Vehicle Plate Number in Nigeria

The vehicle plate number is a popular innovation that makes it possible to keep a database and identify each vehicle registered to each individual and for what purpose.

In Nigeria, license plate numbers are a critical element of every vehicle. In addition, these numbers are crucial for a vehicle’s identification as well as for assuring security and safety on the road.

The issuing of license plates for automobiles is governed by certain laws and standards in Nigeria. Every vehicle owner and driver must comprehend these norms and restrictions. All you need to know about Nigerian license plate numbers is our discussion in this post.

Also, check out Nigeria’s Driver’s License.

History of Vehicle Plate Numbers in Nigeria 

Since the early 20th century, number plates have been used on vehicles in Nigeria. The colonial government initially established standardized license plates in Nigeria in the 1920s.

The early license plates had a distinctive letter and numerical pairing and were made of brass or metal. The state where the car was registered was denoted by the first two letters on the license plate, and the following letters and numbers were allocated in order.

The Nigerian government unveiled a brand-new numbering scheme in 1984 that combined three letters and three numbers. The first letter identified the state in which the car was registered, the second letter the kind of car, and the third letter identify the owner of the car.

A new numbering scheme with a mix of two letters and four numbers was established by the Nigerian government in 1991. The first letter represented the country, the second the type of vehicle, and the third the state where the car was registered.

The first three digits represented the serial number of the car, while the fourth digit represented the year of registration.

In 2011, the Nigerian government revealed a new numbering system that combined three characters and three numbers. The next set of numbers and characters follow the first three initials, which represent the registration state.

The group consists of two characters and three numbers. The state and the slogan where the car is registered are also imprinted on the license plates. There is a picture of Nigeria in the backdrop. 

Furthermore, the Nigerian government has recently implemented a number of measures to improve the vehicle registration and licensure system, including the implementation of digital number plates and the creation of a national database for vehicle registration.

Vehicle Plate Number Format 

You will notice that vehicle plates number in Nigeria are a combination of letters and numbers. For any plate number, there are three letters followed by a combination of numbers and letters. The first three letters indicate the Local Government Area of registration and a separate group from the remaining letters and numbers. 

The Vehicle Plates Number in Nigeria and their meaning

Standard private vehicle plates

These plates have a white background with the usual format (letters and numbers) painted in blue.

Commercial vehicle plates

The format remains the same and the letter and numbers are painted red on a white background. 

Military vehicle plates

The lettering is black and on a white background. The format is not the same as a regular vehicle plate but it consists of numbers and letters. 

Diplomatic plates

These plates are issued to foreign diplomats with letters CD (for diplomatic corps) part of the format. The color of the imprinted background and the group letters and digits depend on the category of the diplomatic plates.

The first category of diplomat plates is the corps diplomat which has a purple background and white lettering while the second category, the corps consulate has a brown background and white lettering. Lastly, we have the corps technique has white lettering but a navy background.

Government plates

These plates are issued to government vehicles and have a white background with green color.

Also, government plates have a different format, it includes FG (for the federal government) or SG (for the state government) followed by a group of digits and letters.

Personalized number plates

These are customized to include specific words or numbers selected by the vehicle owner. Depending on the combination chosen, they can be issued to private or commercial vehicles.

Importance of Vehicle Plate Number 

Identification is one of the common reasons why vehicles have plate numbers but we have other reasons. 

Tracking

Plate numbers make it easy for law enforcement agencies to track vehicles based on an investigation. 

Safety

The use of plate numbers helps to provide safe road use. It is easier to indicate offenders of traffic laws and regulations, hence people reduce recklessness and promote road safety. 

Taxation

In developed countries, plate numbers allow owners to register for taxation and toll payment. 

International Travel

Traveling between two countries is possible to track with the use of plate numbers. 

How to Track Vehicle Plate Numbers in Nigeria 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) provides a platform for individuals to check, track and verify a vehicle plate. The platform is known as National Vehicle Identification System (NVIS) and can be accessed by all. Follow the steps to use the platform. 

• Visit the FRSC NVIS portal at https://nvis.frsc.gov.ng/
• Click on “Verify Plate Number” on the left-hand side of the page.
• Enter the vehicle’s plate number in the field provided.
• Click on “Verify” to search for the vehicle’s information.
• The system will display the vehicle’s information, including its make, model, and year of manufacture.

Also, check out Driving Schools in Nigeria.

Why do we have different types of plate numbers?

Identification

Law enforcement officers and other officials can quickly and easily identify a variety of vehicles, including business trucks, official vehicles, and private cars, using different license plate numbers.

The monitoring and enforcement of various laws, including those relating to licensing, inspection, and emissions regulations, can also be done using various plate numbers.

Personal vehicles may have license plates that indicate their registration status, whereas commercial vehicles may be required to have distinctive license plates that define their weight and height limitations.

Safety

By making other drivers aware of the existence of certain plate types, like those used for emergency vehicles, certain kinds of plate numbers can also increase safety. By doing this, accidents can be avoided and it will be possible for emergency vehicles to get where they need to go swiftly and securely.

Revenue generation

In some circumstances, the government may be able to make money by using various plate numbers kinds. For instance, specialized or personalized license plates may be priced higher and the money raised used to support various public projects or programs.

How to register for plates numbers in Nigeria

There are two ways to register for vehicle plates in Nigeria. You can apply through the online process or in person by visiting the FRSC office near you. 

To register for vehicle plate numbers online, follow the following steps:

• Visit the FRSC official website by clicking here to start the process. 
• Click on New Vehicle Registration. The page redirects you to where you will fill out an application form. 

The application form has three categories, one for your personal information and the other for your vehicle information. The last category will need you to fill in your driver’s license number and the state of plate number allocation. 

• Fill out the correct information as required. 
• Click Preview to check for mistakes before submission. 
• In the event of no mistake, click submit 
• The payment process is the final step to completing the registration. 
• The necessary information regarding the status of registration and collection of the plate number will be communicated to you via email.

Furthermore, you can change your vehicle plate number when any of these situations happen 

• Loss or theft of the original plate
• Change of ownership of the vehicle
• Change of the vehicle’s particulars, such as engine number, color, or chassis number.

The documents you need for your registration include:

• Attestation Letter
• Delivery acknowledgment slip
• Purchase invoice/receipt
• Proof of ownership
• Valid driving license
• National Identification Card/International Passport
• Utility Bill
• Passport-size photographs 
• Tax Identification Number and Clearance Certificate from customs (imported vehicles)
• Duty Certificate (imported vehicles)

Conclusion

Finally, car license plates are a crucial component of transportation in Nigeria. In order to guarantee road safety and security, it is imperative to adhere to the rules and laws regarding license plate numbers.

Drivers and car proprietors can stay current and stay out of trouble by knowing the structure, registration procedure, and various kinds of plate numbers accessible. Keep in mind that your license plate number serves as your on-the-road identification, so it is crucial to always keep it obvious and current.