As with any other country, whether you’re buying a brand new car, a tokunbo car, or a foreign used car, there are certain things you need to put into consideration before you drive on public roads without issues from the FRSC (Federal Road Safety Corps), police, army, etc. It’s true that the vehicle registration process is difficult for many people who do not have the patience, but you can always get a professional agent to do it for you in no time.
In this article, I will guide you through the procedures. I have followed the exact same procedure to register tokunbo cars in Nigeria. I have explained the laws guiding vehicle registration in this country. So, if you’ll be registering your car soon, then let’s get started!
Why Register a Car in Nigeria?
Like in other developed and developing countries around the world, you MUST register his or her car before use in Nigeria too. Else, you risk getting it impounded by Law Enforcement Agencies such as the Police, Federal Road Safety Corps, LASTMA, etc., as it is against the Nigerian traffic rules and regulations to drive unregistered vehicles on public roads.
The agency charged with the registration of vehicles is the F.R.S.C (Federal Road Safety Corps). Nevertheless, registration of vehicles in Nigeria isn’t easy. There is usually an endless queue of applicants waiting at the FRSC offices.
You would want to avoid the frustration of returning to the office repeatedly because of not having all the documents. This is why this guide is necessary to make the registration of your car a lot easier and more convenient.
Documents Required To Register a Car In Nigeria
These documents are required to verify the ownership and authenticity of your vehicle. Below are the documents you’ll need to register your car in Nigeria:
1. Letter of attestation
This document is used to verify the car ownership. In this case, a letter of attestation will confirm that the vehicle you’re registering is legit and not stolen.
2. Receipt of purchase or invoice
This is a legal document stating the item (vehicle), the price, and description of the item. This document is essential as it serves as proof of ownership. If you have lived in the US, this document is commonly called bill of sale.
3. Vehicle ownership proof
This document shows the transfer of vehicle ownership to another person. This is a very important document to have because it gives you the total right over the car.
Since you are registering a tokunbo car, you’ll need additional documents, including custom papers, tax identification number, and duty certificate. These documents are used to verify that the vehicle was duly cleared by the Nigerian custom services.
4. Personal vehicle registration documents
As a driver or car owner, your personal vehicle registration documents in Nigeria include a valid driver’s license, two passport photographs, and a copy of utility bill payment to show proof of house address; national identification card or international passport.
The documents required for vehicle registration in Nigeria will depend on the type of vehicle you’re registering. For example, if you’re registering a commercial vehicle, you may need roadworthiness certificate and a permit from the relevant authorities.
In summary, the documents required for vehicle registration in Nigeria are:
- Letter of attestation
- Receipt of purchase or invoice
- Vehicle ownership proof
- Valid driver’s license
- Two passport photographs
- Copy of utility bill payment
- National identification card or international passport
- Custom papers (for imported tokunbo)
- Tax identification number (for imported tokunbo)
- Duty certificate (for imported tokunbo)
Make sure you have all these documents ready before starting the car registration process to avoid any delays at your local registration office.
How to Register a Tokunbo Car in Nigeria
Now that you have all the documents, it’s time to start the car registration process.
Pick up an “Allocation of Plate Number” form and fill up your details
This form is usually available at the State Board of Internal Revenue or Motor Licensing Authority office near you. Make sure you fill out the form correctly and accurately, as any mistake can lead to delays in the registration process.
Attach all the necessary documents discussed above
You’ll have to submit to the attendant office for screening. Make sure you have all the documents ready to avoid any delays. The attendant will review your documents to make sure that everything is in order. If any document is missing or incomplete, you will be asked to provide it before proceeding.
Be prepared to fill out more forms
Once the Agency is satisfied with the submitted documents, you will be required to fill out more forms, such as the Vehicle License form, Federal Road Safety Form, FRSC Form B, and FIRS Tax form.
These forms are used to capture your personal and vehicle details. Take your time to fill out these forms carefully, as they are crucial to the registration process.
The Vehicle License form requires you to provide details about your vehicle, including the make, model, year, and chassis number. The Federal Road Safety Form is used to verify the roadworthiness of your vehicle, while the FRSC Form B captures your personal details and vehicle information. The FIRS Tax form is used to declare your personal income and earnings to the tax authorities.
The registration officer will review your submissions
These forms are completed and attached with the documents; they will be verified by the Officer assigned to the licensing office who will stamp them. The officer will review your forms and documents to ensure that everything is in order. If any discrepancy is found, you will be asked to correct it before proceeding.
Make the payment
Thereafter, you’ll make the payment for the license plate or number plate in the bank. This amount depends on the types of vehicle plate you wish to register. Such as Normal Plates which is blue, Commercial vehicle plates which are red, Government vehicle plates which are green, and then the Diplomatic plates which are the white number on red background.
The payment for the license plate is usually made at a designated bank, and you will be given a receipt as proof of payment. Make sure you keep the receipt safe, as you will need it to collect your vehicle plate.
Become fully registered
When payment is confirmed through receipt, you will be given a Vehicle Plate Number, Proof of Ownership Certificate, and a Vehicle Identification Tag. These documents are proof that your vehicle is registered and roadworthy. At this point, all the original documents you submitted earlier will be returned to you. Make sure you collect all your documents and verify that they are correct before leaving the licensing office.
Buy insurance
You will need to buy an insurance policy for your car. This is not mandatory, but it’s recommended for your vehicle to be protected in case of any accident or damage, especially since this is a tokunbo vehicle.
After these steps, you can now drive your car on Nigerian roads without fear of the authorities. Always keep your vehicle documents safe and up to date to avoid any issues with the law. Nigeria requires you to have your vehicle registered. You can always find your nearest registration office to get your car registered if you have not done so.
Read Also: Lagos State Vehicle License Renewal Online