Detailed guide — How to get a customized (personalized) vehicle plate number in Nigeria
Quick summary
• You can check availability online at the FRSC NVIS verification portal: https://nvis.frsc.gov.ng/vehiclemanagement/verifyplateno
• Personalized plate text is limited (commonly up to 8 characters); confirm exact limits on the FRSC site.
• After verification you must register the personalized plate at an FRSC office and pay the required fees. Market/ informal prices reported range roughly ₦550,000–₦700,000 for premium/custom plates, but always confirm official fees and get a receipt.
Step-by-step guide
1. Verify availability online
• Go to: https://nvis.frsc.gov.ng/vehiclemanagement/verifyplateno
• Type the name/text you want (keep it to the allowed length — the common limit is 8 characters; avoid special characters and punctuation).• If the system says the plate is available, print or screenshot the confirmation. If it’s already taken, try variations (initials, year, shortened form).
1. Prepare required documents
Bring originals and photocopies of:• Vehicle registration documents (certificate/logbook or registration slip).
• Proof of identity for the vehicle owner (NIN, driver’s licence, or passport).
• Proof of ownership / purchase invoice (if recently bought).• Vehicle particulars: chassis number/VIN, make, model, existing plate number.
• Printout or screenshot of the online availability check.
Note: Exact document requirements may vary by FRSC office — call ahead to confirm.
1. Visit an FRSC plate/numbering office
• Go to the FRSC State Command or designated NVIS centre that handles plates.
• Tell them you want to reserve/register a personalized plate and present your documents and the verification printout.
• They will check records, confirm the plate can be issued, and advise on fees, timelines and any form to fill.
1. Payment and fees
• Ask the FRSC officer for the official fee schedule for personalized plates and whether there are different classes (standard vs premium).
• The personal/market price may be between ₦550k–₦700k depending on your negotiation power if you are not dealing through FRSC official channel.
• It is better to prefer paying via official channels (bank transfer to FRSC account or POS at the FRSC office).
• Insist on an official receipt and written confirmation of the reservation and production schedule.
• Avoid paying cash to third parties without documentation.
1. Production and collection
• The FRSC will either produce the plate on-site or send it to a central production unit.
Ask:
• Estimated time for production (expect days to a few weeks depending on backlog).• Collection procedure and who can collect (you vs an authorized representative).
• Whether the plate design must meet FRSC specifications (reflective material, font, state code, etc.).
• Get a tracking/reference number or written date for collection.
1. Fitment and registration update
• When you collect the personalized plate, check it carefully (spelling, characters, reflectivity).
• Ensure your vehicle record is updated in FRSC/NVIS to show the new plate.
• Keep the receipt and any updated registration document safely — you may need them for insurance or future transactions.
1. Aftercare, legal and security notes
• Personalized plates must comply with FRSC rules; offensive or prohibited words will be rejected.
• Don’t share OTPs, pin codes or bank details to anyone claiming they “need” them to process your plate.
• If someone offers to secure a plate “for you” outside FRSC channels, be cautious — insist on official receipts and documentation.
• If your request is refused or you suspect impropriety, escalate to FRSC headquarters or file a formal complaint with the FRSC customer service.
Practical tips and FAQs
• Character limit: keep the name short (8 characters is commonly reported). If you are doing it for yourself, wife or girlfriend, and the present full name is longer, consider initials, a nickname or combining letters and numbers (e.g., “KINGLUCK”).
• Spacing and special characters: many systems only accept letters and numbers — avoid punctuation. The verification tool will show acceptable entries.
• Timeline: verify first, then go to FRSC to reserve. Don’t plan the car presentation around same-day plate issuance unless the FRSC confirms same-day production.
• Cost variability: This estimated figure of 550k–700k may likely be so because you are demanding premium service and facilitation through unofficial channel.
Confirm the official FRSC fee and get receipts for everything.
• Privacy: personalized plates make a car easier to identify — avoid plates that include sensitive personal information.
Sample checklist to take to the FRSC office
• Printout/screenshot of online availability check
• Vehicle registration document
• Proof of ownership/purchase invoice
• Owner’s ID (NIN and/or driver’s licence)
• Vehicle chassis number/VIN details• Cash or official payment method ready (but insist on a receipt)
• Pen and notepad, phone to take photosSample short script to use at the FRSC counter when you get there.
“Good morning sir,ma. I ran an availability check on the NVIS portal for a personalized plate (printout here).
I’d like to reserve/register this plate for my vehicle. Please let me know the official fee, expected production time, and the documents you need from me.”
Final notes
• Rules and fees can change; confirm everything with the FRSC office or the FRSC website before proceeding.
• If you want, I can:
• Help shorten or adapt your girlfriend’s name to fit 8 characters.• Draft a short FRSC enquiry email or phone script.
• Create a checklist you can print and take to the office.
