How to Get a BVN in Nigeria (2026): Complete Step-by-Step Guide
7 min read
To get a BVN in Nigeria, visit a bank branch or approved BVN enrolment point with a valid means of identification, fill out the BVN enrolment form, and complete biometric capture, including your fingerprints and photograph. Your unique 11-digit BVN is generated after your enrolment is processed and sent to your registered phone number. BVN enrolment in Nigeria is free. Nigerians abroad can also enrol through approved diaspora centres or remotely using the Non-Resident BVN (NRBVN) platform.
Your Bank Verification Number (BVN) is one of the most important pieces of identification you need to bank in Nigeria. You need a BVN for services such as accessing credit and operating higher-tier bank or fintech accounts. Under current CBN rules, Tier 1 individual accounts and wallets must have either a BVN or NIN, while Tier 2 and Tier 3 accounts require both. This guide explains exactly what a BVN is, who needs one, and how to get yours — whether you live in Nigeria or abroad.
What Is a BVN?
A Bank Verification Number (BVN) is a unique 11-digit number that identifies you across the Nigerian banking system. It was introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the banking industry to reduce identity-related fraud and give bank customers one consistent identity across financial institutions.
Here's the simple version: no matter how many banks you use, you have only one BVN. It is linked to your biometric information, including your fingerprints and photograph, so participating financial institutions can verify that you are really you. Think of it as your permanent banking identity.
Your BVN is different from your National Identification Number (NIN). The NIN is issued through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for national identity purposes, while the BVN is used specifically within Nigeria's financial system. Both are 11-digit identifiers, but they remain separate numbers from separate systems. Under CBN rules introduced in December 2023, Tier 2 and Tier 3 individual accounts and wallets require both a BVN and NIN, while Tier 1 accounts require either a BVN or NIN.
Do You Need a BVN?
You need a BVN for many financial services in Nigeria, particularly where full identity verification or access to credit is required.
You may need a BVN to:
Open or operate bank accounts that require BVN verification
Upgrade to Tier 2 or Tier 3 access on regulated banking and financial services
Apply for a loan or other credit facility
Complete applicable KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements
Verify your identity across participating Nigerian financial institutions
Under current CBN rules, individual Tier 2 and Tier 3 accounts and wallets must have both a BVN and NIN, while Tier 1 accounts and wallets must have at least a BVN or NIN.
Who Can Get a BVN in 2026?
There is an important new requirement to know. From 1 May 2026, only individuals aged 18 and above may enrol for a BVN under the CBN's amended BVN framework.
If you are under 18, you cannot currently enrol for your own BVN under this framework.
What You Need Before You Enroll
Enrolling for a BVN in Nigeria is free — the CBN has confirmed that there is no BVN registration fee for people enrolling within Nigeria.
Before you go, get these ready:
A valid means of identification — such as an international passport, national ID card, driver's licence, or Permanent Voter's Card
Your correct personal details, including your full name and date of birth
An active phone number you own and control
The exact documentation requested may depend on the enrolment institution, so it is worth confirming with the bank or enrolment point before you visit.
One important note: make sure the personal information you provide is accurate and consistent with your other identification records. Differences in details such as your name or date of birth across your BVN, NIN, bank records and identification documents can cause verification or account-linking problems later.
How to Get a BVN in Nigeria: Step by Step
If you live in Nigeria, the process is straightforward and is usually completed through a bank branch or authorised enrolment point.
Step 1 — Visit a bank branch or authorised BVN enrolment point.
If you already have a bank account, your bank is a good place to start. BVN enrolment is also available through approved enrolment channels. If you are unsure whether a particular location offers BVN enrolment, confirm before visiting.
Step 2 — Request the BVN enrolment form.
Ask for the BVN registration or enrolment form and fill it in with your personal details. Double-check that everything you provide is correct.
Step 3 — Submit your identification and complete biometric capture.
Your details will be checked, and your biometric information will be captured. This includes your fingerprints and facial image.
Step 4 — Receive your enrolment slip.
You'll be given an acknowledgement slip containing a transaction or enrolment reference confirming that your details have been captured.
Step 5 — Receive your BVN.
Once your enrolment has been processed and synchronised with the NIBSS database, your unique 11-digit BVN will be generated. CBN guidance says the system may confirm enrolment within 24 hours, while NIBSS advises that BVN issuance can take up to 72 hours after enrolment where data synchronisation is required. So, if you do not receive yours immediately, allow up to 72 hours.
Once you have it, make sure your BVN is linked to all your relevant bank accounts. You only need one BVN, even if you bank with several financial institutions.
How to Get a BVN from Abroad (Diaspora Enrolment)
Nigerians living abroad can get a BVN without travelling back to Nigeria. There are now two main routes: remote enrolment through the Non-Resident BVN (NRBVN) platform or physical biometric enrolment through approved diaspora centres.
Option 1: Non-Resident BVN (NRBVN)
The CBN and NIBSS launched the Non-Resident BVN (NRBVN) platform in May 2025 to allow Nigerians living abroad to enrol for a BVN remotely.
Through the NRBVN platform, eligible Nigerians abroad can:
Complete BVN enrolment remotely
Submit identification and proof-of-address documents online
Complete remote biometric and identity verification
Track the progress of their BVN registration
This means you do not have to visit a physical Nigerian bank branch or travel back to Nigeria just to obtain a BVN.
There is an approximate $50 processing charge for the NRBVN remote service. The CBN has clarified that this is not a fee for the BVN itself; it covers remote biometric capture, identity verification and the infrastructure required to process enrolment from abroad. BVN registration within Nigeria remains free.
Option 2: Physical Diaspora Enrolment Centres
You can also enrol through NIBSS-approved overseas centres operated by providers including VFS Global, Online Integrated Solutions (OIS), Avante Global Services and other approved providers, depending on your country.
The general process is:
Find an approved BVN enrolment centre in your country
Read the enrolment requirements and complete the required form
Book an appointment where required
Attend with the requested identification documents
Complete fingerprint and photograph capture
Receive your BVN once your enrolment has been processed
Overseas physical enrolment centres may charge a service or enrolment fee. Fees vary by location, so always check the current requirements on the official NIBSS diaspora enrolment page or the approved provider's website before making payment.
Always use official CBN/NIBSS channels and approved enrolment providers.
How to Check Your BVN
If you already have a BVN but can't remember it, dial the universal USSD code *565*0# from the phone number registered to your BVN.
The service works through the phone number attached to your BVN and currently costs ₦20.
You may also be able to view your BVN through your bank's app or get assistance from your bank.
Remember: *565*0# must be dialled from the phone number registered to your BVN.
Important 2026 Update: Your BVN Phone Number
From 1 May 2026, the CBN allows the phone number linked to a BVN to be changed only once.
This makes it especially important to keep the phone number linked to your BVN accurate and accessible. If you need to update it, make sure the replacement number is one you own, control and expect to keep for the long term.
Under the current rule, once you have used your permitted BVN phone-number change, you cannot make another routine change.
Staying Safe: Avoid BVN Fraud
Your BVN is sensitive personal information and should be protected. While a BVN on its own should not be enough to authorise a transaction from your account, fraudsters can combine personal information from different sources to impersonate you or attempt other forms of fraud.
Keep these rules in mind:
Do not disclose your BVN, PIN, password, card details or OTP to unsolicited callers, messages or emails claiming they need them to unblock or upgrade your account
Never share your banking PINs, passwords or OTPs with anyone
Be suspicious of anyone asking you to pay for BVN enrolment within Nigeria
Only enrol or make BVN-related changes through your bank, an authorised enrolment channel, or an official CBN/NIBSS-recognised diaspora service
If you receive a suspicious request involving your BVN or bank details, contact your financial institution through its official channels
The CBN advises customers to protect sensitive banking details including their BVN, PIN, password and card information.
Get Started with Renmoney
Once you have your BVN, you're ready to access more financial services, whether you want to open an eligible account, grow your savings, make everyday payments or apply for a loan. At Renmoney, a CBN-licensed microfinance bank, your BVN helps us verify your identity securely and get you started with the financial products that fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a BVN?
Your BVN may be generated within 24 hours after enrolment, but NIBSS advises that processing can take up to 72 hours where enrolment data still needs to synchronise with its database.
Is getting a BVN free?
Yes, BVN enrolment within Nigeria is free. Nigerians abroad using physical diaspora enrolment centres may pay the provider's applicable service fee, while remote enrolment through the NRBVN platform currently carries an approximate $50 processing charge for remote verification and biometric processing.
Can I have more than one BVN?
No. Every person is allowed only one BVN, linked to their biometric identity and used across their bank accounts. The system is designed to prevent duplicate enrolment.
What's the difference between a BVN and a NIN?
Your BVN is your banking identity used within Nigeria's financial system, while your NIN is your national identity number issued through NIMC. Both are 11 digits, but they are separate numbers. Under current CBN KYC rules, Tier 2 and Tier 3 individual accounts and wallets require both BVN and NIN, while Tier 1 accounts require either BVN or NIN.
Can I get a BVN without a bank account?
Yes. BVN enrolment and bank-account opening are separate processes, so you can enrol for a BVN before opening a bank account. Once you have your BVN, you can provide it when opening or linking an eligible account.
How old do I have to be to get a BVN?
Under the CBN rules effective from 1 May 2026, you must be at least 18 years old to enrol for a BVN.
Can I change the phone number linked to my BVN?
Yes, but under the CBN's 2026 amendment, your BVN-linked phone number may only be changed once. The rule took effect on 1 May 2026.
