Every vehicle in Nigeria must have valid vehicle registration documentation to be driven anywhere in the country. Violating this law may result in a fine or vehicle impoundment until you provide proof of vehicle registration, which varies in cost. Unfortunately, information on its current costs is not available online, including on the official website of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). In light of being misinformed, we’ll provide in-depth insights into vehicle registration for Nigerians, with a focus on the cost of vehicle licenses and number plate issuance in Nigeria.
Vehicle registration in Nigeria is mandatory, just as it is in other countries. It facilitates identification and security by helping to maintain a record of cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and tricycles within the country. CEIC Data reported that 11,605.207 vehicles have valid registration in Nigeria as of December 2020. The Federal Government of Nigeria and its authorities recognised these vehicles and have an up-to-date record of them and their owners.
The cost of vehicle registration in Nigeria varies depending on several factors, such as the vehicle type, intended use (private or commercial), engine capacity, customs duty compliance, and the state you live in. Lagos has the highest number of new vehicle registrations in Nigeria.
According to a report by the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) registered 78,928 new vehicles between May 2024 and March 2025, comprising 65,531 private vehicles and 13,397 commercial vehicles.
Upon registration, you’ll get your vehicle license and two number plates, unique to your vehicle, and must be placed at the front and rear.
With the e-citizen app for Android smartphones and iPhones, you can verify vehicle ownership before purchase. You can also check whether it is a stolen vehicle. The app is free on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, allowing you to view vehicle history and verify the identities of people and businesses at no cost.
Cost of Vehicle Registration in Nigeria
The registration fees typically include the number plate’s issuance fee, vehicle inspection fee, and administrative charges. As said earlier, the amount you’ll need to pay to register your vehicle with the Nigerian government varies. Some states in Nigeria have their own regulations regarding vehicle registration, and they determine their own fees themselves.
For private vehicles, you’ll need to pay a registration fee ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦15,000, whether you want to register a new or tokunbo (foreign used) vehicle. But if you intend to register a vehicle for commercial use, budget between ₦15,000 and ₦25,000, depending on the previously mentioned factors.
Depending on the state you want to use the vehicle, standard number plate costs between ₦12,000 and ₦20,000 for private cars and ₦20,000 to ₦30,000 for commercial vehicles.
It’s important to know that the vehicle registration fee in Nigeria differs from the number plate issuance fee.
What do you need to register a vehicle in Nigeria?
To complete your vehicle registration in Nigeria, you must possess certain documents, depending on whether you want to use the car for private or commercial use.
Documents required for new vehicle registration in Nigeria
- Proof of vehicle ownership, including receipt, invoice, or purchase agreement
- An attestation letter from the vehicle dealership or seller
- A passport photograph of the vehicle owner
- A valid driver′s license of the vehicle owner
- Valid ID, such as your international passport, voter’s card, or National Identity Card
- Proof of address, like your utility bills
- Delivery note from the dealership or vehicle seller
Documents required for vehicle license renewal in Nigeria
For private vehicles:
- Current vehicle license
- Certificate of roadworthiness
- Third-party insurance certificate
For commercial vehicles, whether for people or heavy goods transportation:
- Vehicle license
- Proof of third-party Insurance
- Roadworthiness certificate
- Hackney/Carrier Permit
- Heavy goods permit
- K.S.T.R.
- Drivers Conductor Badges
A Step-by-Step Guide for Vehicle Registration in Nigeria
The vehicle registration process is easier than you think. You no longer need to contact the FRSC directly or pay someone to help you obtain a number plate or vehicle licence.
Here’s how to register a vehicle in Nigeria, whether you just bought a new or second-hand car, motorcycle, Keke (tricycle), truck, or bus:
- Gather the required documents
You must provide evidence of vehicle ownership, a valid ID, a recent utility bill or any other proof of address, an insurance certificate, and your TIN.
- Initiate the vehicle registration process
Locate the nearest State Board of Internal Revenue (SBIR) or Motor Licensing Authority (MLA) office to register or renew your vehicle license in person. We would have recommended applying via eVRS, but the platform stopped accepting online renewal of vehicle licenses on February 24, 2025.
- Complete the registration form
On arrival at the office, you’ll need to request and fill out the vehicle registration form, which requires you to specify the vehicle’s manufacturer and model, as well as provide the vehicle owner’s name, address, engine number, and chassis number.
Each field is compulsory, and you can double-check your entries to ensure accuracy.
- Pay the registration fee
You must pay specific fees to complete your vehicle registration based on the official’s instructions.
- Prove the vehicle’s roadworthiness
To meet Nigeria’s roadworthiness standards, you must drive your vehicle to the nearest Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) for physical inspection by its officials. However, renewing your certificate of roadworthiness yearly does not require a physical inspection, although you must pay a fee to certify that your vehicle is still safe to be driven.
- Pick up your vehicle licence and number plate
Processing a new vehicle registration usually takes less than 24 hours in Nigeria. Once processed, you’ll receive an SMS, which notifies you to visit one of their offices to collect your vehicle licence and number plate (if applicable).
Conclusion
Vehicle registration in Nigeria is mandatory for all private and commercial vehicles. If you are a car dealership, you must obtain dealer number plates for each unregistered vehicle in your showroom. For a Nigerian-used vehicle, confirm the vehicle’s valid registration on the E-CMR portal or via the e-citizen app and ask the seller for the change of ownership documentation.
Remember to apply for your vehicle licence renewal at least two weeks before the current one expires. If you hired someone to help you renew your registration, don’t hesitate to use the e-citizen app to confirm its authenticity.
