First tested in the Oise since March 15, 2021, the new identity card was gradually deployed throughout the territory between March 29 and June 28, 2021. It is a European regulation of 20 June 2019 that requires the generalization of this card from 2 August 2021. EU states that already have a national identity card must now issue this secure card.

What's in it?

Its highly secure electronic chip includes information on the card: name, surname, forenames, date and place of birth, address, size, sex, date of issue of the card and date of expiry of validity as well as, as for the passport, the photo of the face and fingerprints (except for minors under 12 years).

It is also equipped with a state-signed Electronic Visual Stamp (EVC), which allows for automatic reading and retrieval of card data, allowing for early detection of possible fraud if the data has been altered.

Do I need to renew my card that is in the old format?

Of course, it is not mandatory for all citizens to carry such a card as of August 2, 2021. However, no old-style national identity card can be issued from this date.

You do not need to renew your current card early if it is still valid. It is only from 2031 that you will no longer be able to travel in the European area with your old card.

The collection of mandatory fingerprints

When applying for an identity card, it will be essential to give your fingerprints so that they can be placed in the chip of the card. As with passports, a double check will be carried out, first at the time of instruction and then when the card is handed over. Fingerprints are therefore obligatory in the chip of the card, but they will not be retained in the national processing if the cardholder requests them.

A new period of validity

The new card will be valid for 10 years, rather than 15 years, to comply with the EU regulation.