Citizen census: how to prove the regularity of his situation?

Verified 02 June 2020 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

To prove that you made your citizen census (sometimes called military census), you must have the census certificate which has been given to you. If you have lost your certificate or it has been stolen, you can obtain a certificate of administrative status. You must submit one of these documents to register for certain exams or competitions before the age of 18.

Gait varies depending on your life in France or abroad.

In France

The census certificate is used to prove that you did the citizen census.

How do I get it?

The census certificate is used to prove that you have done the right thing in order to get a census.

If you have done the procedure by going there, the city hall gives you your census certificate the same day. No duplicates are provided.

If you completed your census online:

  • Either your census certificate is in the briefcase of your personal account (it is possible to print it as many times as necessary).
  • Either the city hall sends it to you by mail within 10 days.

The census certificate is generally provided with an information brochure on the national service.

What to do in case of loss or theft?

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You're under 25

If you lose or your certificate is stolen, you must request a certificate of administrative status at your National Youth Service Center (NYSC). You can request it:

  • Either by email (with a scan of your valid ID card or passport)
  • Either by mail (with a photocopy of your valid ID card or passport)

You are 25 years of age or older

None certificate of administrative status is provided after the age of 25.

In which case should the attestation be provided?

The census certificate is used to prove that you have completed your citizen census.

To register before the age of 18 for an exam (BEP, Baccalaureate...) or competition organized by the french administration, you must present one of the following documents:

  • Census certificate
  • If you have lost your certificate or it has been stolen from you, certificate of administrative status (ask your national service center)
  • Document proving your situation regarding the citizenship defense day (JDC). This can be your individual certificate of participation in the JDC: titleContent or your individual exemption certificate to the JDC.

Abroad

The census certificate is used to prove that you've done your citizen census.

How do I get the census certificate?

Following the census, your embassy or consular authority provides you with a census certificate. No duplicate shall be issued.

FYI  

generally, you will also receive an information brochure on the national service.

What to do in case of loss or theft?

If you lose or your certificate is stolen, you must request a certificate of administrative status at the Perpignan National and Youth Service (CSNJ) Center.

When should it be provided?

The census certificate is used to prove that you have completed your citizen census.

To register before the age of 18 for an exam (BEP, Baccalaureate...) or competition organized by the french administration, you must present one of the following documents:

  • Census certificate
  • If you have lost your certificate or it has been stolen from you, certificate of administrative status (ask your national service center)
  • Document proving your situation regarding the citizenship defense day (JDC). This can be your individual certificate of participation in the JDC: titleContent or your individual exemption certificate to the JDC.