Proof of Address in France: The Justificatif de Domicile (2026)
Jules de Bruin
Editor
Updated: June 2026 | Found helpful by 6 others
- Expats
Updated June 2026. A justificatif de domicile (proof of address) is a document showing where you live. The most widely accepted proofs are a utility bill for électricité, gaz, eau, or internet under three months old, a quittance de loyer, an attestation d'assurance habitation, or your latest avis d'imposition or taxe foncière. If no bill is in your name, you use an attestation d'hébergement from the person who hosts you. You will need a justificatif to open a bank account, sign a mobile or box contract, apply at the préfecture, register with CAF, or get a driving licence.
Key takeaways
- A utility bill (électricité, gaz, eau, internet) under three months old is the safest proof.
- A quittance de loyer, attestation d'assurance habitation, avis d'imposition, or taxe foncière also count.
- No bill in your name? Use an attestation d'hébergement plus your host's ID and a bill in their name.
- A bank statement is usually not accepted as a justificatif de domicile.
- You need one for banking, telecom, the préfecture, CAF, and the permis de conduire.
What counts as proof of address in France?
A justificatif de domicile proves where you live. As of 2026, French administrations and businesses accept several documents, and most must be less than three months old when you present them:
- A utility bill (facture) for électricité, gaz, eau, or internet under three months old. A fixed-line or box bill is safer than a mobile bill, which some bodies refuse.
- A quittance de loyer (rent receipt), when it comes from a professional landlord or agency rather than a private individual.
- An attestation d'assurance habitation (home insurance certificate) for your current dwelling.
- Your latest avis d'imposition (tax notice) or taxe foncière (property tax notice).
A bank statement (relevé bancaire) is generally not accepted, because the address on it is self-declared. According to service-public.fr, the exact list depends on the body you are dealing with, so check their requirements before you go.
Quickest proof for newcomers
What if you do not have a bill in your name?
If you live with family, a friend, or a host and have no contract in your own name, you use an attestation d'hébergement (proof of accommodation). This is the standard route for newcomers. You provide three things:
- A signed statement from your host declaring that you live at their address, usually dated and handwritten or printed.
- A copy of your host's ID(carte d'identité, passport, or titre de séjour).
- A recent justificatif de domicile in the host's name (a utility bill or tax notice).
Together these stand in for a bill in your own name. As described on service-public.fr, the attestation d'hébergement is widely accepted by banks, telecom operators, and the préfecture.
Make the proof match your situation
When do you need a justificatif de domicile?
Proof of address is one of the most frequently requested documents in France. As of 2026 you will typically need one to:
- Open a bank account, alongside your ID and proof of status.
- Sign a mobile or box (internet) contract with a telecom operator.
- Apply at the préfecture for a titre de séjour or its renewal.
- Register with CAF for housing aid (APL) or family benefits.
- Apply for or exchange a driving licence (permis de conduire).
Because most of these bodies want a document less than three months old, keep a recent utility bill, insurance certificate, or quittance de loyer to hand. The official rules for each procedure are published on service-public.fr.
Sources: service-public.fr (justificatif de domicile and attestation d'hébergement), as of June 2026. Verify the exact document list with the bank, operator, or administration you are dealing with.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents count as proof of address in France?
A justificatif de domicile is usually a utility bill for electricity, gas, water, or internet less than three months old, a quittance de loyer (rent receipt), an attestation d'assurance habitation (home insurance certificate), or your latest avis d'imposition or taxe foncière. A mobile phone bill is sometimes refused, so prefer a fixed-line or utility bill.
How recent does a justificatif de domicile have to be?
As a rule, a bill or receipt must be less than three months old when you present it. Tax documents such as the avis d'imposition or taxe foncière are accepted for the current year even though they are issued annually.
What if you do not have a bill in your name?
If you live with someone, you use an attestation d'hébergement: a signed statement from your host confirming you live at their address, a copy of their ID, and a recent justificatif de domicile in their name. This is the standard route for newcomers who have no contract in their own name yet.
Is a bank statement a valid proof of address in France?
A bank statement (relevé bancaire) is not a standard justificatif de domicile and is often refused, because the address on it is self-declared. Use a utility bill, a quittance de loyer, a home insurance certificate, or a tax document instead.
When do you need a justificatif de domicile?
You need one to open a bank account, sign a mobile or box (internet) contract, apply at the préfecture for a titre de séjour, register with CAF, and exchange or apply for a driving licence. Most administrations ask for a document less than three months old.