Nigerian driver's license fees vary by license category and whether you're renewing or getting your first license
A Nigerian driver's license costs between ₦5,000 and ₦35,000 depending on which vehicle class you need to drive. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) sets these fees, and they cover the cost of the medical examination, the license card itself, and processing. First-time licenses and renewals cost the same amount — the difference is in what category you choose and whether you need to add categories later.
The exact fee you pay depends on your license class. Class A covers motorcycles and tricycles. Class B covers cars and vans up to 8 seats. Class C covers larger vehicles like minibuses. Class D covers articulated vehicles and heavy trucks. Class E covers tractors and agricultural vehicles. Most people who drive a personal car need Class B, which costs ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 at most FRSC offices.
You also pay for the medical examination separately at an approved clinic — usually between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000 — and you must have this report before you can complete your license process. Some FRSC offices bundle this into a single fee; others charge it separately. Always ask at your local FRSC office what the total cost will be, because fees can vary slightly between states and between different FRSC branches.
Key Takeaways
- Class B licenses for personal cars cost between ₦10,000 and ₦15,000 at most FRSC offices, plus a separate medical examination fee of ₦2,000 to ₦5,000.
- The FRSC sets the official fee schedule, but some offices charge slightly different amounts, so confirm the total cost at your local branch before you go.
- You must pay for and pass a medical examination at an approved clinic before your license process can be processed.
- Renewing an expired license costs the same as getting a first-time license in the same category.
- If you want to add a new vehicle class to an existing license, you pay an additional fee for that category rather than the full license fee again.
Breakdown of fees by license class
Class A licenses for motorcycles and tricycles are the cheapest option, typically costing ₦5,000 to ₦8,000. These are popular in Nigeria because motorcycles and tricycles are common for personal transport and commercial use. The medical examination for Class A is the same cost as other classes.
Class B licenses for cars and vans up to 8 seats cost ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 and are the most common type. This covers sedans, SUVs, minivans, and small commercial vehicles. If you drive a personal car, this is the class you need.
Class C licenses for larger vehicles like minibuses and buses cost ₦15,000 to ₦20,000. Class D for articulated vehicles and heavy trucks costs ₦25,000 to ₦35,000. Class E for tractors and agricultural equipment costs ₦15,000 to ₦20,000. Most people never need these higher classes unless they work in commercial transport or agriculture.
You can hold multiple classes on one license. If you already have a Class B license and want to add Class A (to ride a motorcycle), you pay only the Class A fee, not the full license fee again. The same applies when adding any additional class to an existing license.
What the medical examination costs and why it's required
Every driver's license applicant must pass a medical examination at a clinic approved by the FRSC. This examination checks your eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, and general fitness to drive. The cost is usually ₦2,000 to ₦5,000, depending on which clinic you use and which state you're in.
The medical report is not optional — you cannot submit your license process without it. You must bring the original report from the approved clinic to the FRSC office. Some FRSC offices have a list of approved clinics nearby; ask for this list when you arrive or call ahead. The examination itself takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Some FRSC offices have partnered with specific clinics and may quote you a bundled price that includes both the medical examination and the license fee. This can sometimes be cheaper than paying both separately, but not always. Compare the total cost before you commit.
How to find out the exact fee at your local FRSC office
The FRSC publishes a standard fee schedule, but individual offices in different states may charge slightly different amounts or bundle fees differently. The safest way to know what you'll pay is to call or visit your local FRSC office in person and ask for the total cost for your license class, including the medical examination.
When you call, have your license class ready (usually Class B for a personal car). Ask whether the medical examination fee is included in the license fee or charged separately, and ask for the name of an approved clinic if you don't already have one. Some offices can tell you the exact total in one call; others will ask you to come in.
If you're renewing an expired license, the fee is the same as a first-time license in that class. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period (rules vary by state), you may need to retake the written test or practical driving test, but the fee itself does not change.
Payment methods and what to bring
Most FRSC offices accept cash payment at the office itself. Some larger offices in major cities may accept bank transfers or online payment, but this is not universal. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your office accepts.
Bring your completed process form (you can get this at the FRSC office or read it from the FRSC website), your medical examination report from an approved clinic, your national identification (National ID, passport, or voter's card), and proof of address. You will also need to bring passport-sized photographs — usually four or six, depending on your state.
Processing time varies. Some offices issue your license the same day or within a few days; others take one to two weeks. Ask at your office what the current processing time is. You can usually check the status of your process by phone or in person using your process number.
Renewing an expired license and adding new vehicle classes
When your license expires, you renew it at the same FRSC office where you got it (or any FRSC office in your state). The renewal fee is the same as the original license fee for that class — there is no discount for renewal. You must also pass a new medical examination, so budget for that cost as well.
If you want to add a new vehicle class to an existing license — for example, adding Class A (motorcycle) to your Class B (car) license — you pay only the fee for the new class, not the full license fee. You still need a medical examination. This is cheaper than getting a completely new license.
If your license has been expired for a long time (the exact period varies by state, but is often two years or more), some states require you to retake the written test or practical driving test before renewal. The fee for renewal does not change, but you should ask your FRSC office whether you need to retake any tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license without paying for a medical examination?
No. The medical examination is mandatory for all driver's license applicants in Nigeria. You cannot submit your process without the medical report from an approved clinic. The examination takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs ₦2,000 to ₦5,000.
Do I have to pay the full license fee if I want to add a second vehicle class?
No. If you already have a license in one class and want to add another class, you pay only the fee for the new class. For example, if you have a Class B license and want to add Class A, you pay the Class A fee (₦5,000 to ₦8,000), not the full license fee again.
What if I lose my license or it gets damaged — do I have to pay the full fee to replace it?
Yes. A replacement license costs the same as a new license in that class. You will need to bring a police report if your license was lost or stolen, and you will need a new medical examination. Ask your FRSC office what documents they need before you go.
Are there any discounts for students or people with disabilities?
This varies by state. Some FRSC offices offer reduced fees for students or people with disabilities, but this is not standard across all states. Contact your local FRSC office to ask whether any discounts are available where you live.
Can I pay the license fee online or do I have to go to the FRSC office in person?
Most FRSC offices require you to pay in cash at the office, though some larger offices in major cities may accept bank transfers or online payment. Call your local office to confirm what payment methods they accept before you go.