Do You Need NIN to Renew a Nigerian Passport in the UK?

Yes. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) lists the National Identification Number as a requirement for Nigerian passport applications, including renewals. If you live in the UK and do not have a NIN, get one first at a UK enrolment centre, then apply for your passport. Requirements for applicants abroad can change, so confirm the current list with NIS or the Nigeria High Commission in London.

Why the passport application asks for NIN

The NIN links your passport to your record in the National Identity Database. NIS uses it to confirm your identity and to stop one person holding passports under different details. That is why the NIN has been part of the passport application since the Federal Government made it mandatory.

Can I renew without a NIN?

In practice, you should plan on needing one. Even if you hear of exceptions, they are not something to rely on when you have travel booked. The safest order is:

1. Get your NIN. Register for NIN in the UK. An expired Nigerian passport is accepted for adult NIN enrolment at our London NIN centre.
2. Wait for the NIN to be issued. Do not apply for the passport with only the enrolment slip. Read how long NIN takes.
3. Check your details match. The name and date of birth on your NIN should match what you put on the passport application.
4. Apply for the passport through the official NIS process and the Nigeria High Commission in London.

What if my NIN details do not match my passport?

A mismatch, such as a different surname after marriage or a wrong date of birth, can hold up a passport application. Fix the NIN record first. See NIN updates and corrections. Remember that NIMC generally allows only one date of birth change.

Children's passports

Parents applying for a child's Nigerian passport should also plan for the child's NIN. Child enrolment needs the child's NPC record and a parent's NIN. See child NIN registration in the UK.

Where to check the latest passport rules

• Nigeria Immigration Service – official passport requirements and online application.
• Nigeria High Commission, London – passport services for Nigerians in the UK.

Dicksons World Services does not issue passports and is not part of NIS or the High Commission. We help you get the NIN that the passport application asks for.

A passport timeline that works

1. Check whether you already have a NIN (see retrieve your NIN).
2. If not, complete your NPC record and NIN enrolment.
3. Wait for your NIN to be issued and check the details.
4. Correct any mismatch with your passport details.
5. Start your passport application through NIS and book with the High Commission.

Documents to keep together

Keep your old passport, your NIN (or NIN slip), your NPC record and any change of name evidence in one place. Passport and NIN applications often ask for the same supporting documents.

NIN and passport FAQs