TN 7 (05-24)

GN 00312.142 France – Vital Statistics Records

A. Policy for requesting birth, marriage, divorce, and death records

France has no single, nationwide repository of civil registration records. Records are held at the local level in departments or districts in larger cities, at the town hall in the mayor's office.

B. Procedure for requesting birth, marriage, divorce, and death records

1. Office to contact

Contact the Office of the Mayor where the event took place for birth, marriage, and death records. Contact the district court where the divorce was granted.

For birth, marriage, and death records:

  • Identify the correct department or district

  • Address the request to the mayor of the city

  • Include a self-addressed envelope

2. Birth records

Include the following information in requests for birth records:

  • Full name of child at birth

  • Gender of child

  • Date and place of birth

  • Names of the parents, including the maiden surname

  • Names of the parents of a single parent

  • Address at the time of birth

French nationals born in foreign countries, including former colonies, can get BCs by writing to:

Ministere des Affaires Etrangers

Direction Des Francais a l'Etranger et des Etrangers en France

Service Central de l'Etat Civil

44941 Nantes Cedex 09

3. Fee

None.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200312142
GN 00312.142 - France – Vital Statistics Records - 05/01/2024
Batch run: 05/01/2024
Rev:05/01/2024