Lost or Damaged Driver’s Licence: Reissue/Replacement

How to replace a lost, stolen or damaged driver’s licence — the steps, cost and timeline.

By Belmadeng Editorial · Updated 22 Sept 2026

Please note & stay safe

Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with the FRSC or any state agency. This is an informational guide — apply and renew your driver’s licence only on the official portal (nigeriadriverslicence.frsc.gov.ng) and pay through official channels (Remita or participating banks). Beware touts and clone sites, and never try to “buy” a licence without the required driving-school, test and biometric steps.

When you can reissue

A re-issue/replacement can be requested if your licence is lost, stolen, defaced or illegible — you don’t need to start from scratch with driving school if your record is valid.

Report a lost/stolen licence

For a lost or stolen licence, obtain a police report (and a sworn affidavit where required) as evidence before applying.

How to apply for a reissue

  1. On the FRSC portal, choose the re-issue/replacement option.
  2. Provide your existing licence details and supporting documents.
  3. Pay the applicable fee.
  4. Attend biometric capture where required, then collect the replacement.

Cost & timeline

Costs are broadly in line with the standard FRSC fees plus admin; timelines are usually similar to a renewal. Confirm the current fee on the portal.

Tips

  • Keep a digital copy/photo of your licence for reference.
  • Report a stolen licence promptly.
  • Use the official portal — not a tout.

Police extract and affidavit

If your licence is lost, stolen, damaged or defaced, you can apply for a re-issue/replacement — but first you typically need to document the loss. The standard steps are to obtain a police extract/report stating the particulars of the loss or damage, and to swear an affidavit confirming the facts. These establish that the original is genuinely gone or unusable, which protects against fraud and lets the authority issue a replacement properly. Get these documents first, before starting the re-issue itself.

Applying for a re-issue

With your police extract and affidavit ready, apply for a re-issue through the FRSC process, provide your existing licence number/details, submit the required documents, and pay the prescribed fee. Because your record already exists, you're not starting from scratch — there's no need to repeat driving school or the full test chain for a straightforward replacement of a still-valid licence. Follow the portal's Re-issue path (for a valid licence) or the appropriate option, and keep your receipts for collection.

Protecting your licence

A few habits reduce the pain of loss. Keep a photo/scan of your licence (front and back) and note your licence number somewhere safe, so you have the details on hand if the card goes missing. Store the physical card carefully, and if it's stolen, report it promptly. Having your number and a copy makes the re-issue smoother and also helps you verify your record. Prevention is cheaper than replacement — but if the worst happens, the extract-affidavit-reissue route restores your licence.

Frequently asked questions

How do I replace a lost Nigerian driver's licence?
Get a police report, then use the re-issue/replacement option on the FRSC portal, provide your existing licence details and documents, pay, and attend biometric capture where required.
Do I need a police report to replace my licence?
For a lost or stolen licence, yes — obtain a police report (and affidavit where required) as evidence.
Do I redo driving school for a replacement?
No — a re-issue doesn’t require starting over if your record is valid.
How much does a licence replacement cost?
Broadly in line with the standard FRSC fees plus admin — confirm the current amount on the portal.
When can I get a re-issue?
If your licence is lost, stolen, defaced or illegible.
How do I replace a lost driver's licence?
First document the loss — obtain a police extract/report stating the particulars and swear an affidavit confirming the facts. Then apply for a re-issue through the FRSC process, provide your existing licence details, submit the documents, and pay the prescribed fee.
Do I need a police report for a lost licence?
Typically yes — the standard route requires a police extract/report stating the particulars of the loss or damage, plus a sworn affidavit. These establish that the original is genuinely gone or unusable and protect against fraud before a replacement is issued.
Do I have to redo driving school to replace a lost licence?
No — because your record already exists, a straightforward replacement of a still-valid licence doesn't repeat driving school or the full test chain. You follow the Re-issue path, submit your loss documents, and pay the prescribed fee.
What documents do I need to replace a damaged licence?
A police extract/report stating the particulars of the damage/defacement, a sworn affidavit, your existing licence number/details, and the prescribed fee. Apply through the FRSC re-issue process and keep your receipts for collection.
How can I protect against losing my licence?
Keep a photo/scan of the licence (front and back) and note your licence number somewhere safe, store the card carefully, and report a theft promptly. Having your number and a copy makes any re-issue smoother and helps you verify your record.

Related driver’s licence guides

Renewal · Verification · Fees · All driver’s licence guides · How to apply

Reviewed: 22 Sept 2026 · Author: Belmadeng Editorial. Independent guide, not affiliated with the FRSC. Fees and processes change — always confirm on the official FRSC portal, and never pay touts.