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.
You don’t re-register
If your PVC is lost, stolen or damaged, you do not need to register again — you request a replacement of the same card.
How to request a replacement
- Go to cvr.inecnigeria.org and use the “Request for a PVC” option, or visit any INEC designated centre.
- Provide your details (and, for a lost/stolen card, any evidence such as a police report where required).
- Follow the steps and note when/where to collect.
Is there a fee?
Your first PVC is free. A small fee may apply for replacing a damaged card. Confirm the current position on the official INEC portal — and never pay an agent or unofficial “portal”.
Collecting the new card
You collect the replacement in person at the INEC office. Check readiness first via the status check.
Stay safe
Use only official INEC channels. You cannot vote without your PVC, but never share personal details with, or pay, anyone claiming to “fast-track” a card.
Tips
- Report a stolen PVC and keep evidence.
- Request the replacement early before an election.
- Collect it in person.
When you need a replacement
A PVC replacement is for an already-registered voter whose card is lost, stolen, damaged or defaced — not for someone registering afresh. This is an important distinction: if you're already on the register, you should not re-register (that would be double registration, an offence); you request a replacement of the card instead. So the first question is simply whether your registration still stands and it's only the physical card that's the problem — if so, replacement is the correct route.
How to request one
INEC provides a “Request for a PVC” option through the official CVR portal for replacements, and requests can also be handled via your INEC LGA office. You'll confirm your identity/registration details as part of the request. Note that a small fee may apply for replacing a damaged card in particular (INEC has applied a modest charge for damaged-card replacement), so check the current position on the official portal. As always, use only official channels — don't pay a “fixer” for something you can request yourself.
Collecting the new card
As with a first PVC, the replacement is collected in person at your INEC LGA office when it's ready, during the collection window — and again, proxy collection is not allowed. Bring a valid ID and any reference from your request. Because the process takes time, request a replacement well ahead of any election rather than in the final rush, so you have your card in hand when it matters. Once collected, you can verify your details to confirm everything is in order.
Frequently asked questions
Do I re-register if I lose my PVC?
No — you request a replacement of the same card; you do not register again.
How do I replace a lost or damaged PVC?
Use the “Request for a PVC” option on cvr.inecnigeria.org or visit an INEC centre, provide your details (and evidence for a lost/stolen card), then collect the replacement in person.
Is there a fee to replace a PVC?
Your first PVC is free; a small fee may apply for replacing a damaged card. Confirm on the official INEC portal and never pay an agent.
Can I vote without my PVC?
No — you need your PVC to vote, so replace a lost or damaged one before election day.
Do I need a police report to replace a lost PVC?
Evidence such as a police report may be required for a lost or stolen card — check the current requirement with INEC.
How do I replace a lost or damaged PVC?
If you're already registered and only the card is lost, stolen, damaged or defaced, request a replacement — don't re-register. Use INEC's 'Request for a PVC' option on the official CVR portal, or handle it via your INEC LGA office, confirming your registration details.
Do I re-register if I lose my PVC?
No — re-registering when you're already on the register is double registration, which is an offence. If only the physical card is lost or damaged, request a PVC replacement instead; your registration still stands.
Is there a fee to replace a PVC?
A small fee may apply for replacing a damaged card in particular — INEC has applied a modest charge for damaged-card replacement. Check the current position on the official CVR portal, and use only official channels rather than paying a 'fixer'.
Where do I collect a replacement PVC?
In person at your INEC LGA office when it's ready, during the collection window — proxy collection is not allowed. Bring a valid ID and any reference from your request, and request the replacement well ahead of any election to avoid the final rush.
How do I request a replacement PVC online?
Through the 'Request for a PVC' option on the official INEC CVR portal, confirming your identity and registration details. You then collect the new card in person at your LGA office when it's ready.