mm from bottom edge of photo
• Photo quality and retouching: high resolution (minimum 600 dpi), natural skin tones, no red-eye, no digital alterations or filters
• Glasses and accessories: if worn, frames must not cover eyes, lenses clear without reflections or tints, jewelry minimal and not reflective
• Age of photo: taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance
• Application form: fully completed Cerfa n°12100*04 printed in black ink, with applicant’s original signature in designated field
• Proof of nationality: original long-form French birth certificate (copie intégrale) or valid French passport or certificate of French nationality
• Proof of identity: valid passport or, if unavailable, two supporting identity documents (e.g., national student card, official resident permit)
• Proof of address: recent utility bill, rent receipt, or tax notice issued within the last six months, matching applicant’s current address
• Appointment booking: reserve a time slot at your local mairie or prefecture via the Service-Public website before submitting documents
• Fees and payment: adults pay €25 via fiscal stamp (timbré fiscal) unless renewing before expiry, minors under 18 apply free of charge
• Collection and validity: card available for pickup in 2–4 weeks; valid for 10 years (5 years for minors under 18)

Step-by-Step Process

• Verify Eligibility & Choose Submission Venue: Confirm you are a French citizen or meet first-time criteria (birth in France, naturalization documents) and locate your nearest mairie or prefecture equipped for biometric ID card appointments via the official Service-Public.fr portal.
• Gather Required Documents: Collect your original long-form birth certificate (less than 3 months old), proof of French nationality (if applicable), valid proof of address (utility bill or rent receipt under 1 year), valid photo ID (passport or school card), and one printed confirmation of your appointment.
• Prepare Your Photo (35 × 45 mm Spec): Obtain two identical, unretouched color photos on matte paper sized exactly 35 × 45 mm; ensure your head height is 32–36 mm, neutral expression, eyes open, plain light background, no eyewear or head coverings (unless for religious reasons) and print at 600 dpi.
• Complete the Cerfa Application Form No. 12100*02: Download the PDF from Service-Public.fr, fill all fields legibly in capital letters (name, date/place of birth, parent names), sign where indicated, and attach one photo to the designated spot.
• Book & Confirm Your Appointment: Use FranceConnect or the mairie’s online booking system at least two weeks in advance; choose a date/time slot, then print or screenshot the confirmation page showing your appointment reference number.
• Attend the Appointment & Submit Biometrics: Arrive 15 minutes early with originals and photocopies of all documents, submit your Cerfa form, both photos, and your proof of address; provide your signature and have your fingerprints recorded digitally.
• Pay Applicable Fees or Confirm Exemption: Present payment (cash, cheque or carte bancaire) of €25 for adults (under-18 cards are free) or show proof of fee exemption (students, low-income households) to finalize your application.
• Receive Your Receipt & Track Status: Obtain your provisional receipt (récépissé) featuring a unique dossier number; track progress online via Service-Public.fr or by calling the mairie’s dedicated line using this number.
• Collect Your New ID Card: When notified (usually 2–4 weeks later), return to the same mairie with your récépissé and an identity document; sign the delivery register, verify all details on the card, and keep your receipt for future renewals.

Tips and Best Practices

• Precise Size and Proportions: Ensure the printed photo measures exactly 35×45 mm with your face height at 32–36 mm to comply with French biometric rules, preventing automatic rejection for incorrect dimensions.
• Uniform Neutral Background: Use a solid, light-grey or blue backdrop free of shadows and patterns so your facial features contrast clearly, avoiding denials for non-compliant backgrounds.
• Neutral Expression and Pose: Face the camera squarely with a relaxed, neutral expression, mouth closed and eyes open, avoiding head tilts, smiles or hair covering your face to meet biometric capture requirements.
• Even Lighting and No Reflections: Employ soft, diffused lighting on both sides of your face and remove glasses or adjust to eliminate glare, preventing photo rejection due to shadows, hotspots or lens reflections.
• High-Resolution & No Retouching: Submit a sharp, high-resolution image (minimum 600 dpi for prints or high-quality JPEG) without digital filters or edits so authorities can clearly verify your features and avoid delays.

Conclusion

In summary, following these key points will help ensure your first-time French ID card application (35 × 45 mm) proceeds smoothly:

• Photo compliance: use a 35 × 45 mm color photo with a plain, light background and no shadows
• Head positioning: ensure the face fills the frame (32–36 mm from chin to crown), centered and looking straight ahead
• Expression and attire: maintain a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, remove glasses and hats (unless for religious reasons)
• Print quality: submit high-resolution prints on professional photo paper with correct border margins
• Document checklist: include your completed application form, proof of identity, proof of address, the required photos, and payment receipt
• Appointment prep: book your mairie appointment in advance, arrive with all originals and copies, and keep a spare photo on hand

By adhering to these guidelines and double-checking every detail before submission, you’ll minimize the risk of rejection, avoid delays, and secure your French ID card without hassle.