Nigerian Driver Licence: Apply, Renew, Cost and Process

A Nigerian driver’s licence costs ₦15,000 for 3 years or ₦21,000 for 5 years. You apply online at nigeriadriverslicence.frsc.gov.ng after completing accredited driving school training, then visit an FRSC Drivers Licence Centre (DLC) for biometric capture. The whole process takes 1–2 weeks for renewal and a few weeks for a first-time licence.

This guide covers how to apply, how to renew, the official fees, the licence classes, payment routes, and how to track your application.

What is a Nigerian driver’s licence?

A Nigerian driver’s licence is the credit-card-sized document issued by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) that legally authorises you to drive a specific class of vehicle on a public road. Driving without one is a traffic offence under the National Road Traffic Regulations.

Driver’s licence fees

These are the FRSC-published fees on the official portal:

The fee covers application, biometric capture, learner’s permit, and the licence card. Driving school fees are separate and run from ₦15,000 to ₦35,000 depending on the school.

How to apply for a new driver’s licence

You must complete training at an FRSC-accredited driving school before applying. Without a driving school certificate, your application will be rejected at the DLC.

1. Enrol at an FRSC-accredited driving school. Complete the training and pass the exit test.
2. Visit nigeriadriverslicence.frsc.gov.ng.
3. Click “Apply for a New Driver’s Licence” and fill in the application form (name, date of birth, address, NIN, phone number, blood group, next of kin).
4. Upload your driving school certificate.
5. Pick the FRSC capture centre (DLC) closest to where you live.
6. Generate a payment reference and pay (Remita or supported bank channel).
7. Print the acknowledgement slip and the temporary licence.
8. Visit the chosen DLC for biometric capture (fingerprints, photo, signature).
9. Take a road-test appointment if it isn’t waived.
10. Collect the printed card when FRSC notifies you (usually within a few weeks).

You’ll receive a temporary licence valid for 60 days while the permanent card is produced.

How to renew your driver’s licence

Renewal skips driving school and the road test:

1. Find your existing driver’s licence number on the old card.
2. Go to nigeriadriverslicence.frsc.gov.ng and click “Renew Driver’s Licence”.
3. Enter your licence number and date of birth, then search.
4. Confirm and update the data shown (address, phone, next of kin).
5. Pick a DLC for capture.
6. Generate a payment reference and pay.
7. Print the acknowledgement.
8. Visit the DLC for biometric refresh.
9. Get the temporary licence; collect the new card on FRSC notification.

Most renewals are processed within 1–2 weeks of biometric capture.

Driver’s licence classes in Nigeria

FRSC uses class letters tied to the type of vehicle:

• Class A — Motorcycles up to 200cc.
• Class B — Cars, minivans, and light-duty vehicles for private or commercial use. Most drivers fall here.
• Class C — Heavy-duty vehicles such as freight trucks and transit buses above the standard weight limit.
• Class D — Articulated vehicles such as tankers and trailers.
• Class E — Taxis and other for-hire transport.
• Class F — Caterpillars and bulldozers.
• Class G — Tractors.

How to pay the FRSC driver’s licence fee

Payment goes through the Remita gateway on the FRSC portal. Two routes:

Pay online

1. After submitting your application, click Pay Now.
2. You’re redirected to Remita.
3. Choose card (Visa, Mastercard, Verve), bank transfer, or USSD.
4. Complete payment and print the receipt.

Pay at a bank

1. On the Remita screen, choose At a Bank Branch.
2. Generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR).
3. Walk into any participating bank with the RRR.
4. Pay over the counter and collect the bank teller slip.
5. Keep the RRR — you’ll need it at the DLC.

The old pay4me.com gateway is no longer used.

Documents to bring to the DLC

• Acknowledgement slip from the online application
• Driving school certificate (new applicants)
• Old licence card (renewals)
• NIN slip
• Recent passport photograph (some DLCs request a printed copy)
• Payment receipt or RRR

How to track your application

1. Visit nigeriadriverslicence.frsc.gov.ng.
2. Click Track DL Application Status.
3. Enter your licence application number and date of birth.
4. Click Search to see the current status — pending capture, captured, in production, or ready for collection.

Lagos State applicants: LASDRI

If you live in Lagos, you must also pass through the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) before the FRSC capture. Apply on the LASDRI portal, attend the LASDRI training, and collect the LASDRI certificate. You then proceed to the FRSC DLC with the LASDRI certificate.

Tips for a smooth application

• Show up in person — you cannot send a representative for biometric capture.
• Use the correct NIN-linked phone number; FRSC sends notifications by SMS.
• Pick a DLC close to home or work to avoid long travel for the recapture appointment.
• Keep the application reference and the RRR until you collect the card.
• Renew at least 30 days before the existing licence expires — driving with an expired licence carries a fine.

FAQs

How much is a Nigerian driver’s licence?

₦15,000 for 3 years or ₦21,000 for 5 years for a motor vehicle licence. ₦7,000 (3 years) and ₦11,000 (5 years) for tricycle and motorcycle.

Can I get a driver’s licence without driving school?

No. FRSC requires an accredited driving school certificate for first-time applicants. Renewals don’t need it.

How long does it take to get a driver’s licence?

A new licence usually takes a few weeks from biometric capture to card collection. Renewals typically clear in 1–2 weeks. A 60-day temporary licence covers you in the meantime.

Can I drive in the UK with a Nigerian licence?

Yes, for 12 months from your date of arrival. After that you must apply for a UK provisional licence and pass the UK theory and practical tests.

What does the road test cover?

Manoeuvres, driving in traffic, signalling, vehicle control, and stopping/parking. Some states ask for a basic Highway Code oral test as well.

What if my licence has expired?

You can still renew it on the same portal — you don’t need to start over as a new applicant. Drive only after the temporary licence is issued; driving on an expired card draws an FRSC penalty.

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How to renew your vehicle licence in Nigeria

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