What to do if your French residency card is lost or stolen

Losing your residency card – or having it stolen – can lead to major administrative headaches, but it is possible to obtain a replacement.

These rules apply to all types of French residency cards (cartes de séjour), including Brexit Withdrawal Agreement (WA) cards. The replacement card issued is known as a duplicata.

A duplicate card contains the same information as the original and does not extend your right to remain in France. The original expiry date remains unchanged.

How do I obtain a replacement?

Applications for replacement residency cards are made online through France's Interior Ministry website (Anef).

Once on the site, select the option Je déclare un changement de situation.

If you have previously created an account on the platform, you can log in using your existing credentials. You may also be able to connect via FranceConnect if your account is linked.

Those who do not already have an account may need information from their residency card, including the personal number (numéro personnel) printed on the document. If you have kept a photocopy or photograph of your card, this can be useful.

If you no longer have any record of the card's details, contact your local prefecture for advice.

Once logged in, select the option Je signale la perte, le vol ou la détérioration de la carte and follow the instructions.

You will be asked to provide a sworn statement (déclaration sur l'honneur) explaining the circumstances of the loss, theft or damage.

Supporting documents may vary depending on your situation and the type of residence permit held, but generally include:

• Your passport or travel document

• Proof of address dated within the last three months

• A digital photo and signature code (e-photo)

• A copy of the lost card, if available

• Proof of payment of any applicable fee

Additional documents may be requested in certain cases.

After submitting the application, you should receive confirmation that your request has been registered. Once the replacement card has been produced, you will be invited to collect it from the prefecture or sub-prefecture responsible for your file.

In some cases, applicants may be asked to attend an appointment to provide fingerprints or other biometric information before the replacement card can be issued.

It is worth noting that once a duplicate card has been requested, the original card is generally invalidated. If you later find the missing card, you should continue with the replacement procedure rather than attempting to use the old document.

What if my card was stolen?

The process for replacing a stolen card is largely the same, but you should first file a theft report with the police or gendarmerie.

The receipt issued following this report will normally need to be included with your application for a replacement card.

You should then complete the online duplicata request through the Interior Ministry website.

What if I lose my card abroad?

If you lose your residency card while outside France, you should report the loss to the local authorities and contact the nearest French consulate or embassy.

You may need to apply for a re-entry visa (visa de retour) in order to travel back to France and demonstrate your right of residence when crossing the border.

Once back in France, you can apply for a replacement residency card through the normal procedure.

Do I have to pay?

The fee for a replacement card depends on the type of residence permit you hold.

Where a fee applies, payment is made using fiscal stamps (timbres fiscaux), which can be purchased online or from participating tobacconists.

Brexit Withdrawal Agreement residency cards are generally replaced free of charge.

Holders of other types of residence permit may be required to pay a fee, with the amount varying according to the category of permit involved.