There are many reasons why it is essential to update the name on your driver’s license:
1. Legal and Administrative Compliance
Your driver’s license serves as a legal document that verifies your identity. If the name on it does not match your other documents, such as your National Identification Number (NIN), passport, or bank details, it could lead to unnecessary complications during verification processes.
2. Avoid Penalties and Fines
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) requires that driver’s licenses carry up-to-date information about the holder. Driving with incorrect or outdated information may attract fines or penalties.
3. Simplified Transactions
Many institutions and businesses accept it as valid identification. Ensuring that the name on your license matches your other records can simplify transactions, such as opening a bank account, applying for loans, or registering for utilities.
4. Professional and Personal Convenience
An updated driver’s license makes life easier, as it ensures consistency across your identification documents. Whether traveling, seeking employment, or engaging in formal transactions, the absence of discrepancies in your name eliminates unnecessary delays and confusion.
You should initiate the process on your driver’s license as soon as you legally change your name. Common situations requiring this update include:
- Marriage: When a person adopts their spouse’s last name after marriage.
- Divorce: When a person reverts to their maiden name after divorce.
- Religious Conversion: When a person changes their name due to religious beliefs.
- Personal Reasons: When a person changes their name due to personal preference or other reasons like an error.
Step 1: Obtain a Name Change Affidavit
The name change process begins with obtaining a sworn affidavit from a court of law in Nigeria. This document legally affirms that you have changed your name. Below is how you can get it:
- Use Publish: you can request an affidavit alongside a newspaper publication of your new name if you do not have it yet. Select a preferred newspaper and on the page, add the ‘create affidavit for me’ option
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Doing it yourself at a court:
- Visit any Magistrate or High Court near you.
- Request an affidavit for a name change.
- Provide supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Pay the affidavit issuance fee (this varies depending on the court).
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Tip: Ensure that the affidavit clearly states your former name, your new name, and the reason for the change.
Step 2: Publish Your Name Change in a Newspaper
To make your name change official, you must publish an announcement in a national or widely circulated newspaper.
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What Should the Publication Include?
- Your former name.
- Your new name.
- A statement declaring the name change.
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Affordable Newspapers in Nigeria for Publication:
Consider not costly options such as Daily Trust, Leadership, or Blueprint. These newspapers are widely recognized and provide cost-effective publication services.
Step 3: Update Your NIN (National Identification Number)
Your driver’s license in Nigeria is linked to your NIN, so you must update your name in the NIMC database before applying for a name change on your license. Below are the processes involved:
- Self-service: you can update the name on your national ID card without visiting any office. Simply follow the steps on how to change your name on the NIN guide
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Visit the Nearest NIMC Office: if you prefer in-person, you can locate the nearest NIMC office for this modification
- Bring your name change affidavit, newspaper publication, and a valid means of identification (e.g., your current driver’s license or passport).
- Fill out the NIN correction form and pay the applicable processing fee.
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Processing Time:
The NIN update process may take several days or weeks, depending on the NIMC office’s workload. -
Tip: Visit the NIMC office early in the day to avoid long queues and ensure your documents are accurate to prevent rejection.
Step 4: Visit the FRSC Driver’s License Centre
Once your NIN is updated, visit the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office or Driver’s License Centre closest to you to begin the name change process.
- Documents to Bring:
- Original and photocopy of your name change affidavit.
- Newspaper publication announcing your name change.
- Updated NIN slip.
- Your current driver’s license.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
Step 5: Fill Out the Name Change Application Form
At the FRSC office, request the driver’s license name change form. Complete the form accurately and attach all supporting documents.
- Payment of Fees:
- You will be required to pay a processing fee. Fees may vary by location, so confirm the amount at the FRSC office.
Step 6: Biometric Capture
The FRSC will conduct a biometric capture session. This involves taking your photograph, fingerprints, and signature to update their database.
Step 7: Collect Your Updated Driver’s License
After processing, the FRSC will issue your updated driver’s license reflecting your new name.
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Processing Time:
The processing time varies, but it typically takes two to four weeks. -
Tip: Keep the receipt or acknowledgment slip you receive during application submission, as it serves as proof of your application.
While costs vary depending on location and service providers, here are the typical expenses to expect:
- Name change affidavit: ₦1,000 – ₦5,000.
- Newspaper publication: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000.
- NIN update fee: ₦500 – ₦1,500.
- Driver’s license data modification processing fee: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000.
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Delays in NIN Updates:
- Some NIMC offices experience delays due to system issues or understaffing. To avoid prolonged delays, visit early and confirm the availability of staff.
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Rejection of Documents:
- Double-check all documents for accuracy and ensure there are no discrepancies.
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High Newspaper Costs:
- Use platforms like Publish to find affordable newspaper publication options.
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Lengthy Processing Times:
- Follow up with the FRSC office if your updated license is not ready within the expected timeframe.
Handling a name change publication has never been easier, thanks to Publish. This online platform simplifies the process by allowing you to:
- Submit your name change request from the comfort of your home.
- Choose from a selection of trusted Nigerian newspapers, including Punch, Vanguard, Tribune, and Daily Trust.
- Receive proof of publication quickly, ensuring you meet FRSC requirements on time.
Changing the name on your Nigerian driver’s license is a critical step to ensure consistency across your official documents.
By following the step-by-step guide outlined above and using tools like Publish to streamline the name change publication process, you can complete this task efficiently and with minimal stress.
Whether you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or personal reasons, updating your driver’s license ensures your identity remains valid and recognized in all transactions.
