By 
Nigeria Introduces Instant, Contactless Driver’s Licence to Eliminate Delays
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced a revolutionary shift in Nigeria’s motor vehicle administration with the launch of a contactless biometric capture system. This new technology will enable the immediate, on-the-spot printing of permanent driver’s licences, effectively eliminating the long-standing issues of delays, backlogs, and temporary documents.
RELATED: Ghana merges mobile money, driver’s licenses under biometric ID overhaul
The announcement was made during the flag-off of the FRSC’s 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign, themed “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”
How the New Contactless Licence System Works
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed detailed the seamless new process, which is designed to be a digital one-stop-shop:
- Touchless Biometric Capture: Applicants no longer need to place their hands on a scanner. Fingerprints and other biometric data are captured automatically from a short distance.
- Instant Printing: Upon successful data capture and verification, the permanent driver’s licence is printed immediately at the point of issuance.
- NIN Synchronization: The system is fully synchronized with the National Identification Number (NIN) database, ensuring data consistency and robust identity verification.
“Once you reach the point of capture, you get captured and you get your driver’s licence instantly. There is no longer going to be a temporary driver’s licence,” Mohammed stated.
Massive Backlog Clearance and Increased Production
To support the new system, the FRSC has significantly upgraded its infrastructure. The Corps revealed it is currently working to clear a backlog of 400,000 licences, down from an initial 800,000.
Deputy Corps Marshal Aliyu Datsama confirmed that the agency’s printing facility is now operating 24/7. It now has a daily production capacity of 40,000 licences. With is capacity, FRSC is aiming to clear all remaining backlogs “in the next few weeks.” Datsama also urged Nigerians to collect over 206,000 licences that are ready but unclaimed at various state offices.
Key Benefits of the New Digital Licence System
The move to a contactless system offers several major advantages for Nigerian motorists:
- Elimination of Delays: The process of obtaining a licence is reduced from months to minutes.
- Improved Hygiene: Contactless capture promotes better public health by removing the need for physical contact with scanners.
- Enhanced Security: Integration with the NIN database strengthens identity verification and reduces fraud.
- Streamlined Process: The system fully integrates driving schools and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) for a smoother, nationwide experience.
This development positions Nigeria alongside other forward-thinking countries adopting digital and contactless driver’s licence solutions. It also marks a significant leap in public service delivery.
