What is striking at first glance: its small size.
The new identity card, which the Parisian / Today in France unveils to you exclusively, is no larger than a business card and was designed out of sight - only about fifteen people were aware of the final model at the Ministry of the Interior.
This object will soon accompany all French people in their daily lives.
More than a makeover, it is a change of technological gear, since the "electronic identity card" contains biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs of the face.
This is already the case for passports.
These data will be stored on the chip contained in the card and, for those who accept it, transferred to an external database.
In the Parisian - Today in France, the government ensures, through the voice of Marlène Schiappa, that the process, legally framed, does not undermine individual freedoms.
The new card will also be optional.
It will allow travel throughout the European Union.
"Inviolable"
In terms of security, the new card is intended to be "inviolable", swears the Interior Ministry, in the face of counterfeit attempts by counterfeiters.
It will come into force throughout the country no later than August 2.
This is in fact the deadline set by the European Union for the modernization of identity documents in the 27 member countries.
In this regard, France took its time before renewing its fifteen-year-old identity card model.
Delay or caution?
Our neighbors have gone a step further by also developing digital identity.
“This allows you to do official online procedures as if you were in person.
In Europe, around fifteen countries have adopted it, such as Estonia, Portugal, Italy, Belgium and the Nordic countries.
This is not the case in France, it's a shame, because we have the technologies and leading companies in the sector.
It's a question of political will, ”said LREM deputy Christine Hennion, rapporteur for a parliamentary mission on the subject.
In the meantime, the first “electronic identity cards” will begin to be issued this week in the Oise.
The identity card in 4 questions
It is practical, but not compulsory.
The identity card, the first of which appeared in France just a century ago, has evolved a lot over the years, but with the exception of a short period, it has always been optional.
What is the national identity card (CNI) used for?
The national identity card is an official document allowing a French citizen to justify his identity and nationality.
The current card is valid for 15 years, a period reduced to ten years for the new digital card.
It has been free since 1998 and issued in town halls or in consulates for French people living abroad.
When did it start?
In France, a “French identity card” was created in 1921 in the Seine department.
This document then makes it possible to avoid the presence of the two people usually required to certify the identity of an individual during any process carried out with the State services.
Is it compulsory?
No, no text obliges the French to ask for an identity card.
The Vichy regime had made the identity card compulsory, but since 1955 it has become optional again.
Certainly, in the event of an inspection or to carry out numerous procedures, proof of identity must be provided.
But other documents allow it to be done, such as the passport or driver's license.
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Does the CNI replace the passport?
The valid identity card allows movement within the countries of the European Union and, under certain conditions, in some other countries.
But the rule for traveling outside the borders of the EU is to have a passport.