The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria runs a Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) system that allows eligible citizens to register, revalidate, update, transfer or replace their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). INEC now supports online pre-registration and a range of online voter services that make the registration process faster and easier but you still must complete certain steps in person at designated registration centres. 0
Who is eligible to register?
To be eligible for voter registration in Nigeria you must: be a Nigerian citizen, have attained the age of 18 years, and possess the required means of identification for registration. INEC’s CVR is open to new voters, those who recently turned 18, and registered voters who need to update or revalidate their data. 1
Why use the online pre-registration?
- Save time at registration centres by pre-filling your details online.
- Find the nearest registration centre before you go in person.
- Request transfers, updates or replacement services and track PVC status.
- Get official confirmation and instructions from INEC’s portal and help pages. 2
What you will need (documents & info)
Before you start the online pre-registration or visit a registration centre, prepare the following:
- Valid means of identification: National ID (NIMC), International passport, Driver’s licence, or other accepted ID.
- Proof of age: Date of birth documentation where required.
- Recent passport photograph: Some services request a photo for processing.
- Mobile phone number and email: For confirmation messages and tracking.
- Residential address and polling unit (if known): Helpful when selecting the nearest registration centre.
Official CVR guidance notes and INEC rules explain specific acceptable IDs and the prerequisites for update/transfer services — check INEC’s guidelines if you’re unsure. 3
Step-by-step: How to pre-register online (INEC CVR portal)
INEC’s online CVR portal enables pre-registration, status checks, PVC pickup tracking, and requests for updates or transfers. Start the process online but remember: biometric capture and final registration often require a visit to a registration centre. 4
Step 1 — Visit the official CVR portal
Open your browser and go to the INEC Continuous Voter Registration portal: https://cvr.inecnigeria.org/. (Use Chrome or a modern browser for best compatibility.) 5
Step 2 — Create an account / start pre-registration
- Click on the portal’s Register or Get Started button.
- Provide your basic details (full name, email, phone number) and create a secure password.
- Some users will see a dedicated Pre-Registration form for new applicants — follow the prompts.
Step 3 — Fill in your personal details
Carefully enter your name (as it will appear on your PVC), date of birth, place of birth, state and local government of registration, and contact info. Small mistakes can delay your application later at the registration centre, so double-check spelling and dates.
Step 4 — Choose a registration centre
The portal typically offers a list or map of designated registration centres near you. Select the most convenient one so you can visit for biometric capture and verification. 6
Step 5 — Submit the pre-registration and print/keep proof
After submission, the portal will usually display or email a confirmation/acknowledgement. Save a screenshot or print the confirmation slip — bring it with you when you visit the registration centre.
What happens next?
After online pre-registration many applicants must present themselves at the selected INEC registration centre for biometric capture (fingerprints, photograph) and final verification. INEC staff will complete the registration and give you information about PVC production and pickup. 7
How to check registration status and track your PVC
The INEC CVR portal includes a Check Voter Status / PVC Pickup service where you can confirm whether your record is in the register, whether your PVC is printed, and where to collect it. Use the Voter Verification Service or PVC status pages on the portal to track progress. 8
- Visit the portal’s Voter Verification Service.
- Enter your name and other required details exactly as used at registration.
- Follow the portal prompts to see PVC status and collection instructions.
Online services you can request from the portal
INEC’s online functions often include:
- New registration pre-registration (complete in person at the centre).
- Voter update (correct name spellings, date of birth changes, etc.). 9
- Transfer (move your registration to a new polling unit/wards when you relocate). 10
- Replacement request for lost or damaged PVCs (online request plus centre visit). 11
How to request a replacement PVC online
If your PVC is lost or damaged you can use the online replacement request on the CVR portal. The portal categories replacements into damaged cards and lost/missing cards, with specific steps for each. You will still be required to visit a designated centre to complete verification. 12
- Go to the replacement section on the INEC CVR portal.
- Select the reason: damaged or lost/missing.
- Fill in requested details and provide any evidence if required.
- Follow pickup instructions once the replacement PVC is processed.
Transferring your registration (if you relocate)
If you move residence and need to vote in your new location, use the Transfer service on the CVR portal to move your record to the nearest polling unit. Transfers are subject to verification and may require a centre visit. Read INEC’s transfer guide for the exact process. 13
Voter revalidation and update — what you must know
INEC periodically runs revalidation exercises to confirm that registered voters’ data is still accurate and up to date. Revalidation can usually be done online or in person, depending on the campaign. If your registration is over five years old and has not been revalidated recently, you may be asked to revalidate online or at a centre. 14
Common problems and how to fix them
1. Portal not reachable or slow
INEC portals may experience high traffic during CVR campaigns; try again during off-peak hours, use a supported browser (Chrome or Safari) and verify your internet connection. 15
2. Name or data mismatch
If your online search returns no record, recheck spelling, state of registration and date of birth. If errors persist, visit your local INEC office with identification to resolve mismatches. 16
3. PIN / email issues
If you don’t receive email/SMS confirmations, check spam folders and ensure your phone number is correct. INEC’s help contacts are available on the portal for support. 17
4. Multiple registrations flagged
INEC detects duplicate registrations. If you are flagged, contact INEC with ID for clarification and correction at a registration centre. 18
Official INEC contacts and help
For direct help, use the INEC CVR portal Help pages and contact points. INEC publishes contact emails and phone numbers on the portal for quick assistance. 19
- INEC CVR portal: https://cvr.inecnigeria.org/. 20
- INEC official website for broader guidelines: https://www.inecnigeria.org/. 21
Practical tips to speed up your registration
- Complete the portal pre-registration before visiting the centre to reduce waiting time.
- Bring the exact ID you used online (name spellings must match).
- Arrive early on registration days and carry proof of pre-registration if available.
- Take a screenshot of confirmation emails or SMS messages as proof.
- Check the portal first when tracking PVC pickup to avoid unnecessary trips. 22
Recent CVR launches & public notices
INEC periodically announces the start dates for nationwide CVR drives and online pre-registration windows. During active campaigns, mainstream media and INEC’s official channels publish timetables and instructions — follow INEC’s announcements for exact dates and procedures. (See INEC’s news & media pages for current campaigns.) 23
FAQs (Short)
Can I complete the whole registration online?
No — you can pre-register online, but biometric capture and final verification normally require an in-person visit to a designated INEC registration centre. 24
How long until my PVC is ready?
Processing times vary. Use the portal’s PVC pickup tracker to check the current status. 25
What if I find an error on my PVC?
Request a Voter Update via the CVR portal or visit INEC for correction instructions. 26
External resources (DoFollow links)
- INEC Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) Portal — start pre-registration, check status, find registration centres. 27
- INEC – Guidelines for Registration — official eligibility rules and CVR guidance. 28
- INEC CVR Guidelines (PDF) — full CVR rules and procedures (PDF). 29
- IFES – International Foundation for Electoral Systems — international election resources and background.
- BusinessDay — Coverage of INEC CVR launch — media coverage of recent CVR announcements. 30
Internal links (add these to your site structure)
For better on-site SEO and internal traffic flow, link from this article to related pages on your sites such as:
- Jobberman.online — Home (example internal link to your scholarship site)
- Palliative.ng — Home (example internal link to your politics site)
Tip: Replace these homepage links with relevant internal pages (e.g., /how-to-apply-for-scholarships or /latest-election-updates) to boost semantic relevance and SEO value.
Summary & final checklist
Quick checklist before you go to the registration centre:
- Pre-register on cvr.inecnigeria.org and print/save confirmation. 31
- Bring a valid ID that matches your online details. 32
- Bring a recent passport photograph (if requested).
- Arrive early; follow centre instructions and take your proof of pre-registration.
Using INEC’s online pre-registration and services helps streamline the process, but always follow official INEC guidelines and keep proof of any online submissions. If you need help, contact INEC via the portal help pages or the contact details published on INEC’s site. 33
