Applying for a Passport for the First Time

Applying for a passport for the first time requires booking an appointment at a town hall equipped with a biometric registration station, along with submitting a set of documents. This page helps you understand the process and prepare your file correctly.

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

When should you write this letter?

• You want to apply for your passport for the first time;
• You had difficulty booking an appointment at the town hall;
• You need to follow up on the status of your file after submission;
• You need to clarify special circumstances of your request.

In all these cases, a written letter remains a reliable way to follow up your request.

Required information to include

• Your first and last name and date and place of birth;
• Your full address;
• Documents attached (birth certificate, proof of address, photo).

The more complete your file at submission, the faster it will be processed.

Official letter template

Important note: the letter sent to ANTS 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]
[ANTS file number]

National Secure Documents Agency
[ANTS address]

Written in [City], on [Date]

Subject: Follow-up on my passport application

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am contacting you about my passport application submitted on [date] at the town hall of [city].

[...]

→ 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

Where can I submit my application?

At any town hall equipped with a biometric registration station, not necessarily your residence town hall.

How long does passport issuance take?

Usually 2 to 4 weeks, may be longer during peak periods (summer).

Do I need to book an appointment in advance?

Yes, most town halls require booking an online appointment in advance.

What's the validity period of a passport?

10 years for adults, and 5 years for minors.

How do I track the status of my application?

You can track it via the ANTS website using the tracking number given at submission.