Somaire
_logo.svg){kind=logo}
Introduction
In 2024, more and more online procedures (taxes, health, CPF, energy renovation, CAF…) require a secure login. Two names keep coming up: FranceConnect and La Poste Digital Identity. They are often confused, yet they do not play the same role: FranceConnect is a gateway (a federation of existing identities), whereas La Poste Digital Identity is one of the identity providers, especially for enhanced access FranceConnect+. This guide clearly explains the differences, security (eIDAS), use cases, and helps you decide based on your profile.
FranceConnect vs Digital Identity: quick definitions
- FranceConnect: a common login button that allows you to identify yourself on public websites (and increasingly private ones) using an existing account (impots.gouv.fr, Ameli, La Poste, MSA, etc.). It does not create a new account, it reuses one of yours.
- La Poste Digital Identity: an identity application provided by La Poste, compliant with European requirements (eIDAS) and recognized for FranceConnect+ access. It involves identity verification (online, at a post office, or at home) and activates strong authentication.
- FranceConnect+: the “enhanced” level of FranceConnect for sensitive procedures; it requires an identity with a higher assurance level (at least “substantial” eIDAS) and strong authentication.
How FranceConnect works
FranceConnect serves as an identity federation: you log in with a partner identity provider, and FranceConnect transmits only the strictly necessary information to the target service. In 2024, several providers are offered: impots.gouv.fr, Ameli, MSA, La Poste Digital Identity, as well as new approved public/private actors. The benefit: a single, familiar entry point, avoiding multiple accounts and passwords.
FranceConnect+: enhanced access
Some procedures (e.g., activation of new sensitive rights or binding signatures) require FranceConnect+, which imposes an identity at the eIDAS substantial level (or higher). In 2024, La Poste Digital Identity is the most widespread means to meet this requirement. France Identité (the public app linked to the electronic national ID card) also joins the ecosystem to offer more choice to users, and FranceConnect+ integrates them progressively.
Why this upgrade? For sensitive procedures, a simple login/password is not enough: a robust identity verification and controlled two-factor authentication are required.
La Poste Digital Identity: in practice
La Poste Digital Identity is presented as a mobile application. Creation involves: a La Poste account, entering your information, then an identity verification (remotely with video control and ID document, at a post office, or at home via the mail carrier depending on the case). Once validated, it allows FranceConnect and FranceConnect+ logins with strong authentication; you receive validation notifications in the app and/or by SMS.
- Assurance level: substantial (eIDAS), recognized by ANSSI, thus usable for high-stakes procedures.
- Where to use it? Taxes, Ameli, CAF, France Travail, CPF/My Training Account, MaPrimeRénov’, etc. (the list evolves).
- Required equipment: recent smartphone (iOS/Android), valid ID document, personal phone number.
- Recovery: in case of smartphone/number change, a secure transfer process is provided.
Comparison: FranceConnect vs La Poste Digital Identity (2024)
| Criterion | FranceConnect | La Poste Digital Identity |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Identity federation (gateway). | Identity provider (strong authentication app). |
| eIDAS level | Variable depending on provider (often “low” for standard access). | Substantial (eIDAS); required for FranceConnect+. |
| Use cases | Simple login to many public/private services. | Sensitive procedures requiring FC+ and/or strong two-factor authentication. |
| Available providers | Taxes, Ameli, MSA, La Poste, and other approved partners. | La Poste (dedicated app); usable as an IdP in FranceConnect/FranceConnect+. |
| Prerequisites | Have a partner account (e.g., impots.gouv.fr, Ameli…). | Smartphone, ID document, verification online/at post office/home. |
| Experience | Quick login via an existing account. | Login with strong validation (app + code/biometrics depending on device). |
| Privacy | The target service receives only necessary attributes via FC. | Same; + strong authentication traces on La Poste app side. |
| Service coverage | Very broad (major administrations, private extensions). | Broad via FranceConnect/FranceConnect+ (including sensitive services). |
| When to choose? | General use, immediate simplicity. | When a reinforced level (FC+) is required, or if you want to standardize your strong logins. |
So, what to choose in 2024?
The question is not “FranceConnect or La Poste,” because they are not competitors. FranceConnect is the common entry point; La Poste Digital Identity is one of the means to connect to it, and the most widespread for FranceConnect+. In practice:
- For most of your routine procedures: click on “Log in with FranceConnect” and choose the provider you already use (taxes, Ameli, La Poste…).
- As soon as a service requires FranceConnect+: create/activate the La Poste Digital Identity (or France Identité if available to you) and log in in enhanced mode.
- If you want a single base for all your sensitive accesses: standardize on the La Poste app (or France Identité) and use it systematically via the FranceConnect button.
Step by step: activate La Poste Digital Identity
- Download the La Poste Digital Identity app (iOS/Android).
- Create/open your La Poste account and enter your information.
- Verify your identity: remotely (ID + video control), at a post office, or via a visit from the mail carrier depending on the case.
- Activate the app (code/biometrics). Keep your mobile number up to date.
- On a site offering FranceConnect, choose La Poste and validate in the app. If the service requires FranceConnect+, follow the proposed strong validation.
- In case of smartphone/number change, follow the secure transfer process in the app (and, if needed, undergo a short re-verification).
FAQ — Common misconceptions & best practices
- Does FranceConnect create a “new account”?
- No. It is a gateway that reuses your partner account (taxes, Ameli, La Poste…) to connect you to the targeted service.
- Is FranceConnect+ mandatory?
- Only for certain sensitive procedures. When required, you will need a substantial identity (e.g., La Poste Digital Identity) or France Identité.
- Is La Poste Digital Identity paid?
- The identity service for individuals is offered free of charge. B2B offers exist for organizations.
- Can I use FranceConnect without a smartphone?
- Yes for “classic” providers (taxes, Ameli…). However, for FranceConnect+ via La Poste, a smartphone is necessary for strong authentication.
- What happens if I lose my phone?
- Lock your account, reinstall the app on a new phone and follow the recovery process (code, re-verification if needed).
- Does La Poste see all my procedures?
- No. Like other providers, it only transmits the necessary attributes via FranceConnect. Authentication logs are kept according to regulations.
In brief: Use FranceConnect for everyday simplicity, and activate La Poste Digital Identity (or France Identité) as soon as a procedure requires FranceConnect+ or you want enhanced security by default.
{ “@context”:”https://schema.org”, “@type”:”Article”, “headline”:”La Poste Digital Identity vs FranceConnect: which solution to choose in 2024?”, “description”:”Clear comparison between FranceConnect (identity federation) and La Poste Digital Identity (substantial eIDAS provider), with use cases, security, and FAQ.”, “inLanguage”:”fr-FR”, “author”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”Gallica Web”}, “publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”Gallica Web”}, “datePublished”:”2024-12-31″, “dateModified”:”2024-12-31″, “image”:[“https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/France%20Connect%20Logo.svg”,”https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/La_Poste_(Frankreich)_logo.svg”] } { “@context”:”https://schema.org”, “@type”:”FAQPage”, “mainEntity”:[ {“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Does FranceConnect create a new account?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”No. FranceConnect is a gateway that reuses your partner account (taxes, Ameli, La Poste…) to connect you to the targeted service.”}}, {“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Is FranceConnect+ mandatory?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Only for certain sensitive procedures. When required, you will need a substantial identity (e.g., La Poste Digital Identity) or France Identité.”}}, {“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Is La Poste Digital Identity paid?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”For individuals, no. B2B offers exist for organizations.”}}, {“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Can I use FranceConnect without a smartphone?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Yes via classic providers. For FranceConnect+ with La Poste, a smartphone is necessary for strong authentication.”}}, {“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What to do if I lose my phone?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Lock access, install the app on a new device and follow the recovery process (code, re-verification if needed).”}}, {“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Does La Poste see my procedures?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”No. Like other providers, it only transmits necessary attributes via FranceConnect, in accordance with regulations.”}} ] }
