206,000 Driver's Licenses Await Collection Nationwide, FRSC Appeals to Nigerians

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disclosed that more than 206,000 driver's licences produced for applicants across Nigeria remain uncollected as of October 17, 2025, urging all eligible individuals to visit their designated centres promptly to avoid further delays.In a statement broadcast on national television and shared via official channels, the FRSC highlighted the backlog as a persistent challenge hindering road safety efforts. "We have over 206,000 driver's licences ready for collection at our various centres nationwide. Nigerians are encouraged to come forward with their necessary documents to retrieve them without delay," the agency stated, emphasizing that uncollected licences contribute to illegal driving and increased road risks.The figure represents a national tally, building on earlier reports of unclaimed licences in specific states. For instance, in March 2025, the FRSC Ondo State Command reported over 6,000 uncollected licences, including 7,213 carried over from 2024 and an additional 3,097 produced that year. Similarly, Cross River State had more than 2,000 unclaimed licences as of May 2025, according to agency updates. These localized backlogs underscore a broader issue, with the FRSC attributing the problem to applicants' forgetfulness, relocation, or unawareness of collection timelines.Obtaining a driver's licence in Nigeria involves an online application via the FRSC portal, payment of fees ranging from ₦15,000 to ₦35,000 (including data capture and processing costs of ₦1,000–₦3,000), biometric capture at a Driver's Licence Centre, and a validity period of five years. Renewals can begin 30 days before expiry, but failure to collect issued licences leaves applicants without legal proof of driving competency.The FRSC stressed that a valid driver's licence is the sole legal document permitting road use, and uncollected cards exacerbate enforcement challenges amid rising traffic violations. "Driving without a proper licence endangers lives and violates the law. We implore all concerned to act now," the agency added.Applicants are advised to visit the official FRSC verification portal at ndlverification.frsc.gov.ng or contact their nearest centre for retrieval details. The corps has reiterated warnings against touts, following recent fee adjustments for enhanced security features on licences and vehicle plates, effective May 2025.This call comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with road safety, with the FRSC reporting thousands of daily patrols to curb unlicensed driving. No penalties for non-collection were specified, but the agency encouraged proactive steps to ensure compliance.

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