Lost or Stolen Residence Permit Duplicate: Steps to Follow Quickly

Losing your residence permit – or having it stolen – can quickly become a headache. Fortunately, there is a clear procedure to obtain a duplicate and remain compliant while waiting for the replacement. Here's what you need to do, step by step.

🚨 React Without Delay

In Case of Theft

File a complaint immediately. Go to the police station or gendarmerie to report the theft. A complaint receipt will be given to you: it is essential for the next steps.

In Case of Loss

Make a loss declaration. You can do this at the police station, gendarmerie, or through a sworn statement (depending on the prefecture). Even if it seems trivial, this step is essential: without an official declaration, no duplicate can be issued.

📋 Documents to Gather

Mandatory Documents

Duplicate request form
Loss declaration or complaint receipt
Valid passport
Proof of residence less than 6 months old
2 to 3 passport photos complying with standards
Copy of the old permit (if available)

Depending on Your Situation

Employment contract or employer certificate (employee permit)
School certificate (student permit)
Family documents (private and family life permit)
Pay slips / tax notices if requested

🏛️ Prefecture Procedure

1. Official Declaration

Report the loss or theft to the police station or gendarmerie.

2. Appointment Booking

Contact your home prefecture quickly. Some accept submissions without appointment in emergency cases (theft, loss, damage).

3. File Submission

On the submission day, the prefecture issues a duplicate request certificate, valid for 3 months renewable. It proves your right to stay and, in some cases, authorizes you to work. However, it does not allow travel outside France.

4. Duplicate Collection

You will be summoned once the duplicate is ready. Average deadline: between 1 and 3 months, depending on departments.

⏳ Deadlines and Validity

Provisional certificate: issued immediately upon submission
Final duplicate: available within 1 to 3 months The duplicate has the same expiration date as your original permit.

💶 Cost to Expect

A 25 € tax stamp is required for a duplicate (loss, theft or damage). This is much less than the cost of an initial permit (approximately 225 €).

🌍 Traveling During the Procedure

The duplicate request certificate does not allow you to leave or return to France. If travel abroad is really necessary:

Option 1: Request a return visa from the prefecture (justified family or professional emergency).
Option 2: Postpone the trip until receiving the duplicate.

🌐 Special Cases

1. Loss or Theft Abroad

File a complaint with local authorities;
Contact the French consulate for a travel document or return visa;
Once back, submit your duplicate request at the prefecture.

2. Expired or Soon-to-Expire Permit

If your card was already expired (or will be soon), do not request a duplicate: directly submit a renewal request.

3. Damaged Permit

In case of damaged or illegible permit, the procedure is the same as for loss. Simply bring the damaged permit during submission.

⚠️ Absolutely Avoid

❌ Forgetting to make the loss or theft declaration
❌ Waiting several weeks before acting
❌ Traveling with the provisional certificate
❌ Not keeping a copy of your permit (paper or digital)

💡 Good Practice: Anticipate

Keep a scanned copy or clear photo of your permit
Note the permit number and its expiration date
Avoid carrying your card unnecessarily
Store your copies in a secure space (cloud, email, digital safe)

🤝 VisaPref at Your Side

Losing your residence permit can quickly block a hire, trip, or administrative procedure. VisaPref helps you:

Prepare your file urgently
Get a prefecture appointment
Request a return visa if needed

👉 Contact our team for personalized support.

❓ FAQ – Residence Permit Duplicate

1. How long does it take to receive the duplicate? On average 1 to 3 months. The provisional certificate is issued immediately.

2. Can I work with the certificate? Yes, if your old permit had the mention "authorizes holder to work".

3. What if I find my old permit? Return it to the prefecture: only the duplicate remains valid.

4. Does the duplicate have the same validity as the old permit? Yes, it has the same expiration date.

5. My permit expires soon, should I request a duplicate? No, in this case it is preferable to directly request a renewal.