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.
What the PVC is
The Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) is the card INEC issues after you register. It carries your details and is your credential for voting.
Why you need it
You must present your PVC to vote on election day — a registration slip or Temporary Voter’s Card alone is not accepted at the polling unit.
How to collect it
- Confirm your PVC is ready (see below).
- Go to your INEC State/LGA office (your collection centre).
- Present your Temporary Voter’s Card/slip and collect your PVC.
You must collect in person — no one can collect on your behalf — and collection is free.
Check it’s ready first
Use the status check at cvr.inecnigeria.org/vvs to confirm your PVC is ready and see your collection centre before you travel.
PVC vs registration slip/TVC
The slip/TVC proves you registered; the PVC is the permanent card you vote with. You exchange the former for the latter.
Tips
- Check readiness before going to collect.
- Bring your TVC/slip.
- Never pay to collect — it’s free.
The PVC is what lets you vote
The Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is the single document that lets you vote on election day. Registering gets you into the system, but at the polling unit it's the PVC that's required — a registration slip or temporary card alone is not accepted. This is why completing registration is only half the job: you must also obtain your PVC. Treat getting your PVC in hand as the real finish line of becoming a voter who can actually cast a ballot.
Collecting your PVC in person
PVCs are collected in person at the INEC LGA office covering your polling unit, during the collection windows INEC announces. Two rules matter: you must appear in person — proxy collection is not allowed, to prevent identity fraud — and you should bring a valid ID (and your registration slip/temporary card if you have one). Because collection happens in announced windows, watch for INEC's announcements for your area, and go promptly when collection opens rather than risking a rush near an election.
Slip, TVC and PVC
It helps to distinguish the documents. A registration slip or Temporary Voter Card (TVC) is what you may receive at registration — it acknowledges you registered but does not entitle you to vote. The PVC is the permanent, biometric card issued later that you use at the polls. So don't mistake a slip for the finished article: keep any slip safe (it can help at collection), but understand you still need to collect the PVC itself before you can vote.
Frequently asked questions
What is a PVC?
The Permanent Voter’s Card — the card INEC issues after registration that you must present to vote.
How do I collect my PVC?
Confirm it’s ready, then collect it in person at your INEC State/LGA office, presenting your Temporary Voter’s Card/slip. It’s free.
Can someone else collect my PVC for me?
No — you must collect your PVC in person to prevent identity fraud.
Can I vote with a registration slip instead of a PVC?
No — you need the PVC on election day; a slip or Temporary Voter’s Card is not accepted at the polling unit.
Is PVC collection free?
Yes — collecting your first PVC is free; never pay anyone for it.
What is a PVC?
The Permanent Voter Card — the permanent, biometric card that lets you vote on election day. Registering gets you into the system, but at the polling unit the PVC is required; a registration slip or temporary card alone is not accepted.
Can I vote without a PVC?
No — the PVC is required to vote at the polling unit. A registration slip or Temporary Voter Card alone is not accepted, so you must complete registration and then collect your PVC before you can cast a ballot.
How do I collect my PVC?
In person at the INEC LGA office covering your polling unit, during the collection windows INEC announces. Bring a valid ID (and your registration slip/temporary card if you have one). Proxy collection is not allowed — you must appear in person to prevent identity fraud.
Can someone collect my PVC for me?
No — proxy collection is not allowed; you must appear in person to collect your PVC, which prevents identity fraud. Watch for INEC's collection announcements for your area and go promptly when collection opens.
What's the difference between a registration slip, TVC and PVC?
A registration slip or Temporary Voter Card (TVC) is what you may receive at registration — it acknowledges you registered but doesn't entitle you to vote. The PVC is the permanent biometric card issued later that you use at the polls. Keep any slip safe, but you still need to collect the PVC.
Related voter guides
Check status · Lost PVC · Polling unit · All voter guides · How to register
Reviewed: 22 Sept 2026 · Author: Belmadeng Editorial. Independent, non-partisan guide, not affiliated with INEC. Registration windows and dates change and can differ by state — always confirm on the official INEC channels.