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.
When to transfer
If you’ve relocated — to a new area, LGA or state — you don’t re-register. You transfer your existing registration so you can vote where you now live.
How to transfer
- Log in to the CVR portal.
- Select Transfers.
- Complete the live photo verification and follow the steps to your new polling unit/state.
- Submit and note any instruction to complete the process.
Your PVC after transfer
A transfer usually results in a new PVC for your new location — check your status and collect the PVC at your new collection centre when ready.
Do it during CVR
Transfers are handled during the CVR exercise, so do it while registration/transfer is open and before any deadline.
No double registration
Transferring is the correct route — do not register again in your new location, as double registration is an offence.
Tips
- Transfer early before an election deadline.
- Have your VIN/details ready.
- Collect your new PVC once ready.
When to transfer
A transfer is for a registered voter who has moved and wants to vote at a polling unit near their new location. Since your polling unit is fixed to where you registered, relocating — for work, study or family — means your assigned unit may now be far away. Rather than re-registering (which is prohibited as double registration), you transfer your existing registration. So if you've relocated and don't want to travel back to your old unit to vote, a transfer is the correct and legal route.
How to transfer
There are two paths. Online, you can use the INEC CVR portal: create/sign in to an account, verify your email, and choose Transfers — the process includes a live photo verification step (taking pictures of yourself to confirm identity). Alternatively, you can apply to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of your current state through your Electoral Officer, attaching a photocopy of your PVC and stating your current address and phone number (which help assign the nearest polling unit). Both routes move your registration to your new area.
Timing and the new PVC
Timing is critical: apply to transfer in good time — well before the 90-day cut-off ahead of an election, since transfers submitted too close to a poll may not be processed in time. After a transfer is approved, you'll typically collect a new PVC at the LGA office covering your new polling unit, in person, when collection is available. So don't leave a transfer to the last minute — start it as soon as you know you've moved, then follow through to collect the new card so you're ready to vote where you now live.
Frequently asked questions
How do I transfer my voter registration?
Log in to the CVR portal, select Transfers, complete the live photo verification, and follow the steps to your new polling unit or state.
Do I re-register if I relocate?
No — you transfer your existing registration instead of registering again.
Will I get a new PVC after a transfer?
Usually yes — a transfer typically results in a new PVC for your new location; check your status and collect it there.
When can I transfer my registration?
During INEC’s CVR exercise, while transfers are open — do it before any election deadline.
Can I vote in my new location after transferring?
Yes — once your transfer is processed and you collect your new PVC, you vote at your new polling unit.
When should I transfer my voter registration?
When you're a registered voter who has moved and wants to vote near your new location. Since your polling unit is fixed to where you registered, relocating means your assigned unit may be far away — so you transfer your existing registration rather than re-registering (which is prohibited).
How do I transfer my voter registration?
Two paths: online via the INEC CVR portal (sign in, verify your email, choose Transfers, and complete a live photo verification step), or apply to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of your current state through your Electoral Officer, attaching a photocopy of your PVC and your current address and phone number.
How early should I apply for a transfer?
In good time — well before the 90-day cut-off ahead of an election, since transfers submitted too close to a poll may not be processed in time. Start as soon as you know you've moved.
Do I get a new PVC after transferring?
Typically yes — after a transfer is approved, you collect a new PVC at the LGA office covering your new polling unit, in person, when collection is available. Follow through to collect it so you're ready to vote where you now live.
Can I just re-register instead of transferring?
No — re-registering when you're already on the register is double registration, which is an offence. If you've moved, transfer your existing registration to a polling unit near your new location instead.
Related voter guides
Update details · PVC · Polling unit · All voter guides · Eligibility
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.