Driver’s Licence in Nigeria

Driver’s Licence in Nigeria

What It Is & Who Issues It

  • The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is responsible for issuing drivers’ licences in Nigeria. Business Post Nigeria+1

  • Also works with Motor Licensing Authorities (MLA), Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), accredited driving schools. RNN+1

Eligibility & Requirements

To apply for a new licence:

  1. Age: Must be at least 18 years old. RNN+1

  2. Identification: National Identification Number (NIN), valid means of identity (e.g. national ID, passport) are required. chamanlawfirm.com+1

  3. Eye Test / Medical Test: Applicants must pass an eye test. Sometimes other health checks. RNN+1

  4. Driving School / Certificate: For new drivers, mandatory training in accredited driving school to acquire a driving school certificate. RNN+1

Process / Steps

Here’s a typical step-by-step:

Step What You Do
1. Application Fill out application online via the FRSC Driver’s Licence Portal. nigeriadriverslicence.frsc.gov.ng+2cardeals.com.ng+2
2. Pay Fees Pay the licence fee (depending on validity period) online or at designated banks. RNN+1
3. Take Driving Test (if new) Go to VIO for a driving test. RNN+1
4. Biometric Capture Visit Driver Licence Centre (DLC) for photo, fingerprints, signature etc. nigeriadriverslicence.frsc.gov.ng+1
5. Collect Licence After processing and verification, collect the original or permanent DL card from the relevant authority. nigeriadriverslicence.frsc.gov.ng+1

Validity & Renewal

Fees / Cost

Recent pricing (as of June 2025) per Joint Tax Board (JTB) decisions: PM News Nigeria+2biztellers.com.ng+2

  • Motor Vehicle Driver’s Licence:
      • 3-year validity: ₦15,000
      • 5-year validity: ₦21,000 PM News Nigeria+1

  • Tricycle / Motorcycle Licence:
      • 3 years: ₦7,000
      • 5 years: ₦11,000 PM News Nigeria+1

  • There are additional costs: driving school fees, VIO test certificate, eye test, data capture etc. Carbon365+1

Other Notes / Issues

  • There have been reports of delays, inefficiencies — some people say the process takes weeks or months. Carbon365+1

  • FRSC also has a “Drivers Licence Verification” portal, to verify licence authenticity. ndlverification.frsc.gov.ng+1

  • Changing category (say from motorcycle to motor vehicle or commercial class) requires test/appropriate certification. Business Post Nigeria