Security Cards issued in Paris during the French Revolution
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The "cartes de sûreté" or security cards were issued by the government during the French Revolution
from September 20th 1792 to the end of 1794. These identity cards allowed Parisians free movement
within their city. Each citizen had to present himself accompanied by two witnesses, at his local
"Committee of Surveillance" (or arrondissement after 1794). This body, after investigating the applicant
would issue a document giving the age, profession, address and place of origin of the cardholder.
The Bibliothèque Généalogique has a database of 180,000 security cards which you may consult by using your
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