How to get a second family record book in case of loss, theft or damage?

Verified 12 March 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

If you have lost your family booklet, it has been stolen from you, or it is damaged, you can get another booklet. We guide you in your approach.

Holders of the family record book, usually parentsmay request a second booklet in the event of loss, theft or damage.

FYI  

In the event of the death of one or both parents, minor children will not be able to obtain a second booklet. However, the tutor may obtain a second booklet with the agreement of the public prosecutor.

The guardian must prepare a written request and send it to the public prosecutor of the court of the place of residence of the children.

Who shall I contact

The guardian should provide documents attesting to his or her status with the children and justify the request for a second booklet (for example, explaining the loss, theft, or destruction of the first booklet).

The guardian must also attach a copy of the death certificate parents (if not already recorded in the original family record book).

The prosecutor then considers the request and, based on the evidence provided, may authorize the issuance of a second booklet.

Once the agreement has been obtained, the guardian can go to the town hall (that of the place of domicile or the place of birth of the children) to request the issue of the second family record book.

The documents requested by the City Hall are usually as follows:

  • Guardian ID
  • Copying of children’s civil status records
  • If applicable, death certificate of the parents.

Please note

It is advisable to inquire directly with the City Hall or the Registry of the Court of Justice to know if other documents may be requested.

In France

You must apply to the City Hall of place of your residence.

Who shall I contact
Abroad

You must make the request to the embassy or at consulate territorially competent.

No, it is not mandatory to report in case of loss or theft of the family record book.

However, to limit cases of fraud, it is strongly recommended to report it by going to the police station or gendarmerie brigade. A receipt will be provided.

Who shall I contact

In practice, if you are the parents, to obtain a second family booklet, the following documents may be requested:

  • Proof of your identity
  • Proof of domicile (title of ownership, notice of taxation or certificate of non-taxation, receipt of rent, housing insurance, gas, electricity or telephone bill)
  • Information concerning the documents of the booklet to be reconstituted (name, forenames, date and place of birth of each person + date and place of marriage if you are married).

If you are a guardian of a minor, you will need to attach 2 additional documents to your application:

  • Court decision that proves you are the guardian
  • Birth certificate of the minor.

In this case, the second booklet shall be drawn up by reconstitution. The booklet is provided by the city council, which keeps the marriage certificate or, for the booklets of natural parents, the birth certificate of the 1er child and is completed by all civil registrars holding a document, an extract of which must be included.

The first page shall be marked with the words "second booklet".

If your 1 gets worseer family record book, this can be replaced. You will have to present it to the City Hall to obtain a copy (duplicate).

FYI  

When a booklet that has become unusable is exchanged for a second one, it must be given to the officer to be destroyed. But if you show an attachment to this document, it may be left to you after a "canceled" notice has been placed on each page.

The deadline varies depending on the number of documents to be entered in the booklet. It usually takes a few weeks.

You can remove the second booklet upon presentation of an identity document to the town hall where you made your request (i.e. to the town hall where you live).

Yes, issuing a second family record book is free.

Who can help me?

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