With over 2 million users, the France Identité application is increasingly adopted by citizens. Developed by the French State in partnership with iDAKTO, it offers a simple and secure way to prove one’s identity in the digital space, while ensuring everyone retains control over their personal data. This article examines how France Identité is gradually establishing itself as a pillar of public service dematerialization, as well as the fight against fraud.
France Identité : a Sovereign Digital Identity Designed for Everyday Use
The European eIDAS regulation paved the way for the creation of a sovereign digital identity, which France began rolling out in 2022. This identity takes the form of the France Identité mobile app, whose adoption accelerated sharply from 2024, the year it was extended to all holders of an electronic national identity card (CNIe). To further encourage its use, citizens can even request an early renewal of their identity card to obtain the new-generation CNIe, equipped with an NFC chip.
In practical terms, the France Identité app allows each citizen to create their digital identity using their CNIe and a personal code chosen during enrollment. This digital identity then becomes an essential tool for carrying out many everyday tasks securely. As a true digital public service, France Identité facilitates daily activities, which can be grouped into three main categories:
- Online Interactions: complete over 1800 administrative procedures remotely via FranceConnect. Examples of services accessible via FranceConnect: CAF, Ameli, taxes, retirement services, etc.
- Face-to-face Interactions: present your driver’s license or vehicle registration during a roadside check, prove your identity during checks on TGV INOUI and Intercités trains, etc.
- Secure Attestations: generate a secure identity document in PDF format, electronically signed by the Ministry of Interior. This feature replaces photocopies of identity cards, reducing the risk of identity theft. Examples of uses: opening a bank account, housing rental application, driver’s license application, etc.
Securely Proving your Identity with France Identité
A Sovereign and Secure Digital Identity
Issued by the Ministry of Interior, France Identité can provide a digital identity referred to as “high-level” in the sense of the eIDAS regulation, thanks to the network of town halls that reliably validate the link between the citizen and their CNIE. It is notably through the cryptography of the card’s chip that the application guarantees the highest level of reliability in verifying citizens’ identities. Furthermore, the French sovereign digital identity relies on three main security mechanisms to limit fraud:
- Strong two-factor authentication. To access online services via France Identité, citizens must authenticate using their smartphone (lock code, facial recognition, or fingerprint). For more sensitive uses, reading the electronic national identity card combined with entering the personal code is required.
- Unique link between the France Identité application and the person. Upon enrollment, the France Identité application is linked to the citizen’s account. They can deactivate the application remotely at any time, especially in case of device theft.
- Citizen control over data sharing, who views and validates information shared with third-party services via the France Identité application. No data sharing with third parties can therefore be carried out without the user’s consent. The citizen retains control over their personal data.
All these mechanisms reduce the risks of abusive exploitation of personal data and contribute to the fight against identity theft.
Read also: Identity Theft: The Role of Digital Identity
Identity Certification, a Prerequisite for Sensitive Uses
Citizens also have the option to have their identity “certified”. During this step, a town hall agent verifies the user’s identity by comparing their fingerprints with those contained in their identity document.
This certified digital identity is essential to achieve the highest security level, access FranceConnect+, and complete certain procedures that previously required face-to-face identity verification. Thanks to this certification, citizens can, for example, establish a voting proxy entirely online. They can also, via FranceConnect+, access sensitive procedures and services such as purchasing training on MonCompteFormation or applying for MaPrimeRénov, which require enhanced protection.
France Identité: What to Remember
Praised by millions of citizens, the France Identité application aims to integrate new documents, such as the voter card or student card, to make digital identity even more useful in everyday life. The result: simplified procedures and easier adoption in strategic areas such as banking, transport, and health.
With the EUDI Wallet in sight, France Identité will lay the foundations for a European digital identity wallet, ensuring secure and transparent access to public services across Europe.
👉 Do you want to deploy a digital identity solution for your users, employees, or customers? Do you want to know more about France Identité and the EUDI Wallet? Let’s talk.
