Discovering an error in your date of birth on your National Identification Number (NIN) record is a serious issue that can block access to critical services. This error can affect your bank account verification, passport application, and even your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). This comprehensive guide provides the proven, official procedure to correct your date of birth on your NIN.
We will walk you through the entire process, from gathering the correct supporting documents to visiting the right NIMC enrollment center. You will get expert tips on avoiding common pitfalls, understanding the timeline, and ensuring your data is harmonized across all platforms in Nigeria.
Requirements / What You Need
Before visiting any NIMC center, you must gather the correct documents. Incomplete paperwork is the main reason for rejection and wasted trips. Here is the official checklist:
- Your NIN Slip or NIN: You must know your 11-digit National Identification Number. If you’ve lost the slip, dial *346# on the mobile number linked to your NIN to retrieve it.
- Valid Supporting Document: You need an original and a photocopy of one government-issued document showing your correct date of birth. Acceptable documents include:
- Birth Certificate (from the National Population Commission)
- Old National ID Card (the expired plastic card)
- Declaration of Age (sworn affidavit from a Nigerian court)
- Valid Nigerian Passport (data page)
- Application Form: You will obtain and fill the NIMC Modification Form at the enrollment center. Do not download random forms online; use the official one provided.
- Processing Fee: The official fee for this data modification is ₦15,000 (Fifteen Thousand Naira Only). Be wary of agents or touts at centers who may quote a higher price.
- A Functional Phone Number & Email: Ensure the number you provide is active, as SMS updates will be sent to it.
Important Note: A baptismal certificate or hospital birth notification is not accepted by NIMC. If you lack the documents above, you must first obtain a sworn Declaration of Age affidavit from a High Court or Federal/State Ministry of Justice. Also, have extra passport photographs ready, as some state centers still request them despite the digital capture system.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Locate an NIMC Enrollment Center
Find an official NIMC center near you. You can visit the NIMC website or simply search for “NIMC enrollment center near me” on Google Maps. For a date of birth correction, you must visit a state or local government area headquarters center, as smaller front-end partner (FEP) centers often cannot process this modification. Go early, as queues are typically long, especially on Mondays and Fridays.
Step 2: Obtain and Fill the Modification Form
On arrival, inform the official at the help desk that you need to correct your date of birth. They will give you the NIMC Modification Form. Fill it out carefully in BLOCK LETTERS. Double-check that the correct date of birth you are submitting matches exactly what is on your supporting document (e.g., your birth certificate). Any discrepancy here will cause an automatic rejection.
Step 3: Submit Documents, Pay, and Get Captured
Submit the completed form, the original of your supporting document, and a clear photocopy to the verification officer. You will then be directed to make the payment of ₦15,000. Ensure you get an official receipt. After payment, you will proceed for biometric data capture (fingerprints and photograph). This step updates your record in the national database.
Step 4: Collect Your Acknowledgment Slip
After successful capture, you will be given a Transaction ID Slip or acknowledgment slip. This slip is very important. It contains your transaction ID and is your only proof of application. Do not lose it. The officer will inform you of the processing timeline, which can range from 48 hours to several weeks, depending on backend verification and system delays.
Step 5: Verify the Correction
Once the stipulated time has passed, you can verify the update. The most reliable way is to visit the NIMC portal (dashboard.nimc.gov.ng), log in with your NIN and registered phone number, and check your profile. Alternatively, you can dial *346# on your linked line. If the correction is not reflected after 4 weeks, you may need to visit the center again with your acknowledgment slip for follow-up.
Alternative Methods
While the primary method is a physical visit to an NIMC state center, there are specific scenarios and alternative channels for certain groups.
For students in federal tertiary institutions, many universities like UNILAG, UNN, and ABU have dedicated NIMC enrollment centers on campus. These centers can often process date of birth modifications for registered students, which can be more convenient than visiting a general public center. Contact your school’s ICT or student affairs unit to confirm.
Some licensed private enrollment centers in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are authorized to handle modifications. However, you must verify their license with NIMC beforehand, as many are only equipped for new enrollments. This option may involve a slightly higher service charge but can offer shorter wait times.
It is crucial to note that, as of now, the date of birth correction process cannot be completed fully online from start to finish. While you can check your status online, the mandatory document verification, biometric capture, and payment must be done in person at an authorized center to prevent fraud.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: “The NIMC Portal is Not Showing My Update”
You’ve waited weeks, but your corrected date of birth is not reflecting on the NIMC dashboard or when you dial *346#. This is a frequent issue due to backend synchronization delays or a pending verification flag on your application.
Solution: First, wait for at least 15 working days from your application date. If there’s still no change, return to the enrollment center where you applied with your Transaction ID Slip. The officers can escalate your case internally. Avoid visiting a different center, as they may not have access to your application record.
Problem: “My Supporting Document Was Rejected”
Your affidavit or other document was not accepted by the NIMC officer. This often happens with affidavits from local council courts or with documents where the name does not perfectly match your NIN record (e.g., missing a middle name).
Solution: Ensure your affidavit is sworn at a High Court or State Ministry of Justice, as these are universally accepted. The name on the document must be identical to what is on your NIN. If you used a nickname, you may need a supplementary affidavit for “Change of Name” to bridge the discrepancy before the date of birth correction.
Problem: “I Have No Valid Document for My Correct Date of Birth”
Many older Nigerians were not issued a birth certificate, and their school records are unavailable. Using a voter’s card or driver’s license for date of birth proof is not allowed by NIMC.
Solution: Your only viable path is to obtain a sworn Declaration of Age affidavit. You can then use this affidavit as your primary supporting document for the NIN correction. After your NIN is updated, this corrected NIN can then be used to regularize other documents like your passport or driver’s license.
Problem: “The Center Says There is a System Network Issue”
You visit a center only to be told “the network is down” or “the server is not responding,” so they cannot capture your data or process payments. This is a common technical glitch.
Solution: Call the center ahead of your visit to confirm their systems are operational, preferably mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday). If you encounter the issue on-site, politely request a specific date to return when systems will be up, and get a note from the officer on your form. Persistence and multiple visits are often, unfortunately, part of the process.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
The official fee for a date of birth modification, as mandated by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), is ₦15,000. This is a fixed rate nationwide. You will pay this fee at the designated bank or cash point within the enrollment center and must receive an official receipt.
Be cautious of agents or touts at centers who may quote higher amounts, such as ₦20,000 or more, promising “fast-track” services. There is no official fast-track option for this process; all applications follow the same verification queue. Any extra charge is unofficial and should be reported.
The timeline for completion is typically between 2 to 6 weeks. The initial acknowledgment is immediate, but the backend update to the National Identity Database and its reflection on the verification portals takes time. Delays can occur due to high application volumes or system audits. Factors like public holidays or incomplete documentation can extend this period further.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
- Agents and Touts at Centers: Avoid individuals hanging around NIMC offices who claim they can “help you quickly” for an extra fee. They often overcharge (₦20,000 – ₦50,000) and cannot influence the official process. Only transact with accredited NIMC staff inside the center.
- Fake Online Portals and Links: Do not use links sent via SMS, WhatsApp, or social media promising “NIN update.” Scammers create clones of the NIMC site to steal your data and money. Only use the official portal: dashboard.nimc.gov.ng.
- WhatsApp/Telegram “Agents”: Be wary of people on messaging platforms claiming they can correct your NIN details remotely for a fee. This is impossible, as biometric capture is mandatory. They will take your money and disappear.
- Upfront Payment Requests: Never make any payment to a personal bank account (e.g., Opay, Palmpay, or commercial bank accounts) for NIN services. Legitimate payments are made only at the center’s designated point and come with an official receipt.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Once your date of birth is successfully corrected on the NIMC database, this updated information becomes your official biometric identity in Nigeria. It will be accepted by all institutions that verify identity via the NIN, including banks (for BVN linkage), the Nigerian Immigration Service (for passport applications), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for voter registration, FRSC for driver’s license, and telecom operators for SIM registration.
Your immediate next step is harmonization. You must proactively take your updated NIN to these institutions to ensure their records align with the corrected data. For example, visit your bank to update your BVN details and contact your mobile network provider to re-validate your SIM registration. Do not assume the update is automatic across all platforms.
A key limitation to understand is that this correction does not automatically update documents already issued, like an old passport or driver’s license. You will need to use your corrected NIN to apply for re-issuance or renewal of those documents separately, following their specific procedures and paying the required fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I correct my date of birth on NIN online without going to any office?
No, you cannot complete the entire process online. While you can check your status on the NIMC portal, the law requires physical verification of your original supporting documents, biometric capture (fingerprints and photo), and in-person payment at an accredited NIMC state or local government area enrollment center. Any service offering full online correction is a scam.
How long does it take for the date of birth correction to reflect on my NIN?
The official timeline is typically between 2 to 6 weeks after your application is submitted at the center. The delay is due to backend verification and system updates. You can check the status by logging into the NIMC self-service portal or dialing *346#. If it takes longer than 6 weeks, return to the center with your acknowledgment slip for follow-up.
What if I don’t have a birth certificate or any of the listed documents?
Your primary option is to obtain a sworn Declaration of Age affidavit from a Nigerian High Court or State Ministry of Justice. This affidavit is a legally accepted document by NIMC for date of birth correction. Hospital cards, baptismal certificates, or school testimonials are not acceptable as primary proof.
Can I use my voter’s card (PVC) or driver’s license to correct my date of birth on NIN?
No, you cannot. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) use your NIN data to issue these documents, not the other way around. Therefore, a PVC or driver’s license is not accepted as a supporting document to change the source data (your NIN record).
Will correcting my NIN date of birth automatically update my BVN?
No, it does not happen automatically. Once your NIN is corrected, you must visit your bank branch in person to request a BVN data update using your updated NIN for verification. The bank will sync the new information from the NIMC database to your BVN record.
How much does it cost to correct a date of birth mistake on NIN?
The official fee mandated by NIMC is Fifteen Thousand Naira (₦15,000) only. This fee is standard across all authorized centers in Nigeria. Be wary of anyone, including agents at the center, who asks for a higher amount for “fast-tracking” or “processing.” Always collect an official receipt for your payment.
What happens if the date on my supporting document is also wrong?
You must first legally correct the document itself before using it for your NIN update. For instance, if your birth certificate is wrong, you must follow the National Population Commission’s procedure to amend it. If it’s an affidavit, you must swear a new, correct one. NIMC will only accept the date on the valid document you present.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available NIMC procedures and guidelines. While we strive for accuracy, official processes and fees are subject to change by the National Identity Management Commission. Readers are advised to confirm details directly with official NIMC channels or at an accredited enrollment center before proceeding. This content does not constitute legal or official advice.