How to Obtain an Ancestor's French Birth Certificate

Sample birth certificate form

If you are seeking an ancestor's French birth certificate, three different forms are available. Form 1 will list only your ancestor's name. Form 2 will list your ancestor's parents' names, and form 3 will include updated information including marriage and, if applicable, divorce dates. Your ancestor's French birth certificate could answer many questions regarding your family history and may uncover information that you never knew.

Instructions

1. Do an online search to purchase your ancestor's French birth certificate. Birth certificates can be easily requested online. Make sure you have your ancestor's date of birth, date of death and full name to make the search easier. Order the birth certificate, and it will be sent to you by mail.

2. Ask for a copy through the mail. You must know the town in France that your ancestor was born in, and the request must be written in French. Make sure to include your ancestor's full name, including maiden name, birth date and parents' full names as well. With your request include a self-addressed stamped envelope. The request should be mailed to the following address:

   Monsieur le Maire, Bureau de l'Etat-Civil

   Mairie de Boulogne sur Mer

   62200 Boulogne sur Mer, France

3. Request a copy of a birth certificate for free even if your ancestor was a French national born outside France. You will need the same information: ancestor's full name, including maiden name, birth date and parents' full names. The request should be mailed to:

   Ministère des Affaires Etrangères

   Direction des Français à l' Etranger Service Central de l'Etat-Civil

   11, Rue Maison Blanche, 44000 Nantes - Tel: [phone]

References

• Photos.State.Gov:Obtaining French Public Documents