One of my British clients was quite put out recently when their Carte Vitale was refused as a justificatif de domicile (proof of address).
“But it’s an official government health card!” he said. “Obviously that proves where I live!”
Well, actually, no. It proves that you’re entitled to healthcare under the French system, whatever your current address happens to be.
A justificatif de domicile isn’t a specific document. It’s a category of documents used to prove where you currently live.
If you’re new to France, you’ll be surprised how often people will ask you to produce one. Whether you’re opening a bank account, applying for a residence permit, exchanging your driving licence, registering a vehicle or signing up for certain public services, someone will invariably ask to see one.
So what does count?
In most cases, you’ll need a document that’s less than 3 months old and clearly shows your name and address. The most commonly accepted examples include:
- An electricity or gas bill from EDF, TotalEnergies or another energy supplier
- A water bill from your local provider
- A landline, internet or mobile phone bill
- A home insurance certificate
- A recent tax notice, such as taxe foncière or your annual income tax assessment
The Carte Vitale is one of the most important documents you’ll own in France but it isn’t designed to prove where you live.
The same often applies to bank statements and other official-looking documents. In French administration, the fact that a document is official doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right document for the job. Fortunately, you usually don’t have to guess what’s acceptable: the organisation requesting the document will normally provide a list.
What if you’re living with family or friends?
If you don’t have bills in your own name, you’ll usually need an attestation d’hébergement (a signed statement from the person hosting you), together with a copy of their identity document and one of their accepted proofs of address. Students, people staying in temporary accommodation and some care home residents may have different requirements.
It’s also worth knowing that there isn’t a single universal list. Different administrations sometimes accept slightly different documents or have different requirements. Taking a moment to check exactly what’s needed before attending an appointment can save you a great deal of time and frustration.
The justificatif de domicile is a staple of French bureaucracy, and you’ll be asked for one time and again. Keep a recent utility bill or home insurance certificate on your phone or computer, and you’ll be ready to produce it with a smile the next time someone asks you for one.
Need help with French administration?
Whether you’re planning your move or trying to untangle a particular administrative issue, I offer practical, bilingual support to help you move forward with confidence.
