Cost of Change Of Date Of Birth On Nigerian Passport

 

Introduction

The Nigerian passport is an important identification and travel document issued to Nigerian citizens. It is used for both domestic and international identification purposes. However, in some cases, the date of birth on the passport may be incorrect due to human error during the initial application. This article seeks to provide comprehensive information on the cost of correcting or changing the date of birth on a Nigerian passport.

 

Cost Of Change Of Date Of Birth On Nigerian Passport

The cost of changing the date of birth on a Nigerian passport depends on the type of passport. For a regular passport, the cost is approximately 20,000 Nigerian Naira. For an e-passport (biometric passport), the cost is slightly higher at 33,000 Nigerian Naira. These costs cover the administrative expenses involved in re-issuing a new passport with the correct date of birth.

 

Factors Affecting Cost

A few factors influence the exact cost:

 

·        Regular vs. e-passport: e-passports have a higher fee.

·        Processing location: Fees may vary between passport offices in Nigeria and overseas missions.

·        Processing time: Rush fees apply for expedited issuance within 3 weeks.

In Nigeria, applications processed at the Nigerian Immigration Service headquarters in Abuja typically take 8 weeks for a regular passport and 3 weeks for an e-passport. Overseas, timing depends on individual Nigerian foreign missions.

 

Procedures For Changing Date Of Birth On Nigerian Passport

The procedures to correct the date of birth involve obtaining approval and re-issuance of a new passport. Here are the step-by-step guidelines:

 

Step 1 - Application For Approval

Submit a written application to the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service through the nearest Nigerian foreign mission or NIS zonal office. Attach relevant identity documents supporting the new date of birth.

 

Step 2 - Provide Valid Documents

Documents such as original birth certificates, statutory declaration of age, affidavits, school records, and national ID cards must corroborate the new date. Marriage/divorce papers may also be required for married women.

 

 Step 3 - Approval From Immigration Headquarters

The application is forwarded to NIS headquarters in Abuja for vetting and approval. This can take 4-6 weeks. You will be notified by email/phone on approval.

 

Step 4 - Re-Application For New Passport

Once approved, re-apply for a new passport with the corrected information. Provide approval proof, old passport, and standard identity documents.

 

Step 5 - Passport Issuance

Upon successful processing, the new e-passport is issued containing the accurate date of birth. This takes 1-3 weeks depending on mission.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required for changing the date of birth?

Original birth certificate, statutory declaration of age, affidavits, school records, marriage/divorce papers (if applicable), and old passport are required.

How long is the approval process?

It takes an average of 4-6 weeks to get approval from NIS headquarters after submitting the application to your nearest Nigerian foreign mission or NIS office.

Can I expedite the approval process?

Yes, you can pay additional fees for expedited processing within 2-3 weeks. However, approval is still subject to NIS headquarters.

What if I don't have my original birth records?

You can submit a statutory declaration of age or affidavits from persons who have known you from birth, including family members and community leaders.

Can I correct multiple details besides the date of birth?

Yes, you can apply to correct other details like name, place of birth, etc. in the same application on approval from NIS.

Is the cost of change higher for minors?

No, the fee structure is the same. However, additional documents like parental consent are required for minors below 18 years of age.

 

Conclusion

To summarize, the cost of correcting the date of birth on a Nigerian passport ranges between ₦20,000 to ₦33,000 depending on the passport type. The process requires approval from NIS which takes 4-6 weeks. Original identification records are preferable, though statutory options are available. I hope this guide has answered all your queries regarding the cost and procedures for a change of date of birth on a Nigerian passport.