The cost of a 5-year driver's license in Nigeria

A 5-year driver's license in Nigeria costs ₦35,000 (thirty-five thousand naira) as of the current Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) fee schedule. This is the standard renewal or first-time issuance fee for a license valid for five years. The price covers the license card itself, the processing by the FRSC, and the validity period through the fifth year from issue.

The fee is set by the FRSC, which is the federal body responsible for issuing all driver's licenses in Nigeria. You pay this amount whether you are renewing an expired license or obtaining your first license. Some state offices or licensing centers may quote slightly different amounts due to local administrative charges, so it is worth confirming the exact fee at your nearest FRSC office before you arrive with payment.

Key Takeaways

  • A 5-year driver's license in Nigeria costs ₦35,000 through the FRSC.
  • This fee applies to both new licenses and renewals of expired licenses.
  • You must pass both a written test and a practical driving test before paying the license fee.
  • Payment is made directly to the FRSC at your state licensing office, and you receive the physical license card after payment and final processing.
  • Some FRSC offices accept cash only, while others may offer bank transfer or card payment options depending on the state.

What the ₦35,000 fee includes

The ₦35,000 covers the five-year validity period of your license card. It does not include the cost of taking the written or practical driving tests, which are separate fees paid earlier in the process. Those test fees are typically much smaller — usually between ₦500 and ₦2,000 depending on your state — and are paid when you first register to sit the exams.

The license fee also does not cover any medical examination you may need, though many FRSC offices conduct basic health checks as part of the licensing process at no extra charge. If you need a medical report from a private doctor, that is your own cost outside the FRSC system.

When you pay the ₦35,000

You pay the ₦35,000 only after you have passed both the written test and the practical driving test. The FRSC will not accept payment until you have demonstrated that you know the rules of the road and can drive safely. Once you pass both tests, the licensing officer will direct you to the payment point, usually within the same FRSC office.

After you pay, the FRSC prints your license card on the spot or within a few hours, depending on how busy the office is. You leave with the physical card in hand or return the same day to collect it. There is no waiting period or mailing process — the license is ready when ready after payment and final verification.

Payment methods at FRSC offices

Most FRSC state offices accept cash payment in naira. Some larger offices in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt also accept bank transfers or debit card payments, but this varies by location. Before you go to pay, ask the licensing officer which payment methods that specific office takes, because you do not want to arrive with only cash if they require a bank transfer, or vice versa.

If the office offers bank transfer, they will give you an account number and a reference code to include with your payment. Keep your receipt or proof of payment — you will need to show it to collect your license card.

Renewal fees and expiry

When your 5-year license expires, you must renew it to continue driving legally. The renewal fee is the same ₦35,000 for another 5-year license. You do not have to retake the written and practical tests if you are renewing on time, though some states may require a refresher test if your license has been expired for more than a certain period (usually one to two years).

If your license expires and you continue to drive without renewing, you are breaking the law and can be fined or have your vehicle impounded by traffic officers. It is much simpler to renew before the expiry date printed on your card.

Differences between license types and costs

Nigeria offers different classes of driver's licenses — Class A (motorcycles), Class B (cars and light vehicles), Class C (heavy goods vehicles), and Class D (public transport vehicles). The ₦35,000 fee applies to all classes for a 5-year license. However, the tests you take and the requirements you meet differ by class, so the total time and effort to obtain each class varies.

If you want to add a second class to your existing license (for example, upgrading from Class B to Class C), you typically pay a smaller fee to add that class rather than paying the full ₦35,000 again. Ask at your FRSC office about the cost of adding a class to your current license.

What happens if you lose your license or it is damaged

If your license card is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can request a replacement. The replacement fee is usually lower than the full ₦35,000 — often around ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 — because you are not paying for a new validity period, only for a replacement card. You will need to report the loss to the police and bring a police report or affidavit to the FRSC office when you request the replacement.

A damaged card that is still readable may not need replacement. The FRSC officer will assess whether the card is still usable. If it is, you can continue using it until expiry. If it is too damaged to scan or read, they will issue a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the ₦35,000 before I take the driving tests?

No. The FRSC will not accept payment until you have passed both the written and practical tests. Payment comes only after you have demonstrated that you are safe to drive. The tests must come first.

Is the ₦35,000 the same in every state in Nigeria?

The FRSC sets the standard fee at ₦35,000 nationwide. However, some state offices may add small local administrative charges, so the total could be slightly higher in some places. Always confirm the exact amount at your state FRSC office before you go to pay.

What if I want a license for less than 5 years?

Nigeria's standard license is 5 years, and that is the only option the FRSC offers for regular drivers. You cannot purchase a 1-year or 3-year license. If you need to drive for a shorter period, you still must obtain the 5-year license.

Do I get a refund if my license is revoked before the 5 years are up?

No. The FRSC does not refund license fees if your license is revoked or suspended for traffic violations or other breaches. Once you have paid the ₦35,000, that money is not returned, even if your license is taken away before the 5-year period ends.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to a few months before it expires, and the new 5-year period will begin from the date of renewal. This is useful if you want to avoid the rush near the expiry date or if you are planning to travel and want a fresh license.