Three essential questions about digitized French identity cards and their usage
In France, law enforcement officers are now equipped with secure tablets and phones called NEO 2 to check digital ID documents, marking a significant step towards a more digital-friendly society. This shift towards digital documents is not limited to law enforcement; citizens can now manage their driver's licenses, health insurance cards, and vehicle registration cards digitally.
Streamlined Digital Identity Verification with France Identity
The cornerstone of this digital transformation is the France Identity (FranceConnect) app. This government-backed digital identity platform enables secure access to various public services, including issuing and managing official documents digitally. By creating a trusted digital identity through France Identity, you can access services such as the digital driver's license, health insurance card, and other e-ID services.
Managing Your Driver's License and Vehicle Registration Digitally
For managing your driver's license and vehicle registration, official government sites like ANTS.gouv.fr are the primary gateways. These platforms support FranceConnect logins, allowing you to handle your digital documents with ease. While the Mespointspermis app is associated with driving and license points management, its digital services related to the driver's license and vehicle registration are still under development.
Embracing Digital Healthcare with the Carte Vitale
The digital counterpart of France’s health insurance card, the Carte Vitale, can be managed through health-related apps and portals linked with FranceConnect. This means you can carry a digital insurance card on your phone, making healthcare transactions more seamless.
Currently, 95% of healthcare professionals are equipped to take digital Carte Vitale into account, and they may need a mobile phone app or scanner to read its QR code. By July 2025, it is expected that 1.3 million French people will have a digital Carte Vitale.
A Seamless Transition to Digital ID Documents
While the full functionality of these digital licenses and cards is still in progress, official government websites linked with France Identity are the primary avenues for digital document management and issuance. To access digital identity services, you will need a mobile phone with NFC reading functionality.
To link your new ID card to the France Identity app, enter the code at the bottom right of the ID card and scan the NFC chip. It's important to note that an appointment at the town hall is required to confirm your identity.
Since March 31, early renewal of ID cards for digital identity is available. You can pre-apply on the National Agency for Secure Documents (ANTS) website. After authentication, you will be prompted to choose a six-digit code for secure app access.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
While the benefits of digital ID documents are clear, there is a form of resistance to change on both the patient and the doctor side regarding the digital Carte Vitale. However, with financial assistance from Social Security for digital equipment and the increasing number of healthcare professionals equipped to handle digital Carte Vitale, this resistance is expected to decrease over time.
Expanding Capabilities of the France Identity App
The France Identity app, with 2.5 million users according to the Ministry of the Interior, is not limited to ID document verification. Since last February, it has been valid for verifying transportation tickets on Ouigo trains, as well as Inoui and Intercity trains.
As France continues to embrace digital ID documents, it's essential to stay informed and adapt to these changes for a smoother and more convenient experience.
- With the France Identity app, the finance sector is set to benefit from increased efficiency as the app is expanding its capabilities, now valid for verifying transportation tickets on Ouigo, Inoui, and Intercity trains, further integrating digital ID documents into the industry.
- Recognizing the potential of smartphones in data-and-cloud-computing, the industry is witnessing a surge in the adoption of devices like NEO 2 in the sports and gadgets market, as law enforcement officers in France utilize these secure tablets and phones for digital ID document checks, aligning with the government's vision of a more digital-friendly society.
- As the government continues to issue and manage official documents digitally through France Identity, the public sector is observing a significant shift in the finance, healthcare, and sports industries by integrating digital ID documents, such as driver's licenses, health insurance cards, and vehicle registration cards, which not only provides convenience for citizens but also opens opportunities for smartphones and technology companies in the digital document management landscape.
