NIN Registration Requirements — Adults (16 and Over)
Mandatory Documents — Bring All Three
- ✓ Nigerian International Passport — valid or expired (the most important document)
- ✓ Nigerian Birth Certificate — must be NPC-issued (Nigeria Printing Corporation). Birth certificates issued by hospitals or churches are not accepted alone
- ✓ Authentication / Attestation Letter from the Nigerian High Commission, London (or Nigerian Embassy in Berlin for Germany applicants)
Optional but Strongly Recommended
- → BVN (Bank Verification Number) — not mandatory but linking your BVN at the time of enrolment significantly speeds up processing and reduces the chance of delays
- → Government-issued ID — any additional valid ID for secondary verification if asked
All documents must be originals. Photocopies, scanned copies and images on your phone are not accepted. Our officer scans the originals and returns them to you immediately at the appointment.
NIN Registration Requirements — Children (Under 16)
Documents for the Child
- ✓ Child's original Birth Certificate — NPC-issued if born in Nigeria, or foreign birth certificate if born abroad
- → Child's Nigerian passport — not mandatory for under-16 but helpful if available
Documents for the Parent or Guardian
- ✓ Parent's valid NIN slip or NIN PVC card — a parent must have a NIN to register a child
- ✓ Parent's Nigerian passport (valid or expired)
- → If a guardian (not biological parent): evidence of legal guardianship order
- → If guardian is not the biological parent: guardian's Birth Certificate
⚠️ Parent or Guardian Must Be Present
This is a hard requirement — no exceptions. A biological parent or legal guardian must attend the appointment in person throughout the biometric capture. Children cannot be registered without an accompanying adult with a valid NIN.
How to Get the High Commission Authentication Letter
The Authentication / Attestation Letter from the Nigerian High Commission is the document that confirms your identity and diaspora status for NIMC. It is a mandatory requirement for diaspora NIN registration.
Nigerian High Commission — London (UK applicants)
- 📝 Address: 9 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5BX
- 🌐 Book an appointment via their official website before attending
- 📄 Bring your Nigerian passport and UK residency proof (e.g. BRP, residence permit)
- ⏱️ The letter is usually issued on the day or within a few days
Nigerian Embassy — Berlin (Germany applicants)
- 📝 Address: Neue Jakobstraße 4, 10179 Berlin
- 🌐 Contact the embassy to arrange an appointment
- 📄 Bring your Nigerian passport and German residence document
Not sure how to get this letter? Many of our clients find the High Commission process confusing. WhatsApp us — we guide clients through this step regularly and can advise on what to expect.
What If I Don't Have a Nigerian Passport?
A Nigerian passport is the preferred primary identity document but it is not the only option. If you do not have a Nigerian passport (valid or expired), you may be able to use:
- → Nigerian Birth Certificate as the primary document, supported by additional ID
- → Voter's card or other government-issued Nigerian ID
- → NPC Attestation Letter in place of passport in some circumstances
⚠️ Contact Us Before Booking
If you don't have a Nigerian passport, contact us before booking your appointment. Our team will review your specific documents and confirm exactly what will be accepted so you don't make a wasted journey.
WhatsApp: +447450 444858
Complete On-the-Day Checklist
Print or screenshot this before your appointment:
- ✓ Nigerian International Passport (original — valid or expired)
- ✓ Nigerian Birth Certificate (original — NPC-issued)
- ✓ Authentication Letter from Nigerian High Commission (original)
- ✓ Printed NIMC pre-enrolment slip from penrol.nimc.gov.ng
- ✓ BVN number (written down or in your phone — optional but recommended)
- ✓ Payment — £50 adults / £40 children (bank transfer or card)
- ✓ Bright-coloured top — your NIN photo is taken at the appointment
- → Self-addressed envelope if you want your NIN slip posted
- → For children: parent's NIN slip and child's Birth Certificate
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection or Delays
Our officers have seen all of these — avoid them and your registration will be smooth:
- ✗ Bringing photocopies instead of originals — the single most common reason people are turned away. All documents must be original
- ✗ Forgetting the High Commission Authentication Letter — this is mandatory for diaspora applicants and cannot be substituted on the day
- ✗ Wrong phone number on the NIMC pre-enrolment form — your NIN SMS goes to the number you enter. A wrong number means you won't receive it
- ✗ Name discrepancy between documents — if your name is spelled differently across your passport and birth certificate, flag it before booking. We can advise on how to proceed
- ✗ Not pre-enrolling online — while our officers can help on the day, arriving without a printed pre-enrolment slip slows the process. Complete it beforehand at penrol.nimc.gov.ng
- ✗ Bringing a child without a parent — children cannot be registered without a biological parent or guardian physically present
Frequently Asked Questions
You need three documents: (1) Nigerian International Passport (valid or expired), (2) Nigerian Birth Certificate (NPC-issued), and (3) Authentication Letter from the Nigerian High Commission in London. BVN is optional but recommended. All must be originals.
Yes. An expired Nigerian passport is accepted as a valid identity document for NIN registration. It does not need to be current.
Yes — pre-enrolment at penrol.nimc.gov.ng is required. You must print the slip with its 2D barcode and bring it to your appointment. If you can't complete it online, our officers can assist you on the day, but completing it beforehand is strongly recommended.
Name discrepancies between documents are a common issue. Contact us before booking — we'll advise on whether an affidavit, deed poll or additional document can resolve the discrepancy and confirm whether you can proceed to registration.