Requesting a customary certificate for marriage or civil partnership

In short

More than 18 years

Last update : 28 déc. 2022

What is it?

The certificate of custom is a document that proves that a person born abroad has the capacity to marry in France (unmarried, of age according to the law of the country of origin and capable of entering into a contract).

The document states that you are subject to "French personal law", i.e. you must respect French law concerning marriage.

The certificate of custom is made and sent by OFPRA to refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and stateless persons who wish to marry in France.

> To read: the Refugees.info sheet "Getting married in France"

The certificate of custom is necessary for other administrative procedures, such as civil partnership or adoption.

> To read: the Refugees.info sheet "Getting a civil partnership in France"

Good to know: The custom certificate does not have a validity period, that is, it is valid all the time for your entire life.

Who is it for?

Location

France entière

Age required

More than 18 years

Location

France entière

Age required

More than 18 years

What to do?

Fill out the custom certificate request form

Good to know: First you need your OFPRA file number. It is a 9-digit number of the type XX-XX-XXXXX which is found at the top left of each letter sent by OFPRA.

To request a custom certificate, you must then download the " custom certificate request form " from the OFPRA website.

Once downloaded, the form is to be printed and filled in.

Don't forget to sign.

Send the custom certificate request form

Once completed, the form must be mailed to the following address:

OFPRA

Pôle Protection

201 rue Carnot

94 136 Fontenay-sous-Bois Cedex

Good to know:

It is advisable to make a photocopy of the form and send it with a receipt.