Citizen census: a compulsory civic act
The citizen census is a compulsory step for all young French men and women. This step in the citizenship process is carried out at the town hall of the commune of residence.
Who should take the census?
Any young French person must take the census no later than 3 months after their 16th birthday.
Important: taking the census enables you to register for public competitions and examinations before the age of 25. Without a census certificate, it's impossible to register for the CAP, baccalauréat...
Good to know: taking the census automatically registers you on the electoral roll when you turn 18.
Bon à savoir : être recensé entraîne l'inscription automatique sur les listes électorales au 18e anniversaire.
Who can apply?
The procedure can be carried out by the minor himself or herself, or by his or her legal representative.
Binationals must check with the consulate the procedures for fulfilling military obligations.
How to register at the town hall?
The citizen census is carried out by the Vie quotidienne department in Montpellier. It is possible to visit 6 sites without an appointment:
- at Montpellier Town Hall or at one of the 5 local mairies:
What documents do I need to provide?
Three documents are required to be presented at the town hall: a valid ID (National Identity Card or passport), up-to-date family record book and a recent proof of address.
Expired ID? Request its renewal
The town hall will issue a certificate of civil registration, which should be kept in a safe place as no copies are issued.
Carte d'identité périmée ?
What happens after the town hall procedure?
The census is followed, usually a few months later, by a summons from the Centre du Service National et de la Jeunesse (CSNJ) to take part in the Journée Défense et Citoyenneté (JDC).
The JDC provides information on the rights and duties of citizens, the workings of institutions, and introduces participants to the military corps and forms of civil commitment.
At the end of the JDC, a certificate of participation is issued. It will be required to sit and validate state-supervised examinations and competitions, such as the CAP, baccalauréat and driving license.