Introduction
The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is a unique 11-digit identification number that uses biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, to verify an individual’s identity and enhance the security of all their bank accounts. Under the Nigerian banking system, every individual is required to enrol for a BVN.
What you need
- Valid ID (international passport, driver’s license, voter card or national identity number)
- One recent passport photograph
- Enrolment fee or evidence of payment of enrolment fee (for diaspora enrolment only)
How to apply (for residents in Nigeria)
- Go to any branch of your bank or any participating bank to begin the enrollment process.
- Fill out the BVN registration form with the required information.
- Have your fingerprints and facial photograph captured for identification purposes.
- You will be issued an acknowledgement slip containing a transaction ID for reference.
- Your unique 11-digit BVN will be generated and sent to you via SMS, typically within 24 hours of enrollment.
- Customers are expected to submit their BVN to their bankers for linkage to all their accounts
How to apply (for Nigerians abroad)
- Log on to the Online Integrated Solutions (OIS) or the VFS Global website
- Select a location to enrol
- Click on the ‘BVN ENROLMENT’ tab
- Read the BVN enrolment instruction
- Download the BVN enrolment form
- Book a BVN biometric capturing appointment
- Print appointment booking slip
- Visit the BVN enrolment centre on the appointed date with the enrolment requirements.
- Log on to the NIBSS website and click the ‘LINK BVN TO ACCOUNT’ tab, then log in with username and password and link BVN to existing Nigerian Bank Accounts (Username and Password will be sent to your registered email account after capturing)
Payment
BVN enrollment is generally free of charge for individuals registering in Nigeria. However, certain BVN-related services for those registering outside Nigeria attract between 45 and 50 USD, usually charged as an administrative fee.
Links
Report/complaint
If you witness any form of corruption or poor service delivery, contact contactcentre@nibss-plc.com.ng, info@nibss-plc.com.ng or call +234 700 050 0000.
You can also contact us to provide you with guidance and engage relevant authorities to help resolve the issue(s).