How To Get Your Vehicle License In Nigeria

A vehicle license is an official document issued by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for every car in Nigeria. It contains important details about the car, such as the registration number, make and model, and the vehicle owner’s information. This license must be renewed periodically to remain valid.

It is important to keep this document in your vehicle at all times, as it serves as proof that your vehicle is registered and legally allowed on the road. In this article, we will explain how to get a vehicle license in Nigeria, the steps involved, and everything you need to know to make the process smooth and easy.

Documents Needed To Get a Vehicle License

To obtain a vehicle license in Nigeria, you will need to have certain documents ready. Making sure you have all the necessary paperwork in order will help speed up the process and prevent delays. Below is a list of the key documents required:

1. Proof of Ownership: This document shows that you are the legal owner of the vehicle. It is usually obtained during the initial registration process.
2. Vehicle Purchase Receipt: The receipt or invoice you received when you bought the vehicle, which serves as proof of purchase.
3. Valid Identification: You will need to present a valid form of identification, such as a national ID card, driver’s license, voter’s card, or international passport. This helps verify your identity as the owner.
4. Insurance Policy: A valid insurance policy is mandatory for all vehicles on Nigerian roads. Make sure to have the insurance certificate ready when applying for your vehicle license.
5. Roadworthiness Certificate: This certificate confirms that your vehicle is safe and fit to be on the road. It is issued by the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) after a thorough inspection.
6. Proof of Address: You may need to provide documents that show your current address, such as utility bills or bank statements. This helps confirm your residential details.
7. Completed Application Form: Whether you apply online or at the licensing office, you will need to fill out an application form. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete to avoid processing issues.
8. Tax Identification Number (TIN): Some states may require a TIN for vehicle registration, especially for commercial vehicles. It is best to check with your local licensing office to confirm if this is necessary.

How To Get Your Vehicle License In Nigeria

Getting a vehicle license in Nigeria involves a few important steps. The process is managed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other related agencies. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Present Vehicle Documents to the Licensing Desk Officer: Start by taking your newly purchased vehicle documents to the Motor Licensing (ML) desk officer. The officer will check to ensure all the necessary documents are in order. This step usually takes a maximum of 2 minutes.
2. Register on the FRSC Portal: Once your documents are verified, you will be directed to register the vehicle on the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) portal at https://nvis.frsc.gov.ng/. Complete the online form and print out a copy, which will contain a unique item number. This step may take around 3 minutes, depending on internet speed.
3. Allocation of Number Plate: After registration, a number plate will be allocated to your vehicle. This will enable you to obtain an insurance policy. This step typically takes no more than 1 minute.
4. Obtain an Insurance Policy: You must procure a valid insurance policy for your vehicle. After getting the insurance, return to the ML desk officer, who will verify the authenticity of the policy. This verification process takes about 1 minute, depending on the speed of the internet.
5. Capture Vehicle and Owner Details: The desk officer will then enter the details of the vehicle and the owner into the system and generate an assessment bill with a unique reference number. You will need this to proceed with the payment. This step takes a maximum of 3 minutes if the internet is fast.
6. Make Payment: Payment is processed through the centralized payment system of the Internal Revenue Service or equivalent agencies in your state. Make sure to keep your payment receipt.
7. Present Evidence of Payment: Once you have paid, present the evidence of payment to the ML desk officer. The officer will then print out your vehicle documents. This step can take up to 6 minutes, depending on the availability of the payment platform.
8. Proceed to Vehicle Inspection for Roadworthiness: The desk officer will hand you a testing form and direct you to the Vehicle Inspector Officer (VIO) office. At the VIO office, your vehicle will be inspected, and a roadworthiness certificate will be issued. This process usually takes about 5 minutes.
9. Complete Registration on the FRSC Portal: After obtaining the roadworthiness certificate, visit the FRSC desk officer to finalize the registration on the FRSC portal. The officer will generate a proof of ownership certificate. This step also takes around 5 minutes.
10. Receive Your Vehicle License and Documents: Finally, the ML desk officer will provide you with the completed vehicle documents, including your vehicle license, number plate, and other relevant papers. The following documents are typically issued at this point:

• Vehicle License
• Testing Form
• Road Worthiness Certificate
• Number Plate Receipt
• Registration Receipt
• Hackney Stage Carriage (for commercial vehicles)
• Proof of Ownership Certificate
• Insurance Policy

The total time to complete a fresh vehicle registration, including obtaining a vehicle license, is about 27 minutes, assuming the systems are available and the internet connection is fast.

How To Renew Your Vehicle License In Nigeria

Renewing your vehicle license in Nigeria is a simple and straightforward process. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other related agencies have made it easy for vehicle owners to keep their licenses up to date without much hassle. Whether you prefer to do it online or in person at a licensing office, you can complete the renewal quickly as long as you have the necessary documents ready.

To renew your vehicle license, start by visiting the FRSC portal or your nearest licensing office. You will need to provide your existing vehicle license, proof of ownership, and a valid insurance policy. After filling out the renewal form, you will be asked to pay the renewal fee, which can be done online or at a designated bank. Once the payment is confirmed, you may need to undergo a quick inspection to ensure your vehicle is still roadworthy. After that, your renewed license will be issued, and you will receive all the updated documents.

If you also need to learn how to renew your driver’s license in Nigeria, click here for a detailed guide. Keeping both your vehicle and driver’s licenses current will help you avoid fines and ensure you are always legally allowed to drive.

What To Do If Your Vehicle License Is Lost or Stolen

Losing your vehicle license can be worrying, but it’s important to act quickly to avoid any issues. Driving without a valid vehicle license can lead to fines and penalties, so the first step is to report the loss to the authorities. Visit the nearest police station to file a report, which will serve as an official record that your license was lost or stolen. This report will also be needed when you apply for a replacement.

After filing a police report, you should visit your local licensing office or the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to apply for a duplicate license. You will need to bring some documents with you, including your vehicle’s proof of ownership, the police report, and a valid form of identification. The officer will guide you through the application process, and you will be required to pay a fee for the replacement license. Once the payment is confirmed, your duplicate license will be processed, and you should receive it within a few days.

Make sure to keep your new license safe, and consider making a photocopy or digital copy as a backup. If your vehicle license was stolen, it might also be a good idea to take extra steps to protect your other important documents, as this could indicate a risk of identity theft.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to renew a vehicle license in Nigeria?
The cost of renewing a vehicle license in Nigeria can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the state where you are renewing it. For private vehicles, the fees are generally lower than for commercial vehicles. Typically, renewal fees range from around ₦6,000 to ₦15,000. It is best to check with your local licensing office or the FRSC portal for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information. If you want to know how much it costs to renew your driver’s license, click here.

2. Can I renew my vehicle license online in Nigeria?
Yes, you can renew your vehicle license online through the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) portal or other authorized online platforms. The online process is designed to make it easier and quicker for vehicle owners to renew their licenses without having to visit a licensing office. Simply log in to the FRSC portal, fill out the renewal form, make the necessary payment, and follow the instructions provided. Once completed, you can print out the confirmation, and your renewed license will be processed.

3. What should I do if my vehicle license expires?
If your vehicle license expires, you should renew it as soon as possible to avoid fines and penalties. Driving with an expired license is against the law, and you could face issues if stopped by traffic officers. To renew, follow the standard process of submitting your old license, providing the required documents, and paying the renewal fee. Make sure always to renew your license before the expiration date to ensure you are legally allowed to drive.

To get your vehicle license in Nigeria, you need to submit the right documents, go through inspections, and pay the required fees. Being prepared with everything needed will make the process faster and easier.