Civil status documents issued abroad: can you apply online?

What's this about?

It is an online civil registry, which allows the central civil registration service (SCEC), embassies and consulates, to establish, manage and issue civil status documents in electronic format to French citizens born abroad or having had an event (for which the application is made) abroad.

How do I apply?

To apply online you must create an account on service-public.fr or connect to FranceConnect. Once the application has been processed by the SCEC in Nantes, the documents issued are deposited in the briefcase of your secure personal space. You are then informed of the availability of the document by email.

Documents issued shall be signed electronically and shall constitute the preferred format for issue.

Who can apply?

Individuals who can apply are:

• the holder of the document (if he is an adult or emancipated);
• the spouse (or partner of Civil partnerships in the case of the birth certificate);
• ascendants (parents, grandparents...);
• descendants (children, grandchildren...);
• institutional (court, administration, etc.);
• and authorized agents (lawyer, genealogist...).