A digital version of the vital card will be available throughout France starting March 18, 2025, following a successful pilot in 23 departments. Users must have an electronic national identity card (CNIe) to access this service via the France Identity app. Approximately 25 million citizens are expected to benefit. Those with older identity cards can still activate the digital card through a specific process. The application process for the CNIe will soon be simplified for eligible users.
Introduction of the Dematerialized Vital Card Across France
A digital transformation is underway for the vital card, making it accessible to nearly everyone in France. Following a successful pilot program in 23 departments, the government has announced that the digital version of the vital card will be available nationwide from March 18, 2025. With the France Identity application installed on your smartphone, you will be able to obtain your vital card instantly and securely, as stated in a recent government announcement. Currently, over 1.7 million users in the trial regions are already benefiting from this innovative service.
Eligibility and Activation Process for the Digital Vital Card
To take advantage of this digital service, users must possess an electronic national identity card (CNIe), which was introduced in 2021. This new card replaces the older format that has been in use since 1995 and must be dematerialized through the France Identity service to access the digital vital card. Once you have installed the application, activating your vital card can be accomplished in just a few clicks. According to Catherine Vautrin, the Minister of Labor, Health, Solidarity, and Families, this service will be available to approximately 25 million French citizens.
However, individuals still using the traditional identity card format may wonder if they can also access the digital vital card. The government has indicated that the rollout of this application will continue progressively throughout 2025. Those with older identity cards will soon be able to activate their digital vital card through a specific process already in place for those in the 23 departments that tested the technology.
To activate your digital vital card, you’ll need to follow a straightforward procedure. If you possess an old-format identity card, passport, residence permit from France, or identity card from Belgium, Spain, or Portugal, you must meet certain conditions to access the application. First, you should have created an online account or insured space on your health insurance organization’s website. Additionally, ensure that your smartphone runs a minimum of Android version 9 or iOS version 16, as outlined by the application’s guidelines.
Once the application is installed, you will be prompted to record a video of your identity card. This footage will help the service verify your identity. The activation process can be completed within minutes, although some may take up to 48 hours. After validation, you will be able to utilize your dematerialized vital card.
In an exciting development, there are plans to simplify the application process for the CNIe. Anne-Gaëlle Baudoin, president of France Titres, announced that it will soon be easier to apply for the new electronic identity card, even before your existing card expires. Initially, this option will be available only to those whose cards were issued between 2016 and 2021, but the process is not yet operational.