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

Requirements

Content about First-Time FR France ID card 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm) Application Tips - requirements

Step-by-Step Process

• Choose your mairie and check eligibility: research and select the local town hall (mairie) offering carte nationale d’identité (CNI) services and verify you meet “first-time” criteria (never held a CNI).
• Use the official ANTS.fr website to find mairies with digital stations.
• Confirm you have French nationality documents ready (birth certificate, if needed).
• Gather mandatory documents: collect every required proof to avoid delays.
• Proof of identity: original French birth certificate (extrait d’acte de naissance) or certificate of French nationality.
• Proof of address: recent utility bill or tax notice dated within the last 12 months.
• Two identical biometric photos (35×45 mm) meeting French specs: no shadows, neutral expression, plain background.
• If applicable, parental authorization and parents’ ID for applicants under
• Prepare compliant biometric photos: ensure your photo studio or home setup follows exact standards.
• Size: 35 × 45 mm (5 × 5 cm) with head height between 32 mm and 36 mm.
• Background: uniform light grey or white, no patterns or shadows.
• Face position: full-face view, eyes open and centered, neutral mouth, no spectacles glare.
• Quality: high resolution (min. 600 dpi), printed on matte photo paper.
• Start your application on ANTS.fr: create or log in to your account and prefill the form.
• Choose “Première demande CNI” and enter personal details exactly as on your birth certificate.
• Upload a digital copy of your photo to verify compliance before printing.
• Once submitted, select your preferred mairie and download the pré-demande receipt with barcode.
• Book and confirm your appointment: secure a time slot online or by phone.
• Appointments can fill quickly—book at least 4–6 weeks ahead, especially in larger cities.
• Print or save the confirmation email; you’ll need it at the mairie.
• Attend the in-person appointment: bring originals and copies to the mairie.
• Present your pré-demande barcode, all original documents, photocopies, and photos.
• Sign the digital pad and provide fingerprints (ages 12+).
• Pay any fee if applicable (first-time is free; fees apply for loss, theft, or renewal outside validity).
• Track application status: monitor online or via SMS if you opted in.
• Use your ANTS account or the provided receipt number to check progress.
• Typical processing time is 2–4 weeks but may vary by mairie workload.
• Collect your new ID card: return to the mairie in person with your receipt.
• The card is non-transferable—only the applicant may collect it.
• Sign the delivery register and verify all personal details on the card before leaving.
• Lost or incorrect cards require immediate notification and a new application.

Tips and Best Practices

• Uniform background: use a plain white or light-grey backdrop to ensure clear facial contrast and comply with French ID standards, as any shadows or colored backgrounds trigger automatic rejections
• Precise head size and positioning: frame the face so the head height is 32–36 mm and centered vertically, because undersized or oversized heads lead to scaling errors and application delays
• Neutral expression with eyes open: maintain a closed-mouth, relaxed facial expression and look straight at the camera, since smiling or tilting your head can result in non-compliance with biometric requirements
• No glasses or hair obstructions: remove eyewear (even with clear lenses) and tuck hair away from the eyes and forehead, as reflections, frames, or stray hairs obscure biometric points and cause photo refusals
• High-quality print without borders: deliver a 35×45 mm digital or professionally printed photo with no white margins at 300 dpi or higher, because low resolution or visible borders lead to immediate rejection

Conclusion

In summary, a successful first‐time application for the French ID card hinges on precision, preparation and punctuality:

• Photo size: exactly 35×45 mm (5×5 cm) in color on a plain, light background
• Head positioning: 32–36 mm from chin to crown, centered in the frame
• Appearance requirements: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, no glasses or head coverings
• Document checklist: completed CERFA form, valid identity proof, residence proof, birth certificate (if required)
• Submission process: book an appointment at your mairie, present originals plus copies of all documents
• Processing timeline: expect 4–6 weeks; monitor status online

By adhering to these core guidelines, you’ll minimize the risk of rejection and ensure a smooth, timely issuance of your French ID card.