Renew your passport is an essential step for any traveller or citizen wishing to be prepared for international travel or administrative formalities. An expired passport can quickly become an obstacle, especially in countries where it must be valid for at least six months after your arrival. This practical guide will take you step by step through the process of renewing your passport, giving you all the information you need to avoid delays and complications. Here you'll find answers to all your questions and advice on how to renew your passport successfully, whether or not you've done it before.

When and why should you renew your passport?

Period of validity of a passport

Passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors. It is vital not to wait until the last minute to renew your passport, especially if you have planned trips. An expired passport, or one that is close to expiry, can prevent you from boarding a flight or crossing a border, even if you have a valid passport. visa valid. Renewal formalities can take several weeks, especially during busy periods such as the summer holidays. It is therefore advisable to start the renewal process around six months before the expiry date.

Countries with specific requirements

Some countries, such as China, Australia, Brazil and Thailand, require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your planned return date. This means that even if your passport has not yet expired, it may not be accepted if its validity date is too close. To avoid any problems, make sure your passport meets these requirements before booking a trip to one of these countries. If in doubt, it is always best to renew your passport well before the deadline.

The key stages in renewing your passport

Step 1: Make an appointment at the town hall

For renew your passport at your nearest town hallTo apply for a passport, the first step is to make an appointment at a town hall equipped with a recording station. Not all town halls have this type of equipment, so it is important to check online or by telephone whether your town hall is authorised to process passport applications. In many towns, you will need to make an appointment online, as slots may be limited, especially during busy periods. This appointment is essential for submitting your application and registering your fingerprints.

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents

Before your appointment, make sure you have all the documents you need to renew your passport. Here is the list of documents you will need to provide:

• Your current passport.
• A recent passport photo (less than 6 months old).
• Proof of address less than one year old (bill, rent receipt, etc.).
• A tax stamp, the amount of which depends on your age (€86 for adults, €42 for minors over 15 and €17 for children under 15).
• Possibly a birth certificate less than 3 months old if your identity card has been out of date for more than 5 years, or if you do not have a valid identity card.

Step 3: Submitting the application to the town hall

On the day of your appointment, you will need to go to the town hall with all the documents you have prepared. A member of staff will check your supporting documents and take your fingerprints, a compulsory step in obtaining a biometric passport. You will also be asked to sign the application form, either in person or online if you have made a pre-application. Once your application is complete, it will be forwarded for processing. Remember to follow the progress of your online application to be informed as soon as your passport is ready.

How much does a passport renewal cost?

The cost of renewing a passport varies according to the age of the applicant. For an adult, the cost of the tax stamp is €86. For minors, the cost is lower: €42 for teenagers aged 15 to 17, and €17 for children under 15. It is important to note that these prices may vary slightly in certain regions, such as French Guiana and Mayotte. In French Guiana, for example, the tax stamp can cost between €43 and €44.50, depending on whether or not you provide a photo. In Mayotte, the cost is €86 to €89, depending on the same criteria.

Tracking and collecting your new passport

Once you have submitted your passport renewal application, you can track its progress online via the Agence Nationale des Titres Sécurisés (ANTS) website. If you provided a mobile phone number when you applied, you will also receive a text message when your passport is ready. This notification will keep you informed at every stage of the process, from manufacture to availability for collection.

When your passport is ready, you must go in person to the Mairie where you submitted your application to collect it. It is essential not to delay, as the passport must be collected within three months. After this period, the passport is destroyed and you will have to start the procedure all over again, including paying a new tax stamp. So make sure you collect your passport as soon as you receive notification that it is available.

Special cases: loss, theft or expired passport

If you have lost your passport or if it has been stolen, additional steps are required before you can apply for a new one. The first step is to report the loss or theft. In France, this declaration must be made to the police or gendarmerie. If you are abroad, you should contact the relevant local authorities or the French consulate. Once the declaration has been made, you will be issued with a receipt, which is essential before you can start the procedure to renew your passport.

In the case of a passport that has been expired for more than 5 years, the procedures can also be more complex. You will need to provide a valid identity document, such as a national identity card, if it is still valid. If you do not have a valid identity card, you will need to produce a recent birth certificate (less than 3 months old) and proof of French nationality, especially if you were born abroad or to foreign parents. These documents are required to prove your identity and French nationality before you can obtain a new passport.

Renewing your passport may seem like a complex process, but by following these key steps and being well prepared, you can avoid delays and complications. Whether you're travelling abroad or dealing with the authorities, a valid passport is essential. Don't forget to take into account the processing times and specific requirements of certain countries before planning your next trip. If in doubt, contact your local town hall or consulate to make sure everything is in order before you leave.