Getting a national ID card in Cameroon has been challenging for many years. However, starting from February 17, 2025, the process to obtain a new identity card in Cameroon has been digitized, allowing Cameroonians to apply for their new ID cards online via the official platform www.idcam.cm. The application fee is 10,000 FCFA, payable through Mobile Money services.
With the new system, Cameroonians are able to get their new ID cards delivered in 48 hours.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through applying for a Cameroonian ID card online.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to www.idcam.cm. Once the website opens, select your preferred language using the switch icon at the top of the page.
Step 2: Start the Pre-Enrollment Process
- On the menu, click on the “Start Pre-Enrollment” button.
- A new page will open. Scroll down and click on “Agree and Start Pre-Enrollment” to proceed with your new ID card application.
Step 3: Enter Your Contact Information
- You will be asked to enter either your phone number or email address. Choose the option that suits you best.
- For this guide, we will use the phone number option.
- Enter your phone number and click “Continue”.
Step 4: Verify Your Contact Information
- A verification code will be sent to your phone number.
- Enter the verification code in the provided field and click “Continue”.
Step 5: Fill in Your General Information
- Select your Document type
- Select your application reason
- After selecting, click “Continue”.
Step 6: Enter Personal Information
- You will now enter your details, such as your name, date of birth, nationality, etc…
- After filling in the details, click “Continue”.
Step 7: Enter Parental Information
- Enter details about your parents exactly as they appear on your birth certificate.
- Click “Continue” to proceed.
Step 8: Provide Document Information
- Fill in the required document details accurately.
- Review and confirm your information before proceeding.
Step 9: Make the Payment
- The application fee is for a new ID card in Cameroon is 10,000 FCFA.
- You can pay via Orange Money, MTN Mobile Money, or other available payment options.
- Enter your Mobile Money number and confirm the payment.
- A prompt will appear on your phone asking for your Mobile Money PIN. Enter it to validate and complete the transaction.
Step 10: Select Physical Enrollment Center
- Choose the region and city where you will complete the ID card process.
- Select a date and time that works best for you.
- Click “Confirm” to finalize your selection.
Step 10: Download and Print Your Receipt
- Once the payment is successful, download and print your payment receipt.
Step 11: Visit the Identification Center
- Go to the selected identification center on the specified date.
- Carry the printed receipt along with supporting documents (depending on your application type).
File Composition
Supporting Documents required to be provided by type of application:
1. Renewal
- A photocopy of the birth certificate, birth certificate extract, judgment in lieu of a birth certificate, or family record book signed by the competent authorities, as appropriate.
- The expired national identity card;
- A photocopy of the marriage certificate for married women;
- A document providing proof of occupation, if applicable
2. First-time application
- A certified copy of the birth certificate, birth certificate extract, supplementary birth certificate judgement or family record book signed by the competent authorities, as the case may be;
- A certified copy of the marriage certificate for married women;
- Proof of occupation, if applicable;
- A nationality certificate signed by the President of the Court of First Instance of the place of establishment of the national identity card.
3. In the event of loss, stolen or damage
- A certificate of declaration of loss, theft or damage issued by any National Security Service, including the full name, date and place of birth, filiation of the declarant, as well as the number and reference of the identification office that issued the lost, stolen or damaged national card;
- A copy of the lost, stolen or damaged national identity card;
- A copy of the birth certificate, birth certificate extract, judgment in lieu of a birth certificate or family record book signed by the competent authorities, as appropriate
4. In the event of correction or change of name
- A certified copy of the birth certificate, birth certificate extract, supplementary birth certificate judgement or family record book signed by the competent authorities, as appropriate;
- A certified copy of the decree authorising the change of name or its rectification;
- A certified copy of the marriage certificate for married women or an authenticated divorce certificate, if applicable;
- Proof of occupation, if applicable.
5. In the event of change of parentage
- The authenticated extract of the judgement establishing the change of filiation;
- The old national identity card;
- Proof of occupation, if applicable.
6. In the event of reinstatement
- A certified copy of the birth certificate or birth certificate extract, the judgment in lieu of a birth certificate or the family record book signed by the competent authorities, as the case may be;
- A certified copy of the reinstatement decree;
- A certified copy of the marriage certificate for married women;
- Proof of occupation, if applicable;
- Bulletin No. 3 of the special criminal record.
7. In the event of naturalised foreigners
- A certified copy of the birth certificate;
- A certified copy of the naturalisation decree;
- A certified copy of the marriage certificate for married women;
- Proof of occupation, if applicable;
- Bulletin No. 3 of the special criminal record.
Receive Your New ID Card
- After completing the physical enrollment, your new ID card will be ready in approximately 48 hours.
- The new ID card will be valid for 15 years.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, feel free to contact us.
You can also check out our Digital Tech Training Courses here
I wish you the best in your application process!
