Applicants need to go to the local town hall or foreign consulate to apply for a passport in person. If you are applying for a new passport, you will need two identical passport photos, proof of residence such as a utility bill or valid title or lease. and photo identification such as an old passport, national identification card or driver's license. If a name change has occurred, appropriate documentation is required such as a marriage certificate.
If you need to renew your French passport, you will need your expired passport. The passport must be undamaged and readable. You also will need two identical passport photographs, proof of residence and name change documentation (if required). Renewals also need to be completed in person at your local town hall.
Children under 15 years old in France are required to have a passport for traveling. Children must have parental consent, a certified copy of their birth certificate and two identical passport photos. However, according to France's Ministry of the Interior, children can be included on the parent's passport. Children ages 15 to 18 follow the same procedures as adults.
As of September 2009, the cost for an adult passport and for children ages 15 to 18 was 88 Euros, or 89 Euros the passport photo is taken at the town hall. Passports for adults and children ages 15 to 18 are valid for 10 years. As of September 2009. passports for children under 15 years old cost 44 Euros, or 45 Euros if the passport photos are taken at the town hall. Passports for minors under 15 years old are valid for five years. Passports usually take two to three days to process. Pick them up and sign them at the town hall.
If the passport applicant has not gained nationalization, this must be done prior to getting a French passport. However, it is worth noting that the process of nationalization can take up to a year. If you were not born in France and do not have at least one French national parent, you will need proof of residency in France and/or proof of marriage to a French national. For more information about obtaining nationalization, you can make an appointment with your local town hall or French embassy or consulate.
