How can I get a suitable photograph in France for my carte de séjour renewal?

Reader question: I need to renew my carte de séjour as it is expiring, but am having difficulty. I am having chemotherapy and need to use an oxygen tank when outside, which makes it impossible to get inside a photobooth cabin. Can I just send an old photo?

It is not advisable to take photos intended for official documents yourself as they may be rejected, prolonging the application process.

You cannot just use older photos, even if professionally taken.

The Service Public website states that photos need to be taken by a professional, be from the last six months and resemble how you currently look.

Read more: what is the difference between carte de séjour and carte de résident?

Aside from photo booths, you can also visit licensed photographers, who are approved by the interior ministry to take photos for official documents such as passports and identity cards.

A tool to find approved photographers (alongside booths)  is available here. Enter your postcode to find results near you, and you can filter the results. 

Visiting a photographer at their premises for identity photos often costs only around €10.

If you cannot physically visit a photographer, we suggest you contact them (phone numbers are listed on the government search tool) and explain your situation, and ask if they will do a home visit. 

While this will cost more, it will still guarantee you a photo that fulfils the necessary conditions.