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PARIS — Forget what you learned in French class about "madame" and "mademoiselle." The French government now says women's marital status shouldn't matter, at least when it comes to this country's far-reaching bureaucracy.

A new circular from the prime minister's office Tuesday orders officials to phase out the use of "mademoiselle" on administrative documents.

Until now, a woman has been required to identify herself as a married "madame" or an unmarried "mademoiselle" on everything from tax forms to insurance claims and voting cards. France offers no neutral option like the English "Ms."

Men don't face this issue: Their only option is "monsieur," married or not.

Feminist groups have been pushing for the abolition of the "mademoiselle" option for months and hailed Tuesday's circular.