Reporting Lost Documents in Lomé: Police and Gendarmerie Loss Certificates
Reporting Lost Identity Documents in Lomé: Procedure and Loss Certificates
Losing or having an official document stolen (National ID Card, passport, driver's license, vehicle logbook, or residence permit) requires filing an immediate Loss Declaration (Déclaration de Perte) with law enforcement authorities.
In Lomé, obtaining an official Loss Certificate (Attestation de Perte) issued by a police station or gendarmerie brigade is a mandatory prerequisite for renewing lost credentials and protecting oneself against identity theft.
1. Where and How to File a Loss Report in Lomé
Loss declarations must be filed at the police station or gendarmerie brigade responsible for the neighborhood where the loss occurred or where the applicant resides:
Main Police Stations in Lomé:
- Central Police Station of Lomé (Commissariat Central): Nyékonakpoé district / Boulevard du 13 Janvier.
- Agoè-Nyivé Police Station: Agoè-Assiyéyé district (Agoè-Nyivé 1 Municipality).
- Adidogomé Police Station: Adidogomé / Maison Blanche district (Golfe 7 Municipality).
- Bè Police Station: Bè-Château district (Golfe 1 Municipality).
- Hédzranawoé Police Station: Near Hédzranawoé Market (Golfe 2 Municipality).
2. Required Documents and Filing Requirements
To obtain a loss certificate from police officers:
- Physical presence of the declarant (upon presenting alternative ID or a copy of the lost document).
- Declaration statement or official police statement specifying:
- The exact circumstances of the loss or theft.
- The estimated date and location where the document was lost.
- Specific details of the lost credential (National ID number, passport number, vehicle registration plate, etc.).
- 2 recent passport-sized photos on a white background.
- Photocopy of the lost document (if available, recommended to speed up record verification).
3. Fees and Validity of the Loss Certificate
- Stamp Duty / Issuance Fee: Issuance of a formal loss certificate attracts a statutory stamp duty of 1,000 to 2,000 XOF depending on document type.
- Issuance Timeframe: The official loss certificate signed by the Police Commissioner or Brigade Commander is typically handed over the same day or within 24 hours.
- Validity Duration: Loss certificates carry a temporary validity period of 1 to 3 months, serving as temporary identity proof for local travel and for submitting duplicate application files (at DGDN for passports/ID cards, or DTRF for driver's licenses and vehicle logbooks).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does a loss certificate allow international air travel from Lomé?
No, a loss certificate is a temporary internal administrative document. It cannot replace a valid passport for crossing international borders at Lomé Airport.
What should I do if a lost document is recovered after filing a report?
If you recover your original document after receiving a loss certificate, you must return to the police station to notify officers and cancel the duplicate replacement procedure.
Can I report lost university diplomas or birth certificates at police stations?
Yes, reporting lost academic degree certificates, vital statistics documents, or bank cards can be processed as an administrative loss declaration at National Police stations in Lomé.
Last verified: September 12, 2026
Official sources: General Directorate of National Police (DGPN Togo), Ministry of Security of Togo