How to get a second family record book in case of loss, theft or damage?

Verified 08 October 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

If you have lost your family booklet, it has been stolen from you or it is damaged, you can get another booklet. We guide you in your approach.

Holders of the family record book, in general the parents, may request a second booklet in case of loss, theft or damage.

FYI  

In the event of the death of one or both parents, children will not be able to obtain a second booklet.

If the child(ren) is/are a minor, guardian may possibly be authorized by the public prosecutor to obtain a second family booklet.

The tutor must write a written request and send it to the graft of the civil service of the judicial court of his place of residence.

Please note

It is advisable to inquire directly with the town hall or the registry of the court to know which documents may be requested.

The approach varies according to the place of residence :

In France

You must apply to the City Hall of location of your residence.

Who shall I contact
Abroad

You must apply to the embassy or the consulate territorially competent.

No, it is not mandatory to make a declaration in case of loss or theft of the family record book.

However, to limit cases of fraud, it is recommended to report it by going to the police station or gendarmerie brigade. A receipt will be given to you.

Who shall I contact

In practice, if you are the parents, to get a second family booklet, the following documents you may be asked:

  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of domicile (title deed, tax notice or certificate of non-taxation, rent receipt, housing insurance, gas, electricity or telephone bill) of less than 3 months attesting to your domicile in the municipality
  • Information concerning the acts of the booklet to be reconstituted (surname, first names, date and place of birth of each person + date and place of marriage if you married)
  • Attestation on the honor of loss or theft, or the family record book if it is damaged.

Please note

If you are guardian from a minor, it is advisable to inquire directly from the town hall or the graft the court of justice to determine which documents may be requested.

In case of loss or theft of the family record book, the second booklet shall be drawn up by reconstitution. The booklet is provided by the town hall which keeps the marriage certificate or, for the booklets of parents, the birth certificate of 1er child and is completed by all civil registrars holding an act of which an extract must be included.

A statement " second booklet’ must be written on the first page.

In case of deterioration of your 1er family booklet, this can be replaced. You will have to present it to the town hall of your place of residence to obtain one reproduction (duplicate).

Instead of the words " issued in accordance with the registerss’, it shall read: issued in accordance with the first family record book ».

FYI  

When a booklet that has become unusable is exchanged for a second one, it must be handed over to the registrar to be destroyed. But if you show an attachment to this document, it may be left to you after a mention "canceled" has been placed on each page.

The period varies according to the number of documents to be entered in the booklet. In general, it takes a few weeks.

You can withdraw the second booklet upon presentation of an identity document at the town hall where you made your request (i.e. at the town hall where you live).

Yes, the issuance of a second family booklet is free of charge.

Please note

The town halls may make the issuance of family booklets subject to payment as from the second duplicate.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Administrative information by telephone - Allô Service Public

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