Banking•CBN

How to change or correct details on your BVN

How to correct a BVN name, date of birth, phone number or other eligible record through the bank or authorised BVN participant that handles BVN updates.

VerifiedChecked 2026-09-28
WhatsAppWatching saves a comparison snapshot on this device. Saved Guides will flag fee or verification changes when you return.
CostConfirm with your bank or authorised BVN participant
TimelineCBN's BVN-issue clarification states that BVN issues should be resolved within 5 working days after all required documents are submitted, although complex verification can take longer.
RoutePhysical / assisted process
AgencyCBN
Checked2026-09-28
My Process

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How to get this service

Online, physical or both?

Physical / assisted process
Recommended start

Use the responsible office or institution

Contact a bank or authorised BVN participant that processes BVN record updates and state exactly which field is wrong or has legally changed before presenting documents. Then for a date-of-birth correction, present documentary evidence of the correct date; CBN permits this correction only once, so verify every digit before authorising the update.

Physical / assisted stage

Plan for a physical or institution-assisted step

The in-person or assisted stage stated in this guide is: For a date-of-birth correction, present documentary evidence of the correct date; CBN permits this correction only once, so verify every digit before authorising the update.

Find official offices/centres →
If something blocks you

If this specific process gets stuck

Use CBN's official support/contact route and quote the reference generated by this application.

View agency guidance →

Only authorised routes. We never present an unofficial agent, cybercafé or third-party payment page as an alternative unless the responsible agency authorises it.

Documents, details and prerequisites you need

This is the complete pre-start checklist from the verified guide. Each item below explains what it is for, where it enters the process and whether the official source actually specifies an original, copy or upload.

2 Identity / account details2 Documents
01
Identity / account detail

Existing BVN and access to the bank or authorised BVN participant handling the record

Why you need it
Used to identify the banking identity record connected to this request.
Where it is used
Most directly connected to step 1: Contact a bank or authorised BVN participant that processes BVN record updates and state exactly which field is wrong or has legally changed before presenting documents.
Original, copy or upload?
This is used during the physical stage described in step 1.
02
Document

Valid identification showing the correct personal details

Why you need it
This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
Where it is used
Most directly connected to step 3: For a name change or spelling correction, provide the identification and legal documents that support the new or corrected name, and make sure the requested BVN name will match the identity you use across your bank accounts.
Original, copy or upload?
The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
03
Document

Supporting civil or legal documents for the requested change, such as a marriage/divorce certificate, affidavit, newspaper publication or date-of-birth evidence where applicable

Why you need it
Used as sworn evidence for the loss, correction or change described in this service where the agency requires an affidavit.
Where it is used
Most directly connected to step 1: Contact a bank or authorised BVN participant that processes BVN record updates and state exactly which field is wrong or has legally changed before presenting documents.
Original, copy or upload?
This is used during the physical stage described in step 1.
04
Identity / account detail

Access to the BVN-linked phone number or additional identity verification requested by the processing institution

Why you need it
Used to identify the banking identity record connected to this request.
Where it is used
Most directly connected to step 4: For a BVN-linked phone-number change, present the identification and verification evidence required by the processing institution, then confirm the replacement number carefully; CBN's 2026 amendment permits the linked phone number to be changed only once.
Original, copy or upload?
This is used during the physical stage described in step 4.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow the process in order. Each step also shows what to have ready, what to check before continuing and what evidence to keep. Where the agency does not publish an extra requirement, this guide does not invent one.

01
Documents / upload

Contact a bank or authorised BVN participant that processes BVN record updates and state exactly which field is wrong or has legally changed before presenting documents.

Have ready for this step
  • Existing BVN and access to the bank or authorised BVN participant handling the record
  • Supporting civil or legal documents for the requested change, such as a marriage/divorce certificate, affidavit, newspaper publication or date-of-birth evidence where applicable
Check before moving on

Check that every file belongs to the correct applicant/record, is readable and matches the portal prompt before upload.

Keep as evidence

Keep any reference, confirmation, screenshot or acknowledgement generated by the official route.

02
Documents / upload

For a date-of-birth correction, present documentary evidence of the correct date; CBN permits this correction only once, so verify every digit before authorising the update.

Have ready for this step
  • Supporting civil or legal documents for the requested change, such as a marriage/divorce certificate, affidavit, newspaper publication or date-of-birth evidence where applicable
  • Valid identification showing the correct personal details
Check before moving on

Check that every file belongs to the correct applicant/record, is readable and matches the portal prompt before upload.

Keep as evidence

Keep any reference, confirmation, screenshot or acknowledgement generated by the official route.

03
Documents / upload

For a name change or spelling correction, provide the identification and legal documents that support the new or corrected name, and make sure the requested BVN name will match the identity you use across your bank accounts.

Have ready for this step
  • Supporting civil or legal documents for the requested change, such as a marriage/divorce certificate, affidavit, newspaper publication or date-of-birth evidence where applicable
  • Access to the BVN-linked phone number or additional identity verification requested by the processing institution
  • Existing BVN and access to the bank or authorised BVN participant handling the record
Check before moving on

Check that every file belongs to the correct applicant/record, is readable and matches the portal prompt before upload.

Keep as evidence

Keep the application/reference number, acknowledgement or confirmation generated after submission.

04
Physical / assisted stage

For a BVN-linked phone-number change, present the identification and verification evidence required by the processing institution, then confirm the replacement number carefully; CBN's 2026 amendment permits the linked phone number to be changed only once.

Have ready for this step
  • Access to the BVN-linked phone number or additional identity verification requested by the processing institution
  • Supporting civil or legal documents for the requested change, such as a marriage/divorce certificate, affidavit, newspaper publication or date-of-birth evidence where applicable
  • Valid identification showing the correct personal details
Check before moving on

Check that every file belongs to the correct applicant/record, is readable and matches the portal prompt before upload.

Keep as evidence

Keep the linked phone/SIM and any official code or confirmation message private and accessible.

05
Collect / finish

Collect the update acknowledgement or reference from the processing institution, allow the BVN record to be updated, then confirm the corrected details with your bank; if the issue remains unresolved after the published resolution window, lodge a formal complaint with the bank and escalate the unresolved complaint to CBN where necessary.

Have ready for this step
  • Existing BVN and access to the bank or authorised BVN participant handling the record
  • Access to the BVN-linked phone number or additional identity verification requested by the processing institution
  • Valid identification showing the correct personal details
Check before moving on

Check the finished document/result for spelling, identity details, reference numbers and status before relying on it.

Keep as evidence

Keep the final document/result plus any receipt or reference used to obtain it.

After you submit

What exactly happens next?

Keep the evidence for Change BVN details

Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.

Complete the final published step

Collect the update acknowledgement or reference from the processing institution, allow the BVN record to be updated, then confirm the corrected details with your bank; if the issue remains unresolved after the published resolution window, lodge a formal complaint with the bank and escalate the unresolved complaint to CBN where necessary.

Know what counts as completion

CBN's BVN-issue clarification states that BVN issues should be resolved within 5 working days after all required documents are submitted, although complex verification can take longer.

Escalate with the right reference

Use CBN's official support channel with the application/reference details.

Important notes

  • CBN allows correction of date of birth on a BVN record once, supported by evidence of the correct date.
  • Name changes arising from marriage, divorce or religion require supporting documents; minor spelling corrections require valid identification showing the correct name.
  • CBN's March 2026 amendment says a BVN-linked phone number may be changed only once from 1 May 2026.
  • The name attached to the BVN should be consistent across the customer's banking relationships.

Common questions

These answers are generated from the verified requirements, route, fee, timeline and official-source notes for this specific service.

What should I prepare before I start?

Prepare before you begin by gathering every item below. The detailed checklist above explains why each one is needed, where it is used, and whether the official source specifies an original, copy or upload.

  • Existing BVN and access to the bank or authorised BVN participant handling the record — Identity / account detail
  • Valid identification showing the correct personal details — Document
  • Supporting civil or legal documents for the requested change, such as a marriage/divorce certificate, affidavit, newspaper publication or date-of-birth evidence where applicable — Document
  • Access to the BVN-linked phone number or additional identity verification requested by the processing institution — Identity / account detail
Can I do this online, or do I need to visit an office?

Physical / assisted process. Contact a bank or authorised BVN participant that processes BVN record updates and state exactly which field is wrong or has legally changed before presenting documents. Then for a date-of-birth correction, present documentary evidence of the correct date; CBN permits this correction only once, so verify every digit before authorising the update.

The in-person or assisted stage stated in this guide is: For a date-of-birth correction, present documentary evidence of the correct date; CBN permits this correction only once, so verify every digit before authorising the update.

How much does this service cost?

Confirm with your bank or authorised BVN participant — CBN rules define which BVN fields may be changed, but the regulatory framework does not publish one universal customer-facing modification fee. Confirm any charge with the institution processing the update before paying.

Pay only through the responsible agency or the official payment channel linked in this guide.

How long should it take?

CBN's BVN-issue clarification states that BVN issues should be resolved within 5 working days after all required documents are submitted, although complex verification can take longer.

Processing can still take longer where identity checks, document corrections, payment confirmation or manual review are required.

What happens after I submit or complete the main step?

Keep the evidence for Change BVN details: Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.

Complete the final published step: Collect the update acknowledgement or reference from the processing institution, allow the BVN record to be updated, then confirm the corrected details with your bank; if the issue remains unresolved after the published resolution window, lodge a formal complaint with the bank and escalate the unresolved complaint to CBN where necessary.

What should I do if the portal, payment or application gets stuck?

Use CBN's official support/contact route and quote the reference generated by this application.

Keep any application number, receipt, acknowledgement, transaction reference or screenshot that can help the agency trace the request.

What should I be careful about?
  • CBN allows correction of date of birth on a BVN record once, supported by evidence of the correct date.
  • Name changes arising from marriage, divorce or religion require supporting documents; minor spelling corrections require valid identification showing the correct name.
How do I verify that these instructions are current?

This guide was last checked on 2026-09-28. The official government or agency sources used to verify it are listed directly below this section.

Where an agency changes a fee, deadline or procedure, the official source takes priority over this independent guide.

Is MyNigeriaGuide the government website for this service?

No. MyNigeriaGuide is an independent information service. Applications, payments, approvals and final decisions remain with the responsible government agency.

Official sources

These are the government or agency pages used to verify this guide. Open them directly whenever you want to confirm the source.

Accuracy

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