Category: Tutorials & Guides || Posted Jul 27, 2026

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Complete INEC Continuous Voter Registration and Transfer Online

With major off-cycle governorship elections underway and preparation building towards the next general election cycle, securing your Permanent Voter Card (PVC) or updating your voting location is one of the most vital steps you can take as a Nigerian citizen.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has streamlined this process through its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) portal. By completing the preliminary steps online, you avoid spending hours in queues at local government offices.

Here is your complete, step-by-step guide to completing your new voter pre-registration or transferring your polling unit online.

Part 1: How to Complete New Voter Pre-Registration Online

If you turned 18 recently or have never registered for a PVC before, you can initiate the process on your phone or computer.

1.Create an Account on the CVR Portal:Step 1.Visit the official INEC portal at cvr.inecnigeria.org. Click Sign In / Register and create a portal account using your full legal name, email address, and phone number. Verify your email through the confirmation link sent to your inbox.

2.Fill Out Your Personal Details:Step 2.Log in and select New Voter Pre-Registration. Accurately fill in your personal data, including your date of birth, occupation, state of origin, address, and National Identification Number (NIN).

3.Select Your Preferred Polling Unit:Step 3.Choose the State, Local Government Area (LGA), Registration Area (Ward), and specific Polling Unit (PU) where you want to vote on election day. Pick a polling unit closest to your current residence for easy access.

4.Upload Photo & Schedule Appointment:Step 4.Upload a clear passport photograph following the on-screen framing guidelines. Once uploaded, select an appointment date and time to visit your local INEC LGA office for biometric capture (fingerprints and facial scan).

5.Generate and Print Your Registration Slip:Step 5.After submitting your application, download and print your CVR Pre-Registration Slip. Take this slip alongside a valid photo ID to your chosen INEC center on your scheduled appointment date to complete physical capture.

Part 2: How to Transfer Your Polling Unit Online

If you have relocated to a new neighborhood, LGA, or state, you cannot vote at your old polling unit without transferring your registration. Transferring updates your record in the national database and issues a new PVC for your new location.

1.Log In and Select 'Transfer':Step 1.Sign in to your account at cvr.inecnigeria.org. From the dashboard applications menu, click on Transfer.

2.Verify Your Identity (Facial Capture):Step 2.To protect against unauthorized transfer requests, the portal requires you to take two real-time photo captures using your device’s camera. The system automatically matches your face against your existing record in the INEC voter database.

3.Choose Your New Location Details:Step 3.Once identity verification succeeds, select your new State, LGA, Ward, and preferred Polling Unit nearest to your new residential address.

4.Submit and Download Transfer Slip:Step 4.Review your submission and click Submit. Download and print the generated Transfer Request Slip for your records.

5.Await Approval and Collection Notice:Step 5.Your request is routed to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for review. Once approved, INEC updates the register, deactivates your old polling unit assignment, and prints your new PVC. You will collect your new PVC in person at your local INEC LGA office.

Key Rules to Keep in Mind

1. Double Registration is Illegal: Do not register again if you already have a PVC or registered in the past. Instead, use the Voter Update or Transfer feature on the portal. INEC's automated de-duplication system flags and deletes duplicate entries.

2. Strictly No Collection by Proxy: You must collect your PVC in person at the designated INEC LGA office once it is ready. No friend or family member can collect it on your behalf.

3. Transfer Deadlines: By law, voter transfers must be completed well ahead of elections (at least 90 days before an election day) to allow for register compilation and audit.

Coverage & Updates

To stay updated on deadline extensions and ground-level voter experiences during ongoing CVR exercises across different states, check out INEC Extends Voter Registration Deadline. This news coverage provides helpful context on stakeholder feedback and timeline extensions as INEC prepares the national register for upcoming polls.