Lost or Stolen Residence Permit Duplicate: Urgent Steps

Losing or having your residence permit stolen is a stressful situation, but there is a procedure to quickly obtain a duplicate.

This guide explains the steps to follow if your residence card is lost or stolen.

🚨 What to Do Immediately?

In Case of Theft

Step 1: File a Police Report

Go immediately to the police station or gendarmerie to file a theft declaration.

You will receive a police report receipt.

⚠️ This declaration is mandatory to obtain a duplicate.

In Case of Loss

Step 1: Make a Loss Declaration

Go to the police station or gendarmerie to make a loss declaration.

You can also make a sworn statement of loss (depending on prefecture).

📋 Required Documents for the Duplicate

Mandatory Documents

Application form for residence permit duplicate
Police report receipt (in case of theft) or loss declaration
Identity document: valid passport
Proof of address less than 6 months old
Recent ID photos meeting standards (2 or 3 depending on prefecture)
Copy of the old residence permit (if you have one)

Additional Documents (depending on cases)

Proof of income (pay slips, tax notice)
Employment contract or employer certificate (for employee permit)
School certificate (for student permit)
Proof of family ties (for private and family life permit)

🏛️ Duplicate Application Procedure

Step 1: Declare the Loss or Theft

Make a declaration at the police station or gendarmerie.

Step 2: Make an Appointment at the Prefecture

Make an appointment quickly at the prefecture of your residence to request a duplicate.

⚠️ Some prefectures accept applications without appointment for theft or loss cases.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Attend the appointment with all documents.

The prefecture will issue you a duplicate application certificate valid for 3 months, renewable.

This certificate:

Certifies your right to stay
May authorize work (depending on the mention on your lost/stolen permit)
Generally does NOT allow travel outside France

Step 4: Pick Up the Duplicate

Once the duplicate is ready, you will be summoned to collect it.

Timeline: 1 to 3 months (depending on prefecture).

⏳ Duplicate Issuance Timelines

Provisional certificate: issued immediately upon submission
Duplicate: 1 to 3 months

During this period, you have a provisional certificate authorizing you to stay in France.

💶 Duplicate Cost

Tax stamp: €25 (duplicate for loss or theft)

⚠️ The duplicate costs less than a regular residence permit (€225 for a normal permit).

🛂 Traveling with a Duplicate Certificate

The duplicate application certificate generally does NOT allow travel outside France and return.

What to Do if You Absolutely Must Travel?

Option 1: Request a Return Visa

At the prefecture, you can request a return visa (if compelling reason).

Conditions:

Family or professional emergency
Duplicate certificate in progress

Timeline: a few days to a few weeks.

Option 2: Wait for the Duplicate

If your trip is not urgent, wait to receive your duplicate before traveling.

🚨 Special Situations

Residence Permit Stolen Abroad

If your residence permit is stolen or lost abroad (during travel):

File a report with local police
Contact the French consulate to obtain a laissez-passer or return visa
Once in France, request a duplicate at the prefecture

Expired or Near-Expiring Residence Permit

If your lost/stolen permit was already expired or near expiration, you cannot request a duplicate.

You must directly request the renewal of your residence permit.

Destroyed or Damaged Permit

If your permit is damaged (torn, illegible), you must also request a duplicate.

Documents: damaged permit + proof of address + photos.

⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Not declaring the theft or loss: you won't be able to obtain a duplicate

❌ Waiting too long: without a valid permit, you are in irregular situation

❌ Traveling with the provisional certificate: you risk not being able to return to France

❌ Not keeping a copy of your permit: this complicates the process

💡 Prevention Tips

✅ Keep a copy (paper and digital) of your residence permit

✅ Scan or photograph your permit and keep it in a secure space (cloud, email)

✅ Don't carry your residence permit daily (unless necessary)

✅ Note your permit number and expiration date

🤝 VisaPref Supports You

Losing your residence permit can be distressing, especially if you need to work or travel quickly.

At VisaPref, we support you to:

Guide you through emergency procedures
Quickly prepare your duplicate file
Obtain a prefecture appointment
Request a return visa if necessary

👉 Contact us for emergency assistance.

❓ FAQ – Residence Permit Duplicate

1. How long does it take to obtain a duplicate?

Expect 1 to 3 months depending on prefecture. During this time, you have a provisional certificate.

2. Can I work with the duplicate application certificate?

Yes, if your lost/stolen permit authorized work, the certificate generally bears the mention "authorizes the holder to work".

3. What to do if I find my permit after requesting a duplicate?

You must return the old permit to the prefecture. Only one permit can be valid at a time.

4. Does the duplicate have the same validity period as the old permit?

Yes, the duplicate bears the same expiration date as the lost/stolen permit.

5. Can I request a duplicate if my permit is near expiration?

If your permit expires in less than 2 months, it is recommended to directly request renewal rather than a duplicate.