How does the smart matching work?

When you report a lost or found item, our algorithm compares it against all existing reports using category, document numbers, serial numbers, color, brand, model, and location. If the confidence score reaches 70% or higher, both parties are notified.

How do I pay the finder's reward?

Once a match is confirmed, you can pay the finder's reward directly through the app using MTN MoMo or Orange Money. The platform takes a 20% service fee, and the finder receives the rest instantly.

Is WeFoundIt free to use?

Yes! Reporting lost or found items is completely free for individual users. You only pay when you choose to reward a finder. Institutions can subscribe to premium plans starting at 25,000 XAF/month.

Can institutions like police stations use WeFoundIt?

Yes! Police stations, bus parks, universities, and hotels can register as institutions with bulk item registration, a dedicated dashboard, analytics, and priority matching.

What if I can't find a match right away?

Your report stays active for 30 days. Our matching algorithm runs every time a new item is reported, so you'll be notified automatically if a match appears later. You can also boost your report for more visibility.

How do I prove an item is mine?

When you claim a found item, you may be asked to provide proof of ownership, a receipt, a photo of you with the item, the serial number, or a description of unique features. This protects finders from false claims.

Is my personal information safe on WeFoundIt?

Absolutely. Your phone number and email are never shown to other users, they are automatically obscured. All communication happens through secure in-app chat. We never share your data with third parties.

How much does it cost to collect a found ID document?

The collection fee for any identification document (CNI, passport, driver's license, student ID) is a flat 3,000 XAF. Pay in person at the partner location when you pick up your document.

How do finders earn rewards on WeFoundIt?

When a finder registers a found item and it's matched with an owner, the owner pays a reward. The finder receives 85% of the reward instantly via MTN MoMo or Orange Money. Default rewards range from 2,000 to 20,000 XAF depending on item type.

Guides 10 min read

How to Recover Lost Documents in Cameroon: CNI, Passport & Driver's License

WeFoundIt Team

March 1, 2025

Losing official documents in Cameroon is stressful and expensive to replace. Before you pay for a replacement, try recovering the original: many documents are found but never returned because there's no easy way to connect finders and owners. WeFoundIt solves this problem.

CNI (Carte Nationale d'Identité)

Recovery via WeFoundIt

Our database has hundreds of found CNIs registered by police stations, bus parks, and individuals. Search for your CNI by name or number →

Official Replacement (if not recovered)

Cost: 2,800 XAF (official fee) + 1,000-2,000 XAF admin fees
Timeline: 3-6 months in major cities; up to 12 months in rural areas
Documents needed: Attestation de perte, birth certificate (2 copies), 4 photos (4x4), certificate of residence

Passport

Recovery via WeFoundIt

Passports are high-value documents with unique numbers. If someone finds yours and registers it, our system matches it instantly by document number.

Official Replacement

Cost: 110,000 XAF (biometric passport)
Timeline: 2-4 weeks at DGSN headquarters
Documents needed: Attestation de perte, CNI, birth certificate, 4 photos, old passport number

Permis de Conduire (Driver's License)

Recovery

Driver's licenses are frequently lost and found at fuel stations and roadside checkpoints. Report yours on WeFoundIt immediately.

Official Replacement

Cost: 15,000-25,000 XAF
Timeline: 2-8 weeks
Documents needed: Attestation de perte, CNI, 2 photos, original category proof

Why Recovering Is Better Than Replacing

Saves tens of thousands of XAF in replacement fees
Saves weeks to months of waiting time
Avoids the hassle of gathering birth certificates, photos, and forms
Your original document has your history (stamps, visas for passports)

Create a free account and report your lost document →

Ne payez pas pour un remplacement avant d'avoir essayé de récupérer l'original. Des milliers de documents sont trouvés chaque mois mais jamais rendus: WeFoundIt change cela.

Lost something? Report it now. / Perdu quelque chose?

Join thousands of Cameroonians using WeFoundIt to find their belongings.
Rejoignez des milliers de Camerounais qui utilisent WeFoundIt.

Get Started Free / Commencer Gratuitement →

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How to Recover Lost Documents in Cameroon: CNI, Passport & Driver's License

CNI (Carte Nationale d'Identité)

Recovery via WeFoundIt

Official Replacement (if not recovered)

Passport

Recovery via WeFoundIt

Official Replacement

Permis de Conduire (Driver's License)

Recovery

Official Replacement

Why Recovering Is Better Than Replacing

Lost something? Report it now. / Perdu quelque chose?

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