Following a review of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and feedback received from its State Offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduced a self-service online portal that allows eligible Nigerians to register for a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) without visiting an INEC office.
The platform, launched as part of the ongoing CVR exercise, enables first-time voters to complete their registration on a smartphone, including biometric capture. Existing voters can also use the portal to transfer their voting location, update personal information, or replace lost or damaged PVCs.
To encourage more eligible Nigerians to participate, INEC recently extended the CVR deadline by two weeks—from July 10 to July 24, 2026.
Here are eight simple steps to complete your online voter registration.
1. Visit the INEC Self-Service Portal
Begin by accessing the INEC Self-Service CVR portal https://cvr.inecnigeria.org/online and selecting “Register Online.”
The portal is the official platform for new voter registration and other voter-related services.
2. Create Your Account
First-time users must create an account before proceeding.
You will be required to provide:
- First name
- Surname
- Mobile phone number
- Email address
- Password
You must also complete the security verification before your account is activated.
3. Verify Your National Identification Number (NIN)
Before registration can continue, applicants are required to verify their National Identification Number (NIN).
The verification helps confirm the applicant’s identity and prevents duplicate registrations.
4. Fill in Your Personal Information
Next, complete your biodata by providing accurate personal details, including:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Occupation
- Nationality
- Residential address
- State and Local Government Area of residence
- Place of birth
- State and LGA of origin
- Educational qualification
- Disability status (where applicable)
- Email address and phone number
Applicants may also include an alias or maiden name where necessary.
5. Select Your Polling Unit
Choose the location where you intend to vote.
You’ll need to select:
- State
- Local Government Area (LGA)
- Registration Area or Ward
- Polling Unit
Ensure the polling unit is convenient because this is where you will vote during elections.
6. Upload Supporting Documents (If Required)
Some applications may require supporting documents.
Where necessary, upload the required documents through the portal before proceeding to the next stage.
7. Capture Your Biometrics on Your Smartphone
One of the biggest features of the new system is remote biometric capture.
Applicants can use the official INEC mobile application to capture:
- Passport photograph
- Fingerprints
The portal generates a QR code and a link that can be opened on a mobile phone to complete the biometric process.
8. Review and Submit Your Application
Carefully review all the information you’ve entered to ensure it is accurate.
Once satisfied, submit your application online.
After submission, you can monitor the status of your application through the portal.
Other Services Available on the Portal
The self-service portal is not limited to new voter registration. It also allows users to:
- Transfer to another polling unit
- Correct or update personal information
- Replace lost, stolen or damaged PVCs
- Check previously submitted applications
- Locate the INEC office where their PVC will be collected
Don’t Want to Capture Biometrics Online? Here’s an Alternative
Applicants who do not have a smartphone capable of biometric capture or who have not obtained a National Identification Number (NIN) can still register through the Pre-Registration option.
The process involves:
- Completing the online pre-registration form
- Booking an appointment at an INEC registration centre
- Printing the application slip
- Visiting the selected centre for fingerprint and photograph capture
- Tracking the application online
- Receiving notification when the PVC is ready
- Collecting the card
According to INEC, the pre-registration option significantly reduces waiting time at registration centres because applicants complete most of the process online before appearing for biometric capture.
With the July 24, 2026 deadline approaching, eligible Nigerians who are yet to register are encouraged to take advantage of the online platform to obtain their PVCs and participate in future elections.
