Renewing Your Carte Vitale

You may need to renew your health card if it's lost, damaged, or expired (especially children's cards when they turn 16). This request can be made via a detailed letter.

This page explains how to request this renewal, what information to provide, and offers a ready-to-use letter template, plus a tool to automatically generate your personalized letter.

When should you write this letter?

• You lost or had your health card stolen;
• Your card is damaged and no longer works;
• Your child turned 16 and needs their own card;
• Your photo has changed significantly;
• You noticed an error in the information on the card.

In all these cases, a written letter remains a reliable way to request a new card.

Required information to include

• Your first and last name and social security number;
• The reason for the renewal request (loss, damage, etc.);
• A theft or loss declaration if necessary;
• A recent photo ID if necessary.

The clearer your request, the faster it will be processed.

Official letter template

Important note: the letter sent to CPAM must be written in French, as it is a French administration. Below is a template you can use as a basis.

[First name LAST NAME]
[Full address]
[Social security number]

CPAM of [Department]
[CPAM address]

Written in [City], on [Date]

Subject: Request for Carte Vitale renewal

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am requesting renewal of my Carte Vitale following [reason: loss, theft, damage].

[...]

→ The complete letter, tailored precisely to your situation and ready to send, is generated automatically in 3 minutes using the tool above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is card renewal free?

Yes, in most cases, except certain situations that may require a symbolic fee.

How long does it take to receive the new card?

Usually a few weeks after receiving the complete request.

What do I do while waiting for the new card?

You can use the paper care sheet (feuille de soins) for temporary reimbursement.

Do I need to declare theft to the police?

Yes, it's advisable to file a theft or loss report with the police or gendarmerie.

When does my child need their own card?

When they turn 16, they become independent from the parent's card.