The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rolled out an online self-service platform that allows eligible Nigerians to apply for a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) without first visiting a registration centre.

The platform forms part of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and offers several services, including fresh voter registration, transfer of polling units, correction of personal details and replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.

The commission recently extended the ongoing CVR exercise by two weeks, giving eligible Nigerians until July 24, 2026, instead of the earlier July 10 deadline, to complete their registration.

If you intend to register for a PVC online, here is how the process works.

Step 1: Visit the INEC online self-service portal

Go to the INEC Self-Service CVR Portal and click “Register Online” to begin your application.

Step 2: Create an account

Before registering, you will need to open an account using your:

⁃ First name

⁃ Surname

⁃ Mobile phone number

⁃ Email address

⁃ Preferred password

You will also be required to complete a security verification before proceeding.

Step 3: Verify your National Identification Number (NIN)

The next step is to validate your National Identification Number (NIN), which is required before you can continue with the registration process.

Step 4: Fill in your personal details

Complete the online form by providing your:

⁃ Full name

⁃ Date of birth

⁃ Gender

⁃ Occupation

⁃ Home address

⁃ Nationality

⁃ Email address

⁃ Phone number

⁃ Educational qualification

⁃ Disability status (where applicable)

⁃ State, Local Government Area (LGA) and residential address

⁃ Place of birth

⁃ State and LGA of origin

Applicants may also include an alias or maiden name where applicable.

Step 5: Select your polling unit

Choose the location where you intend to vote by selecting your:

⁃ State

⁃ Local Government Area (LGA)

⁃ Registration Area/Ward

⁃ Preferred Polling Unit

Step 6: Upload supporting documents

Where necessary, attach any required supporting documents to your application before moving to the next stage.

Step 7: Capture your biometrics

Applicants must use the INEC mobile application to capture a passport photograph and fingerprints with a smartphone.

The registration portal provides a QR code and a link that can be opened on a smartphone to complete this step.

Step 8: Review and submit your application

Carefully review all the information entered before submitting your application through the portal.

Other services on the portal

Beyond fresh voter registration, the INEC self-service platform also allows users to:

⁃ Change their polling unit

⁃ Correct or update personal information

⁃ Track previous applications

⁃ Find the designated PVC collection centre

⁃ Request a replacement for a lost, stolen or damaged PVC

Alternative pre-registration option

Applicants who do not have a National Identification Number (NIN) or prefer to complete their biometric capture at an INEC registration centre can choose the pre-registration option.

This involves filling out the online pre-registration form, scheduling an appointment, printing the acknowledgement slip and visiting the selected INEC registration centre to capture fingerprints and photographs.

According to INEC, the pre-registration optionis designed to shorten waiting time at registration centres since applicants would have completed their biodata online before their scheduled appointment. (Nigerian Tribune)