Attestation sur l'honneur

What is an attestation sur l'honneur?

An attestation sur l'honneur is a French sworn statement in which a person declares, in writing, that a fact is true to the best of their knowledge. It is signed by the person making the declaration, not notarized, and carries legal weight because false declarations are punishable under French law.

It is used across everyday administrative, personal, and business situations in France whenever an official record is not readily available and a personal declaration is accepted instead.

When do you need one?

An attestation sur l'honneur is useful any time an administration, employer, or other party asks you to confirm a fact you cannot otherwise document. Common cases include:

• Confirming your address when you have no utility bill in your name
• Declaring your marital status or that you are not remarried
• Confirming you have never been convicted of a criminal offense
• Declaring your household income or dependents for a benefits application
• Confirming residency or hosting for a visa or administrative file

Common types

The right wording depends on what you are declaring. We adapt the document based on the type you select, including:

• Attestation de domicile: confirming your place of residence
• Attestation de non-condamnation: confirming you have no criminal record
• Attestation de célibat: confirming your marital status
• Attestation d'hébergement: confirming you host someone at your address
• Attestation de ressources: confirming your income or means

What to include

A valid attestation sur l'honneur leaves no doubt about who is declaring what. Make sure yours covers:

• Your full name, date and place of birth, and address
• A clear statement of the fact you are declaring
• The phrase confirming the declaration is made sur l'honneur
• The place and date the document is signed
• The legal notice on penalties for a false declaration
• Your signature

What legal value does it have?

An attestation sur l'honneur is a personal declaration, not a certified or notarized document, so it is only as reliable as the honesty of the person signing it.

French law treats a false declaration as an offense: article 441-7 of the Code penal sets out penalties for anyone who knowingly attests to a false fact in a document intended to establish a right or a fact with legal consequences. Most attestations include this notice as a reminder of that responsibility.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving out the legal notice on false declarations
• Being vague about the fact being declared instead of stating it clearly
• Forgetting to date and sign the document
• Using the wrong wording for the specific type of attestation requested
• Submitting a photocopy instead of an original signature when one is required