Complaint About Abnormal Delay

If your application's processing time significantly exceeds the usual duration without explanation, you can submit an official complaint to request clarification or speed up processing of your file, especially if you're facing harm due to this delay (planned travel, etc.).

This page explains how to draft this complaint, 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?

• Your application's processing time significantly exceeds the usual duration;
• You have planned travel affected by this delay;
• You haven't received any explanation despite several follow-up attempts;
• You need to clarify the urgency of your situation.

In all these cases, a written complaint remains an effective way to speed up processing of your file.

Required information to include

• Your first and last name and tracking number;
• The submission date and elapsed time;
• The reason for urgency of your request (planned travel, etc.);
• Previous follow-up attempts if any.

The more detailed and documented the complaint, the greater the chance of speeding up your file.

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: Complaint about abnormal delay

Dear Sir/Madam,

My request submitted on [date] hasn't been processed yet after [duration], exceeding the normal deadline.

[...]

→ 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

What's the usual processing time?

It varies depending on document type, usually between two and six weeks.

What can I do in case of severe urgency (upcoming travel)?

An urgent appointment can be requested at some town halls specifically equipped for urgent cases.

Does the complaint guarantee speeding up my file?

It doesn't guarantee, but it draws attention to your situation and may help speed up processing.

Who can I contact for urgent expediting?

You can contact the national agency directly or through your local representative in exceptional cases.

Can I turn to the Défenseur des droits?

Yes, in cases of severe and unjustified delay, you can turn to this independent body.