Are you planning to drive abroad? If so, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to a valid Nigerian driver’s license. An IDP is a legal document that translates your driver’s information into multiple languages, allowing you to drive in over 150 countries worldwide. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of obtaining an IDP in Nigeria.
Who is eligible for an International Driving Licence?
To be eligible for an IDP, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a valid Nigerian driver’s license
- Have a clean driving record
Where to get an International Driving Licence in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is the only authorized agency to issue IDPs. You can apply for an IDP at any FRSC office nationwide. Unfortunately, online applications are not currently available, so you’ll need to visit an FRSC office in person to apply.
How to apply for an International Driving Licence
To apply for an IDP, follow these steps:
- Locate and visit your nearest Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office. You can find the list of FRSC offices on their official website (https://frsc.gov.ng/) or by contacting their helpline (+234 700 CALL FRSC or +234 700 2255 3772).
- Once at the FRSC office, fill out the IDP application form. The form will ask for your personal details, such as your name, address, date of birth, and contact information. Make sure to fill out the form accurately and completely to avoid any delays in processing your application.
- After completing the application form, present the required documents (see below). The FRSC officer will verify the authenticity and validity of your documents. If any discrepancies are found, you may be asked to provide additional clarification or documentation.
- Pay the applicable fees for your IDP. As of 2024, the fee for an IDP in Nigeria is ₦14,500. You can pay the fee using cash, a bank draft, or a certified check. Make sure to obtain a receipt for your payment, as you may need it for future reference.
- Once your application is processed and approved, you can collect your IDP from the same FRSC office where you submitted your application. When collecting your IDP, make sure to bring a valid form of identification, such as your passport or driver’s license.
Required documents for an International Driving Licence application
When applying for an IDP, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- A completed IDP application form
- Your valid Nigerian driver’s license
- A copy of your passport data page
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- A digital passport photo
- Proof of payment of the applicable fees
Processing time, validity & fees
Once you’ve submitted your application and required documents, the processing time for an IDP is usually 1-2 working days. The validity of an IDP is one year from the date of issuance. The current fee for an IDP in Nigeria is ₦14,500.
Collecting your International Driving Licence
After your IDP has been processed, you can collect it from the same FRSC office where you submitted your application. Make sure to bring a valid form of identification, such as your passport or driver’s license, when collecting your IDP.
Get your International Driving Licence quickly with Smartphone iD
The Smartphone iD app streamlines the process of taking passport photos for your IDP application. The app provides step-by-step instructions to help you capture a compliant photo. After taking the picture, our advanced AI algorithms and team of experts analyze the image to ensure it meets the required standards. If any issues are detected, you’ll be prompted to retake the photo. Once the picture is approved, it is directly sent to your email address, ready for usage.
