Sending a photocopy of an identity card can expose individuals to identity theft, as such documents can be easily copied, altered, or misused. In response, the French government has introduced a secure, digital alternative called the "single-use identity certificate." This certificate is designed to replace traditional photocopies, which are often sent to landlords, service providers, or administrative agencies, posing risks of fraud. The certificate is generated through the France Identité app and offers a more secure and controlled way to share identity information. The certificate is a PDF document that is digitally signed and limited in both time and recipient. Users can specify who the document is for, how long it remains valid, and even provide a reason for its use, such as an apartment rental. Once created, the certificate includes a unique serial number, a verification QR code, and an electronic signature from the Ministry of the Interior. This signature uses PAdES technology, a standard for securing digital documents, which makes the file difficult to forge compared to a traditional photocopy. Unlike a full image of an identity card, the certificate only reveals essential data, such as the name and address, without showing the photo or full card details. To verify the authenticity of a received certificate, recipients can use an online tool provided by France Identité. This tool checks the validity of the PDF file automatically. However, there are some practical limitations. For example, the file size must not exceed 500 KB, which is slightly larger than a compressed photo. If a certificate is scanned or re-recorded, the file size may increase, potentially causing issues with verification. Despite these constraints, the system is intended to be user-friendly and practical for everyday use. Despite its advantages, the adoption of the single-use identity certificate is still limited. Some institutions, such as CROUS (student housing services), town halls, and insurance companies, continue to request traditional front and back photocopies. In some cases, individuals have been denied access to services or even denied entry to a bar because they couldn’t present a physical identity card. As a result, some people still resort to traditional photocopies, often adding a watermark to reduce the risk of misuse. However, even this measure is not foolproof, as watermarks can be removed or altered using basic photo editing software or artificial intelligence. The effectiveness of the certificate ultimately depends on the awareness and cooperation of those who receive it.