Dealing with government, Life in France

Passport, ID card, birth certificate

Out of context, if you’d heard today’s blog post title abruptly spoken it might seem that somebody was in big trouble much like a police officer asking for your driver’s license and car registration. However, for those who’ve recently become French citizens, this trio (and more) represents the official welcome package to their new national identity. In June 2021 I submitted my request to become French and in February 2025 my wish was granted. Immediately I applied for the documents mentioned above and within a month they were in my possession. Still, I was hoping for an official ceremony and, sure enough, the invitation for that arrived a month ago, summoning me to the Préfecture (federal building) last week.

Préfecture garden

Everyone was asked to arrive at 1:45 PM for the 2:30 PM event at the Préfecture, an 18th century Bishop’s palace that was confiscated by the government after the Revolution. Over the centuries the building has maintained its Rococo look with symmetrical lines, graceful curves, with a light, elegant interior that was the perfect setting for this official welcome. We had to be early to turn in our long-term residence cards (replaced by the national ID card I had ordered and received) and the form saying that we intended to keep our home country’s citizenship along with our new French status.

Letter from President Macron

The afternoon began with a video about France that was followed by singing the country’s national anthem, La Marseillaise. Directly after a short welcome speech from the Préfet (the federal government’s representative, beside whom I’m standing in the photo above) we were each called individually to the front to receive our welcome packet that included a letter of congratulations from French President Macron, our rights and responsibilities, extracts from the Constitution, a personalized Livret de famille (official family record book) and the words to the national anthem.

Symbols of France

There were 22 of us (photo below taken by the Préfecture), representing a dozen countries of origin and I was touched by the speech that included, “By welcoming you today, … the Nation is enriched” and highlighting our various backgrounds with, “This diversity… is a richness for France, ….” By the conclusion of “You have chosen France and France has chosen you”, there were big smiles on every face.

I liked the way that one newspaper reported on the ceremony by starting with, “Walking in the footsteps of…” and then citing others who had become French such as Marie Curie, Josephine Baker, and the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo. Those are some very big shoes that I can’t hope to fill but the true honor is to simply be a part of the community that has so graciously welcomed us.

22 thoughts on “Passport, ID card, birth certificate”

  2. The nation is truly enriched by your presence. All your determination and hard work is now recognised and the ceremony sounded like a very special experience. Well done!
    Lots of love, Pete and Gaynor xx

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    1. Thank you, Pete and Gaynor. What a nice thing to say! You’re right, the ceremony was truly meaningful for everyone there. 💖

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  5. Congratulations, Bob! We know the long road it has taken to arrive at citizenship here, you are most deserving.

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    1. Thanks, Cherri ! Looking forward to seeing you two to hear about your latest travel adventures ✈️🧳🚂

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  6. Congratulations Bob. It sounds like it was a very moving ceremony and moment you will long remember. Much love to both of you.

    David

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  9. Bob,

    You are a testimony to making our hopes and dreams come true! I can only imagine all the time and effort this took!!! But, it’s done!!!! Congratulations with lots of hugs!!!

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  10. Félicitations ! Il est évident que vous appréciez et chérissez cette expérience marquante. À juste titre, tout simplement “BRAVO”.

    It’s evident that you honor the French motto: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité“.

    À juste titre, tout simplement “BRAVO”.

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  11. I am so happy for you. Envious actually. I was hoping to be in France by now. Everything else is done except sale of my house. Unfortunately the Florida market is awful right now and high interest rates make it hard for everyone. It’s still on the market and trying to be patient.

    I am very happy for you. Hoping to officially meet you soon.

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    1. Thank you very much and you’ll get there too! We moved here almost 10 years ago and when I look back I wonder where the time went. As you said, patience 😌

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