The first step is to know how much you need to pay.

The price of a tax stamp is different depending on the administrative process and sometimes depending on your situation. For example:

• €25 to apply for a residence permit
• €225 to renew a residence card
• €40 or €45 to apply for a travel document
• €50 to request a movement document for minor foreigners (DCEM)
• €55 to apply for French nationality
• €25 for the renewal of an identity card or license in the event of loss or theft...

Go to the website: timbres.impots.gouv.fr .

Tap “Buy an e-Stamp” and click “Start Purchase.”

Then, you must choose the procedure concerned:

For example "Title for foreigners".

Then write the amount in euros you need.

Click on "Confirm" and click on "Add to cart".

You must choose the method of receiving your tax stamp (email or SMS).

Finally, click on “Validate your basket” and pay by credit card.

For security, also download the document immediately after paying.

Go to a tobacconist (also called a tobacconist) that displays the “Approved point of sale” logo. See the list of approved tobacconists .

Consider asking the seller if they are equipped to issue tax stamps.

Specify the price of the tax stamp you need.

Pay by credit card or cash.

The seller will give you the electronic tax stamp with: the tax stamp number, the transaction number, the amount and the date of purchase.

Keep this document carefully!

If you made a mistake or do not use your e-stamp, you can request a refund within 18 months .

To request a refund for an electronic tax stamp purchased online:

• Go to the website: https://timbres.impots.gouv.fr
• Tap “Request an e-Stamp Refund” and click “Access Refund,” and OK.
• Check the “one user” box and click “Continue”
• Check “online” and click “Continue”.
• In the “stamp number” line, write the 16 digits corresponding to the number of the tax stamp you wish to be refunded. This number (or code) is on the PDF document or SMS.
• In the "transaction reference" line, write the transaction reference number present at the bottom of the payment proof which was sent by email just after purchasing the tax stamp online.
• Click "Search". The site displays the information of the stamp to be refunded. Review the information and click "Confirm".
• Download the proof by clicking on "Download the proof (PDF)". This document is proof of the refund request.
• Wait a few days and check the bank account used to purchase the stamp to see if the refund appears.

If you have made a mistake or if you do not use your electronic stamp, you can request a refund within 18 months.

Please note, refunds cannot be made on an A-bank account, a Youth-bank account, etc. You must have a current account.

To request a refund for an electronic tax stamp purchased in a tobacco shop:

• Go to the website https://timbres.impots.gouv.fr
• Tap “Request an e-Stamp Refund” and click “Access Refund,” and OK.
• Check the “one user” box and click "Continue".
• Check "from a professional issuing electronic stamps" and click on "Continue".
• A window will open to inform you that a RIB and an identity document are required. Click "OK".
• In the “stamp 1” line, write the 16 digits corresponding to the number of the tax stamp you wish to be refunded. This number (or code) is on the ticket given by the seller of the stamp.
• In the “Stamp Amount” line, write the price of the tax stamp, also written on the ticket.
• In the “Associated transaction” line, write the transaction number which is on the payment receipt given by the seller of the stamp (“Transaction number” line).
• If you have another tax stamp to be refunded, click on "Add a stamp" and write the information corresponding to this other stamp.

The site then asks you to upload supporting documents.

• On the line "Bank identity statement in the name of the applicant", click on "Choose a file" and select your RIB.
• Do the same thing on the “ID” line.
• Write the requested information: name / first name / address / postal code / city / country / telephone number / email (email address) / email confirmation (write your email address again).
• Fill in your bank details with the IBAN (line with letters and numbers on the RIB) and the name of the person who owns the bank account.

The site displays the summary with your contact details, information about the stamp to be refunded and the documents you sent.

Check the information.

If everything is good, check the box "I declare that all the above information is correct". You may be asked a screening question as a security measure. Answer the question and finally click on “Send your request”.

You will then receive an email summarizing your request.

Wait a few days and check your bank account to see if the refund appears.