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Practical guide · Updated on 7 November 2026

The right documents, easy to find.

Share the documents that matter for your child’s life, and only with the people who need them.

Sort by use

Create a few simple categories: school, activities, travel, paperwork. Under paperwork, think of the Carte Vitale (your child can be added to each parent’s card) and the health record book, or Mon espace santé. Start with the documents you are asked for often, rather than archiving everything at once.

Spot the right version

Put a date and a precise name in the file name, for example “school-insurance-lina-2026-2027”. Keep drafts separate from final versions, and note expiry dates.

Avoid copies all over the place

Choose a single place, with controlled access. In Parentello’s document vault, you choose for each document whether it stays private or is shared with the other parent. The free kit also includes a printable checklist of important documents.

Addresses on identity documents

With shared residence, both addresses can appear on your child’s identity card or passport. You need to provide proof of the shared residence (court ruling or agreement) and proof of address for each parent. Your child must be present when the application is submitted.

Your questions

Should I share all my personal documents?

No. Share only what concerns your child, and only with authorised people.

Is a digital copy enough for travelling?

Not always. Check the documents required for the trip on official websites, and take the originals that are asked for. If your child leaves France without a holder of parental authority, they need a travel authorisation (autorisation de sortie du territoire), which one parent can sign alone.

Further reading

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