Please note
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with INEC or any political party. This is a non-partisan, informational guide — register, transfer, update or check your voter details only through official INEC channels (inecnigeria.org and cvr.inecnigeria.org). Voter registration and your first PVC are free — never pay anyone to register you or to collect your PVC.
Two ways to register
You can either (1) start online with pre-registration and finish your biometrics at a centre, or (2) do the whole thing in person at a designated INEC centre. Registration is only possible during an open CVR window.
Start online (pre-registration)
- Go to cvr.inecnigeria.org and create an account (confirm via email, or use a social login where offered).
- Enter your enrolment information and submit.
- Save/print your slip and note your appointment/centre.
Online pre-registration alone does not complete your registration.
Complete at an INEC office
Visit your chosen INEC State/LGA office on your date with your slip. Your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are captured to complete registration. You must appear in person.
Get your TVC
After capture you receive a Temporary Voter’s Card (TVC) / slip, which you later exchange for your PVC.
Collect your PVC
When ready, collect your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) in person at the INEC office — you need the PVC to vote.
Register once, free
You may register only once, at one centre — double registration is an offence. The whole process is free; never pay anyone to register you.
Tips
- Register early in the CVR window.
- Enter your details correctly.
- Use only cvr.inecnigeria.org and official centres.
Registration runs in CVR windows
Voter registration in Nigeria is run by INEC through the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Rather than being open all the time, CVR runs in windows that INEC announces ahead of elections, and it can be paused or suspended in particular areas when a register is being finalised for a specific poll. Because the timing changes, the reliable approach is to check the current status on the official INEC CVR portal before you plan a visit — and, when a window is open, register promptly rather than waiting until the end.
The two registration methods
There are two ways to register:
- Online pre-registration then physical completion: start on the INEC CVR portal, fill your details and book an appointment, then complete the process in person at an INEC State/LGA office (where your biometrics are captured).
- Fully in person: go straight to a designated registration centre and complete everything there without pre-registering online.
Either way, physical attendance is required to finish — online pre-registration alone does not complete your registration.
What you get, and what lets you vote
When you register you may receive a registration slip (or temporary card), but the document that actually lets you vote on election day is the Permanent Voter Card (PVC). A slip alone is not accepted at polling units. So registration is really a two-part achievement: complete your registration, then later collect your PVC in person when INEC announces collection for your area. Until you have your PVC in hand, your registration isn't yet usable at the polls — so follow through to collection.
Frequently asked questions
How do I register to vote in Nigeria?
Start online at cvr.inecnigeria.org (or go straight to a centre), then complete your biometrics in person at an INEC State/LGA office, get your TVC, and later collect your PVC. It’s free.
Can I register to vote online?
You can start online with pre-registration, but you must complete your biometrics in person at an INEC office; online alone does not finish registration.
Is voter registration free?
Yes — registration and your first PVC are completely free. Never pay anyone to register you.
Do I have to appear in person?
Yes — biometric capture and PVC collection must be done by you in person.
Can I register more than once?
No — you may register only once, at one centre; double registration is an offence.
How do I register to vote in Nigeria?
Through INEC's Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). Either pre-register online on the INEC CVR portal and book an appointment to complete it in person at a State/LGA office, or go straight to a designated centre and do it all in person. Physical attendance is required to finish, and you later collect your PVC.
When can I register to vote?
CVR runs in windows that INEC announces ahead of elections, and it can be paused or suspended in particular areas while a register is finalised. Timing changes, so check the current status on the official INEC CVR portal before planning a visit, and register promptly when a window is open.
What are the two ways to register as a voter?
Online pre-registration then physical completion (start on the INEC CVR portal, book an appointment, then complete in person with biometric capture), or fully in person at a designated registration centre without pre-registering online. Either way, you must attend physically to finish.
Is online pre-registration enough to register?
No — online pre-registration alone does not complete your registration. You must attend in person at an INEC State/LGA office to finish the process (including biometric capture). Pre-registering online just starts it and books your appointment.
What lets me vote after registering?
The Permanent Voter Card (PVC) — a registration slip or temporary card alone is not accepted at polling units. So after completing registration, collect your PVC in person when INEC announces collection for your area; until then your registration isn't yet usable at the polls.