Passport and identity card: tax notices no longer accepted as proof of address

A significant change could affect citizens when completing administrative formalities.

Renewing a passport or identity card is a routine process that concerns everyone. The administrative procedure requires an appointment at the town hall, where applicants must submit several documents, including the familiar proof of address dated within the past year. However, one document that was traditionally accepted by the authorities can no longer be used. Here is what has changed.

Tax notices no longer accepted as proof of address

According to the official government website, applicants are temporarily unable to use a tax assessment or non-assessment notice as proof of address.

Other documents remain valid

Why has this measure been introduced? Journalists recently put this question to the Agence nationale des titres sécurisés (ANTS), now known as France Titres. The issue is linked to a new two-dimensional barcode appearing on 2025 tax notices, introduced to make official documents more secure.

The public body states: “This change is currently causing difficulties when tax notices are checked at town halls, particularly when they are submitted as proof of address. The identity document management software does not recognise them properly.”

This does not prevent affected citizens from completing their applications. They may still provide an energy or water bill, a property ownership document, a rent receipt, a statement from the family benefits fund, or a home insurance certificate. A telephone bill is also accepted, but only where it relates to a landline.

Proof of address when staying with someone else

There is a separate process for people living with a relative or friend. In this case, you must provide a photocopy of the host’s identity document, a dated and signed sworn accommodation declaration, and proof of address dated within the past year in that person’s name.

Hopefully, this information will help with your formalities and prevent you from having to make several visits to the town hall.