How to get proof of address in France ?

At a glance: Proof of address in France

• A justificatif de domicile is a French document that proves your address.
• Accepted documents vary by procedure, but can include utility or phone bills, a home insurance certificate, a lease or rent receipt, a tax notice, or an attestation d’hébergement with the host’s supporting documents.
• There is no single validity period. For example, a residence-card application generally requires proof dated within the last six months, while a French identity-card or passport application in France accepts proof dated within the last year. Always follow the checklist for your specific procedure.
• The best option for newcomers is often an attestation d’hébergement, which is a signed letter from a host saying you’re living with them for free.
• Common rejection reasons for a proof of address document include names being mismatched, the document being too old, apartment numbers missing or the scan being of a low quality.
• Double-check official requirements on government sites and look at the exact checklist for the procedure you’re applying for.

What counts as proof of address in France? (Justificatif de domicile explained)

Justificatif de domicile means proof of address or proof of residence in English. It is not one single legal form: it is a document accepted for a particular procedure to show the address where you live. French government authorities, banks, utility providers and other parties may ask for one, but the accepted document depends on the procedure.

Providing proof of address verifies the address you have declared for that specific procedure. It does not by itself register you with a commune or determine your tax residence, social-security affiliation or electoral registration; those are separate administrative or legal processes with their own rules.

Examples of when you’ll need proof of address in France:

• Residence permit/prefecture requests
• Opening or changing services (internet, phone)
• Some banking steps
• Vehicle registration (ANTS)
• School, childcare, social security/healthcare administration
• Insurance

You can find the official guidance on the Service-Public website. This is the best place to start.

Documents commonly accepted as proof of address in France

There is no universal rule for how recent a document needs to be. You need to make sure you have the right document with the right date for what you’re applying for. If you’re in doubt, the more recent the document you have the better. But you should be able to find the information you need from the agency or company you’re applying for.

How to get proof of address in France (step-by-step)

When you first arrive in France, you’ll need to be able to prove your address so you can start accessing the services you need. This step-by-step guide will help you do that.

It’s a good idea to keep a folder on your computer with records of your French proof of address documents. You could update it monthly or quarterly, whenever the most recent bill comes in. That way you won’t have to scramble around looking for it when you need it. Knowing and accepting that you’re going to need to regularly show proof of address in France is how you should start thinking when you live there.

If you just arrived and have no bills yet (newcomer scenarios)

When you first arrive in France you won’t have much paperwork. It’s important to start the process of getting your French proof of address as soon as possible. There are a number of ways you can do this.

You’re renting but utilities aren’t in your name yet

If you’re renting, a lease or rent receipt can be accepted as proof of address, but the rule depends on the procedure. For example, residence-card guidance lists a lease or rent receipt, while identity-card/passport guidance specifically lists a rent receipt from a social landlord or real-estate agency. Check the exact list before relying on a private-landlord document.

For a standard residential lease in France, tenants must have home insurance covering at least rental risks (assurance habitation). The insurance certificate must be provided to the landlord or agency when the keys are handed over, and again once a year if requested. An insurance certificate is accepted as proof of address for some procedures, including vehicle registration and identity-card/passport applications.

You can ask the provider or your landlord to have your name on at least one utility contract. Electricity is often used as the gold standard for French proof of address, so that’s probably the best place to start. You can request your attestation EDF online.

Wise tip: pay rent, insurance, and utility setup costs while you build your paper trail

If you’ve just arrived and utilities aren’t in your name yet, you’ll often still need to pay home insurance, a deposit, and your first rent to get set up. With Wise, you can send EUR to France with transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate, and keep clear transfer records—useful when you need to show proof of payment while waiting for bills in your name.

Go to Wise

You live with a partner, friend or family (attestation d’hébergement)

An attestation d’hébergement is a signed letter from a host saying you’re living with them for free. It’s a very common option for new arrivals in France, especially if you’re moving to France to be with family or friends. In effect they can vouch for you with this letter.

There’s a straightforward process to follow for this option. You’ll need:

• A signed and dated attestation d’hébergement.
• A copy of the host’s ID (or residence permit).
• The host’s own proof of address, which could be a recent utility bill or tax notice. This will vary depending on what you need it for.

You’re in temporary housing (hotel, campsite, short-term rental)

Temporary-accommodation rules are procedure-specific. For vehicle registration, Service-Public lists an invoice issued by the manager or owner of a hotel or campsite. For a residence-card application, you need an attestation from the hotelier plus the last month’s invoice. For an identity-card or passport application in France, you need an attestation from the hotel manager or director plus an official document in your name showing the same address.

Airbnb and other short-term-rental booking confirmations are not listed as standard proof on these main national checklists. If you’re staying in this type of accommodation, check the exact requirements of the authority handling your application before relying on the booking or invoice alone.

You don’t have a stable address (domiciliation)

If you do not have a stable address, you can request an address for service (domiciliation). This gives you proof of address and an address to receive mail.

The application process varies by commune. Depending on where you live, you may apply through a CCAS or CIAS, an organization approved by the prefect, or in some smaller communes directly through the mairie. You must also have a qualifying link with the commune or group of communes. If approved, the domiciliation is granted for one year and can be renewed.

Common reasons proof of address gets rejected (and how to fix them)

• If your document is older than the limit for that procedure, it can be rejected. There is no universal three-month rule: official time limits can be six months, one year or another period depending on the procedure and document. Check the relevant checklist rather than assuming.
• Name mismatch. Whenever you fill in any official documents or applications, make sure you spell every word correctly and double-check. If your middle name is missing or you have your maiden name on the document after getting married, this could lead to the document being rejected. If there are any errors then get them resolved ASAP.
• Address mismatch. Sometimes your address could be missing the apartment number or the format is different. Make sure the address follows the required format: include the apartment number and match the exact street formatting.
• Using a document the office doesn’t accept for that procedure. A mobile phone bill, for example, is accepted for some procedures such as vehicle registration, driving-licence applications and identity-card/passport applications, but it is not listed on the standard residence-card checklist. Always use the document list for the exact procedure you’re completing.
• Taking a screenshot and using that won’t save you time because it’s more likely to be rejected than the full document. You’re better off using the full PDF/invoice, even if it requires more printing.
• Not providing the hosted “pack”. If you do have a hosted letter as proof, ensure you have the host’s ID, the host’s own proof of address and a signed letter. Otherwise you’ll come up short.

Always follow the checklist for your specific application.

Where to check official requirements

Every application will have different requirements, but you can easily find out what you need each time. The French government portal, Service-Public, has information on your rights and accepted documents, so that’s a good place to start if you’re unsure.

You can also look at what the specific procedure is for each application.

Useful resources:

1. Identity card / Passport: what proof of residence? – (Official) https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F14807?lang=en
2. Carte grise: how to justify your residence in France? – (Official) https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1028?lang=en
3. Attestation d’hébergement – (Official) https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/R39697
4. Homelessness (SDF): What is domiciliation (or choice of domicile)? – (Official) https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F17317?lang=en
5. Tenant obligation: home insurance covering rental risks – (Official) https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F31300?lang=en
6. What is Justif’Adresse? – (Official) https://ants.gouv.fr/nos-missions/les-solutions-numeriques/justif-adresse
7. Residence card application: what proof of residence? – (Official) https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F33052?lang=en
8. Driving licence application: what proof of residence is accepted? – (Official) https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F31847?lang=en
9. EDF: download a proof of address – (Official provider) https://particulier.edf.fr/fr/accueil/aide-contact/faq/compte-client/justificatif-domicile.html