Vehicle Registration Process In Nigeria – You can’t immediately start cruising the streets of Nigeria in a vehicle you just bought. Before legally using the vehicle, you must register it and obtain the appropriate licenses.
If you do not register your new vehicle with the proper authorities in Nigeria, you risk getting into legal trouble if you decide to take it for a spin.
The process of registering a vehicle in Nigeria is straightforward and inexpensive. If you are looking for information on how to register a vehicle in Nigeria, you have come to the right spot.
Getting your vehicle registered in Nigeria can sometimes be confusing, but here in this piece, we’ll show you the step-by-step process.
Why Must I Register My Vehicle Before Driving?
The Nigerian law makes it compulsory for all vehicles (trucks, cars, tricycles, motorcycles, etc.) to use the Nigerian roads to get registered to enable easy tracking of vehicles and their various owners.
Documents Required for Vehicle Registration in Nigeria
Before you begin the vehicle registration process in Nigeria, ensure you have all the required documents intact.
Below are the documents required for the vehicle registration in Nigeria.
From the company you bought the vehicle:
- Delivery note.
- Letter of attestation.
- Receipt of purchase or invoice.
- Vehicle ownership proof.
Personal Identification Papers:
- A valid updated driver’s license.
- National identity card or International passport.
- Passport photographs.
- Utility bills that show proof of current residential address.
If you are registering an imported vehicle, you must also have to prepare the following:
- Clearance papers; obtained from customs.
- Duty certificate of motor vehicles.
- Tax identification number.
Other required documents are:
- Engine number; written out (not compulsory but necessary).
- Insurance papers.
- Insurance Policy Number.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Chassis Number.
- Certificate of Entry (for imported or Tokunbo fairly used vehicles).
- Payment Schedule (for imported or Tokunbo fairly used vehicles).
- Terminal Delivery Order (for imported or Tokunbo fairly used vehicles).
- Vehicle Releasing Invoice (for imported or Tokunbo fairly used vehicles).
- Receipt of Purchase (for imported or Tokunbo fairly used vehicles).
If you have the required documents, then you can proceed to the State Board of Internal Revenue or Motor Licensing Authority (SBIR/MLA) office near you to begin your vehicle registration process.
Vehicle Registration Process in Nigeria
Below are the processes involved in registering a vehicle in Nigeria.
Step 1: Get a Driver’s License
If you don’t already have a driver’s license, visit the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) office nearest to you and apply for a driver’s license.
You can get a driver’s license even if you don’t own a vehicle.
They will do biometric data capturing, and you will be required to pay the sum of N10,000 (depending on the state) to process a new one.
After completing the process, you will be given a temporary driver’s license, which will last 60 days. After the 60 days is over, your new driver’s license will be ready for pick up.
Step 2: Registration Process at the State Board of Internal Revenue or Motor Licensing Authority (SBIR/MLA)
- Visit the State Board of Internal Revenue or Motor Licensing Authority,
- Fill out the “Allocation of plate number” form correctly,
- Submit the form together with all required documents,
- Then finish the application package.
Now, when the authorities have finished reviewing your documents, they’ll provide you with a few more forms to fill out. They are:
- Allocation of the registration number of the new vehicle.
- License form of auto vehicle.
- Form B.
- FRSC/Federal Road Safety form.
- Tax form.
The application package will be delivered and verified by a police officer in the licensing office. It’ll be stamped if approved, and a verification date will be included.
Step 3: Payment for the License Plate or Number Plate
The license plate or number plate fees are paid at a financial institution or bank. The fee varies with the type of license plate being applied for, such as Normal Plates (Blue), Commercial vehicle plates (Red), Government vehicle plates (Green), and Diplomatic plates (White number on a Red background).
Note: When you visit the FRSC office in a specific region, remember to clarify the amount of money you have to pay for the License Plate or Number Plate.
Step 4: Presentation of Receipt of Payment
After payment, present the receipt of payment and receive your newly assigned plate number. Other documents you will be given are:
- Proof of Ownership Certificate.
- Proof of Ownership Certificate Number.
- Vehicle Identification Tag (VIT).
Step 5: Please retrieve all submitted original documents. Verify carefully to rule out any mistakes or omissions [ensure nothing is missing or mistaken].
Remember that vehicle insurance is important, so purchase a vehicle insurance policy for your vehicle. Vehicle insurance comes in 2 forms: Third Party Auto Insurance Cover and Comprehensive Auto Cover.
The Third-Party Auto Insurance Policy is usually done by an insurance company to protect vehicle owners from losses caused by their vehicles on other people while driving.
Furthermore, your vehicle might be required for inspection by a VIO (Vehicle Inspection Officer). When certified okay, you will be issued a Roadworthiness Certificate.
Now, after completing the aforementioned steps, which may take you a few weeks, you may finally relax and enjoy driving on Nigerian roads without fear of the police or other authorities.
Vehicle Registration Number Verification
Once you’ve registered your vehicle number plate, you can verify it on FRSC’s National Vehicle Identification System (NVIS) website. It would be best to verify your license plate when they are done to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
Final Thoughts
Having your vehicle registered with the appropriate authorities in Nigeria is mandatory. You must register your vehicle if and only if you don’t want to start dodging FRSC officers or other authorities when you see them on the road.
Again, if you follow the step-by-step guide above, you won’t have to deal with the hassle and public shame of not having your vehicle registered in Nigeria, and you’ll be free to take your shiny new ride wherever you like.
Also see: Motor Insurance Policy Terms You Should Know
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What type of papers do I need for my trucks to ply Nigeria road without embarrassment from law enforcement agencies,like Dangote and the rest company.