Anyone who has recently renewed their ID card may have noticed that it now looks different. The large blue card has become white and the size of a bank card, with an electronic chip. Why has this changed? And how is this new ID card different?

Since March 2021, the new ID card has gradually been adopted throughout France. Smaller than its predecessor, its new format is prescribed by a European regulation that states that from 2^nd August 2021, all ID cards issued by the European member states must be of this size and contain a certain number of safeguards. This is primarily about fighting fraud and identity theft more efficiently. The electronic visual stamp with state signature, as well as the electronic chip, are part of this security measure. Another change is that the period of validity of the ID card will be reduced from 15 to 10 years.

In practice, this means that you do not have to renew your ‘old format’ card if it is still valid. From 2031, however, it will no longer be possible to travel within Europe with the old ID card.

Do you have French nationality and live in Baden-Württemberg? Then the renewal of your identity card may be possible in the office of the Honorary Consul in Freiburg.

More information: http://de.ambafrance.org/-Cartes-nationales-d-identite-et-passeports-