Requesting a document called a “duplicata” or duplicate in the event of theft or loss of your “titre de séjour” in France

In the event of the loss or theft of your immigration document known as a “titre de séjour” or residence permit, you can request a document called a duplicate or “duplicata” from the local French administrative authority known as the “préfecture” or “sous-préfecture” of your department.

No one is authorised to steal your “titre de séjour”, not even your partner, whether you are married, in a PACS or a civil partnership.

You can complete this questionnaire to find out more about what to do.

Step 1: File a complaint with the French police

First of all, you must report the loss or theft to the police by visiting a police station near you, either a “commissariat de police” or a “brigade de gendarmerie”. They will provide you with a document called a declaration or “déclaration” confirming the loss or theft of your “titre de séjour”.

If you wish, you can also file a complaint at the police station to prosecute the person who stole or destroyed your papers, including if it was your partner or ex-partner, whether you are married, in a PACS or a civil partnership.

If you choose to file a complaint:

• The police will investigate and interview the accused person, if they can.
• The complaint may constitute proof of the administrative abuse that you have suffered if the theft or destruction was committed by your partner or ex-partner.

Step 2: Request a “duplicata” or duplicate from the “préfecture”

You will then need to contact the local French administrative authority known as a “préfecture” or “sous-préfecture” of your place of residence to find out the procedure for requesting a “duplicata” or duplicate. In these directories you will find the contact details for “préfectures” and “sous-préfectures”.

Please note: the “préfecture” may re-examine whether or not you are still entitled to the residence permit or “titre de séjour” that you are applying for.