The La Poste Digital Identity (IDN) is the French digital identity used by FranceConnect+ to sign on the INPI Guichet Unique. But this app frequently rejects users for various reasons: photo quality, ID document not recognised, level insufficient, etc.

This article details the causes of IDN rejection and the alternatives that work to sign your French INPI formality without depending on La Poste.

The 7 most frequent IDN rejection causes

1. Insufficient level (most frequent)

You created an IDN account but with the basic "verified" level (without post office visit). For INPI signing, the certified level is required (with face-to-face physical verification at a post office).

2. ID document not recognised

The La Poste app sometimes refuses certain old ID cards, foreign passports, or recently issued residence permits. Common reasons: poor photo quality, document partly cropped, glare, faded ink.

3. Initial photo too poor

Your selfie or ID photo wasn't sharp enough. The app's algorithm refuses ambiguous biometric matches.

4. Outdated information

Your address has changed, your last name has changed (marriage, divorce), but your ID document still has the old data. The app detects the discrepancy and rejects.

5. Wait time too long

The post office appointment is several weeks away. By then, your INPI legal deadline has passed.

6. Post office not certifying IDN

Not all post offices offer IDN certification service. You need to find a partner office, sometimes far from home.

7. Account suspended for security reasons

After multiple failed authentication attempts, your account can be temporarily suspended. Reactivation requires contacting La Poste support and waiting several days.

To remember The La Poste Digital Identity is a State service, but it's run by a private company (La Poste). Quality of service varies by office, request and case. There's no real recourse in case of refusal — you can only retry or use an alternative route.

Alternative 1: a qualified eIDAS provider (the fastest)

The most efficient solution: completely bypass the La Poste / FranceConnect+ route and sign directly with a qualified eIDAS provider. Universign, our technical partner, has its own ANSSI-certified PVID identity verification journey, totally independent from La Poste.

The journey at SignerSynthèse.fr:

  1. Upload the PDF summary downloaded from the Guichet Unique.
  2. Fill in identity (name, email, phone).
  3. Pay €29 ex. VAT.
  4. Verify identity by ID photo + selfie + SMS (Universign PVID journey, more permissive than IDN).
  5. Receive the qualified-signed PDF in 2 minutes.
  6. Re-upload to the Guichet Unique.

The signature obtained is legally identical to a FranceConnect+ signature: same eIDAS qualified level, same legal validity. No La Poste dependency.

IDN rejected? Sign directly with Universign.

eIDAS qualified signature without La Poste, without FranceConnect+. €29 ex. VAT, 2 minutes, 100% accepted by the INPI.

Sign my summary →

Alternative 2: redo IDN with a different setup

If you really want to keep the IDN free route, you can retry by:

  1. Reinstalling the La Poste Digital Identity app from scratch.
  2. Updating your ID document if needed (request a new ID card if necessary).
  3. Carefully retake the selfie photo (good lighting, fixed gaze, neutral background).
  4. Booking a post office appointment several weeks ahead.

Total time: 2 to 6 weeks if everything goes well. Not suited if your formality is urgent.

Alternative 3: physical USB token certificate

For users who plan to sign multiple INPI formalities per year, a qualified certificate on USB token (Certigna, Certinomis) costs €100 to €250 ex. VAT for 1 to 3 years. Time to obtain: 1 to 4 weeks. See providers comparison.

FAQ

Why is my IDN refused while it works for taxes?

The level required for taxes (Identité Numérique standard) is lower than that required for INPI signing (Identité Numérique certified). Same app, different levels.

Can I have multiple IDNs (one for spouse, one for me)?

Yes, each individual must have their own IDN. But you cannot use someone else's IDN to sign in your name.

How long is an IDN valid?

The IDN is valid as long as the underlying ID document is valid. If your ID expires, the IDN is automatically suspended.

Can I sign INPI from another country?

Difficult with IDN (post office not accessible). Easy with the qualified eIDAS provider route, which works from anywhere.

Conclusion

An IDN rejection is frustrating but not blocking. The qualified eIDAS alternative route — independent from La Poste — works in 2 minutes regardless of your IDN status. For an urgent INPI formality, this is the most reliable solution.

Official sources