FRSC to Launch Digital Driver’s Licences With Contactless Biometric Capture and Instant Printing Across Nigeria

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is set to revolutionize Nigeria’s driver’s licence system by introducing contactless biometric capture and on-the-spot licence printing, a move that will phase out temporary licences and establish a fully digital one-stop process nationwide.

Corps Marshal Malam Shehu Mohammed announced the development on Monday in Abuja during the launch of the 2025 ember months public enlightenment and sensitization campaign, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Mohammed stated that the innovation marks a major step toward the complete digitalization of the country’s driver’s licence issuance process. He explained that the new system is designed to eliminate long delays, improve accuracy, and ensure a seamless experience for applicants.

“We are about to commence the contactless biometric capture with on-the-spot printing of driver’s licences. This will eliminate temporary licences and mark the beginning of a digitalized, one-stop shop for licence processing,” Mohammed said.
“With this development, delays and challenges in obtaining the national driver’s licence will soon be a thing of the past.”

According to the FRSC boss, the Corps has increased its daily production capacity to 15,000 driver’s licences and is on track to clear all outstanding applications by November 2025, following an upgrade of its national printing infrastructure. This move, he noted, will tackle the backlog of pending licences and ensure faster delivery to applicants.

Out of an estimated 800,000 backlogged licences, 400,000 have already been printed, while 206,000 remain uncollected across various centres. Mohammed urged motorists who have completed their applications to visit designated collection points and claim their licences.

The new digital driver’s licence system builds upon the FRSC’s earlier modernization efforts. In February 2025, the Corps commissioned a mini licence printing farm in Lagos State capable of producing up to 9,000 licences in six hours. The facility was established to decentralize production and drastically reduce the waiting time for applicants who previously relied on central printing in Abuja.

Mohammed emphasized that the contactless biometric process will also enhance data integrity, transparency, and security, while helping Nigeria align with international best practices in digital identity management.

Meanwhile, the Joint Tax Board (JTB) recently approved an upward review of driver’s licence fees, which took effect on June 8, 2025. The updated costs are:

• ₦15,000 for a 3-year motor vehicle licence

• ₦21,000 for a 5-year motor vehicle licence

• ₦7,000 for a 3-year tricycle licence

• ₦11,000 for a 5-year tricycle licence

The last major review was in 2021, when the fees for motor vehicle licences rose from ₦6,000 to ₦10,000 (3 years) and ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 (5 years).

Despite the optimism surrounding the initiative, some Nigerians have expressed skepticism, citing persistent delays in obtaining licences and reports of inefficiency in the current system. Many applicants say they have waited months—some over a year—for their permanent cards despite completing all formalities.

However, FRSC maintains that with the new technology and upgraded infrastructure, such experiences will soon end. The Corps reiterated its commitment to transparency and efficiency, promising that the digital driver’s licence system will deliver faster processing times and improved service quality for all motorists.