Last verified: 11 August 2026. CVR runs in scheduled windows; confirm current status on the portal before starting

How to register for a voter's card online

Online pre-registration gets you started, but INEC still requires an in-person appointment to finish the process.

Go to cvr.inecnigeria.org, create an account, and fill in the online pre-registration form. This does not complete your registration. You still have to attend a designated centre in person for fingerprint and photo capture. Continuous Voter Registration runs in scheduled windows, so check the portal to confirm it's currently open before you start.

How do I pre-register for a voter's card online?

  1. Go to cvr.inecnigeria.org on a computer or smartphone.
  2. Create an account on the portal.
  3. Fill in your personal details as the pre-registration form prompts.
  4. Submit. The portal will direct you to book an appointment at your designated registration centre for the next step.

Treat this as step one of two. Online pre-registration collects your details in advance so the in-person visit is faster, but it does not by itself give you a voter's card.

Why do I still need to go in person after registering online?

Nigerian voter registration requires biometric capture, your fingerprints and a photograph, which can only be done at a physical INEC registration centre. The online step exists to speed up that visit, not replace it.

Once you've completed pre-registration, the portal assigns or lets you book a designated centre and appointment slot. Bring valid identification and attend on the scheduled date to complete the process.

Is voter registration open right now?

Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) is not a year-round, always-open process. INEC runs it in defined windows and pauses it between exercises, including ahead of specific elections. Rather than relying on a fixed date range, check cvr.inecnigeria.org directly. The portal itself reflects whether registration is currently active.

What do I need to register to vote?

  • Nigerian citizenship.
  • At least 18 years old, or turning 18 by the relevant qualifying date.
  • Not already registered as a voter elsewhere.
  • Valid means of identification for the in-person biometric capture step.

If you've registered before and just need to update your details or move your registration to a new polling unit, that's a different process from fresh registration. See below.

How do I check my registration status or transfer my PVC?

The same CVR portal at cvr.inecnigeria.org handles more than fresh registration. Already-registered voters can use it to check their registration status, request a transfer to a different polling unit if they've relocated, update incorrect details, and find out where to collect their Permanent Voter's Card.

People also ask

Can I skip the in-person appointment if I registered online?

No. Online pre-registration is preparatory only. Biometric capture at a physical centre is a required part of Nigerian voter registration, with no exception for having registered online first.

What if I miss my registration appointment?

Check the CVR portal for rebooking options during an active registration window. If the window has closed by the time you're able to attend, you'll need to wait for the next scheduled CVR exercise.

Is there a fee to register to vote in Nigeria?

No. Voter registration through INEC's official CVR process, both online and in person, is free. Be cautious of anyone charging a fee to "help" with registration. That isn't an official INEC charge.