Getting the national identity card
Compulsory online pre-enrolment on idcam.cm, payment of the 10,000 FCFA stamp duty, then enrolment at the identification post of your choice. Valid for 10 years.
- Official fee
- 10,000 FCFA (stamp duty, paid online at pre-enrolment)
- Official portal
- idcam.cm
Who it concerns
The national identity card (CNI) is compulsory for every Cameroonian aged 18 or over. Minors may apply when the Delegate General for National Security accepts the need. The card is valid for 10 years (decree no. 2025/059 of 28 February 2025).
Documents to provide
First application:
- a certified copy of the birth certificate, birth certificate extract, supplementary judgment or family record book, signed by the competent authorities;
- a certificate of nationality signed by the president of the court of first instance of the place where the card is issued.
Renewal (expired card): the expired card and a certified copy of the birth certificate or extract.
Loss, theft or damage: a declaration of loss, theft or damage issued by any National Security service (with the unique identification number and the references of the card), a photocopy of the damaged card where applicable, and a copy of the birth certificate or extract.
If you cannot produce any of these documents, attach a document attesting your names, parentage, age, Cameroonian nationality and place of origin (village, sub-division, division, region).
Steps
- Create an account and pre-enrol online on idcam.cm; online pre-enrolment is compulsory unless the Delegate General grants an exemption.
- Pay the 10,000 FCFA stamp duty online.
- Attend the enrolment or identification post of your choice with the required documents for fingerprints and photograph.
- Track your application ("Position de ma CNI") on the DGSN site, then collect the card at the indicated post.
Where to go
Police identification posts (police stations and enrolment posts) across the country; the 1550 helpline answers questions about card production.
Cost and time
Stamp duty: 10,000 FCFA. The DGSN states that delivery times are estimates and are not guaranteed. A first application made after the age of 30 is treated as late and may be suspended while checks are carried out.
Legal basis
Decree no. 2025/059 of 28 February 2025 setting the characteristics and the procedure for issuing identity documents.