Your National Identification Number (NIN) is your unique identity for all official transactions in Nigeria. However, errors like a wrong date of birth can cause significant issues with banking, passports, and more.
Following the NIMC’s stipulated guidelines correctly is key to a smooth update. This article gives you the expert tips and clear steps needed to resolve your date of birth discrepancy efficiently.
Requirements / What You Need
Before visiting any NIMC enrollment center, you must gather the correct supporting documents. The most critical requirement is an original copy of a valid supporting document that clearly states your correct date of birth. Without this, your application will be rejected.
- Valid Supporting Document: This must be the original and a clear photocopy. Acceptable documents include:
- Birth Certificate issued by the National Population Commission (NPC)
- Old National ID Card (the plastic one)
- Declaration of Age sworn before a Court of Law or an Affidavit
- Valid Nigerian Passport (the data page)
- Your NIN Slip: The printout from your initial registration. If lost, you can retrieve it via USSD by dialing *346# from the phone number linked to your NIN.
- Application Form: You will obtain and fill the NIMC Modification Form at the enrollment center. Do not download generic forms online.
- Processing Fee: The official fee for this data modification is ₦15,000 (Fifteen Thousand Naira Only), payable at the center. Beware of touts or agents who may quote higher prices.
Important Note: A baptismal card or hospital birth notification is not accepted by NIMC. If using an affidavit, ensure it is recent, properly stamped, and sworn in a Nigerian court. Also, be prepared for network issues; it’s wise to have your NIN slip printed beforehand, perhaps at a trusted cyber café, to avoid delays at the center.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Visit the Nearest NIMC Enrollment Center
Go to an official NIMC center, not a private registration agent. Centers in major state capitals like Ikeja (Lagos), Garki (Abuja), or Port Harcourt often have longer queues. Arriving early, preferably on a weekday morning, is a proven strategy to beat the crowd. Be prepared for a potentially long wait due to high demand and occasional system downtime.
Step 2: Obtain and Fill the Modification Form
Request the official “NIMC Modification of Data” form at the center. Fill it out accurately using block letters, ensuring the details you provide (especially the corrected date of birth) match exactly what is on your supporting document. Any discrepancy will cause an immediate rejection. Double-check before submission.
Step 3: Submit Documents and Pay the Fee
Present your filled form, original supporting document, photocopy, and your NIN slip to the officer. You will be directed to make the payment of ₦15,000. Ensure you get an official payment receipt from NIMC, not a handwritten note. Keep this receipt safe, as it is your proof of payment and may be required for follow-up.
Step 4: Biometric Re-capture and Data Entry
After payment, your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) will be re-captured to update your record. An officer will then enter the corrected date of birth from your supporting document into the National Identity Database (NIDB). Watch as they type it in and politely confirm the details on their screen if possible.
Step 5: Receive Your Transaction Slip and Wait
You will be given a **Transaction Slip** or an acknowledgment slip. This slip contains a unique **Transaction ID** (not your NIN). This ID is crucial for tracking the status of your application. The officer will inform you of the processing timeline, which typically takes **several weeks** due to backend verification and approval processes. Do not lose this slip.
Alternative Methods
The primary method is visiting an NIMC enrollment center. However, for specific groups, alternative avenues exist.
For students in federal or state universities, many institutions have partnered with NIMC to set up on-campus enrollment centers. These centers often handle data modifications for students. This option is usually faster and more convenient, as it avoids the general public queues at state offices. Check with your school’s ICT or student affairs department.
While NIMC promotes digital services, the date of birth change process cannot be completed fully online due to the need for physical document verification and biometric re-capture. You can start by downloading forms or checking requirements on the official NIMC website, but the final submission must be in person. Be wary of websites or social media agents claiming to offer “online NIN date of birth change” for a fee—these are almost always scams.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: “The NIMC Portal is Down” or Network Issues at the Center
This is a frequent occurrence, causing long, stalled queues. Officers often cite “network” or “server” problems, halting biometric capture and data entry for hours.
Solution: Call the center ahead of your visit to confirm if their systems are operational. If you encounter this on arrival, ask for a specific time to return. Persistence is key; consider trying a less busy center in a neighboring local government area if feasible.
Problem: Discrepancy Between Documents
Your affidavit says 1990, but your WAEC certificate says 1991. NIMC officers will flag this inconsistency and reject your application, as they require one unambiguous source of truth.
Solution: Before you go, ensure all documents you present tell the same story. If there’s a conflict, you must first correct the supporting document (e.g., get a new, corrected affidavit) that aligns with the date you wish to use. The document you submit must be internally consistent.
Problem: Extremely Long Processing Time and No Feedback
You submitted your application weeks or months ago and have heard nothing. The status remains “pending,” and visiting the center yields no clear answers.
Solution: Use the Transaction ID on your acknowledgment slip to follow up. You can inquire politely but persistently at the center where you applied. For escalated issues, you can contact the NIMC head office in Abuja via their official complaint channels. Keep your receipt and slip safe as proof.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
The official fee for a date of birth correction on your NIN is ₦15,000. This is a fixed rate mandated by NIMC and should be paid directly at the enrollment center, for which you must receive an official receipt. Be extremely cautious of agents or touts within and around the center who may claim they can “fast-track” your process for a higher fee, such as ₦20,000 or more. This is an unofficial and often exploitative charge.
Regarding the timeline, you should expect the entire verification and update process to take between 4 to 8 weeks from the date of application. Processing times can vary slightly between states due to workload and backend verification speeds. There is no official “express” service. After this period, you can verify the update by dialing *346# or checking your NIN slip printout.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
- Agents and Touts at Centers: Individuals hanging around NIMC offices may offer to “help” you skip the queue or guarantee approval for an extra fee (₦5,000 to ₦10,000 over the official rate). These are unauthorized middlemen. Transact only with official NIMC staff inside the center.
- Fake Online Portals and Social Media Handles: Scammers create websites and social media pages (e.g., on Facebook or X) mimicking NIMC, claiming you can change your DOB online by paying into a personal bank account. NIMC does not process date of birth changes fully online. Only use the official nimc.gov.ng domain.
- WhatsApp/Telegram “Agents”: You may receive messages or see ads from people claiming to be NIMC accredited agents who can process your update remotely after you send money and a scanned document. This is a direct scam; they will take your money and disappear. All modifications require your physical presence for biometrics.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Once your date of birth correction is approved and updated in the National Identity Database, the change is **legally recognized** across Nigeria. Your corrected NIN will be accepted by all government agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service (for passports), FRSC (for driver’s license), and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Financial institutions like banks are mandated by the CBN to use your NIN for verification, so your bank records should align with the new data.
Your crucial next step is to **update your other official records**. Inform your bank, telecom providers, and other institutions where you used your old NIN details. You may need to visit their branches with your updated NIN slip for a **BVN update** or SIM re-validation. Remember, while NIMC updates the central database, it does not automatically sync the change with every other platform where your NIN is stored; that proactive step is your responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my date of birth on NIN online from home?
No, you cannot complete this process fully online. While you can get information from the NIMC website, the law requires physical verification of your original supporting documents and re-capture of your biometrics (fingerprints and photo). You must visit an official NIMC enrollment center in person. Any website or agent offering a full online service is running a scam.
What if I don’t have a birth certificate from NPC?
An NPC birth certificate is the strongest document, but it is not the only option. You can use a valid Nigerian passport, your old National ID card, or a legally sworn Declaration of Age affidavit from a Nigerian court. Hospital cards or baptismal certificates are not accepted by NIMC for this modification.
How long does it take for the change to reflect on my NIN slip?
After submission, backend verification and approval typically take 4 to 8 weeks. Once processed, the update will reflect in the national database. You can verify this by dialing *346# from your registered phone number or by re-printing your NIN slip at an enrollment center or accredited cyber café.
Will changing my NIN date of birth automatically update my BVN?
No, it does not update automatically. The NIN and BVN systems are linked but require a manual sync for data harmonization. After your NIN is corrected, you must visit your bank branch to request a BVN update, presenting your updated NIN slip as proof. The bank will then initiate the linkage process.
Can I use a sworn affidavit from a lawyer’s office?
No, an affidavit from a private lawyer’s office is not acceptable. The Declaration of Age affidavit must be sworn before a **Court of Record** in Nigeria and bear the court’s official stamp. Customary court affidavits are also accepted. Ensure the affidavit clearly states your correct date of birth and is recently sworn.
What happens if my NIN slip is lost before the modification?
You can retrieve your NIN by dialing *346# from the mobile number linked to your registration. It will display your number, which you should note down. You can then print a new slip at any NIMC center or accredited agent for a small fee (usually around ₦500). You need this slip for the modification process.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available NIMC guidelines and procedures as of 2024. While we strive for accuracy, official processes and fees are subject to change by the National Identity Management Commission. We are not affiliated with NIMC. For the most current and official information, always refer to the NIMC website (nimc.gov.ng) or visit an authorized enrollment center.