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Dial the official NIBSS USSD code
Open the phone dialler on a Nigerian mobile line and dial *565*1# to start the NIBSS BVN-validation service. Then enter the 11-digit BVN in the USSD prompt and review the number before sending the request.
No office visit is stated for the standard USSD check
The current sources for Validate BVN do not state a compulsory walk-in stage for the standard route.
Find official offices/centres →If this specific process gets stuck
Use NIBSS'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.
The 11-digit BVN you want to validate
- Why you need it
- Used to identify the banking identity record connected to this request.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Enter the 11-digit BVN in the USSD prompt and review the number before sending the request.
- 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.
A Nigerian mobile line that can dial NIBSS *565# USSD services
- 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 1: Open the phone dialler on a Nigerian mobile line and dial *565*1# to start the NIBSS BVN-validation service.
- 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.
At least ₦20 airtime for the NIBSS BVN-validation service charge
- 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: Open the phone dialler on a Nigerian mobile line and dial *565*1# to start the NIBSS BVN-validation service.
- 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.
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.
Open the phone dialler on a Nigerian mobile line and dial *565*1# to start the NIBSS BVN-validation service.
- A Nigerian mobile line that can dial NIBSS *565# USSD services
- At least ₦20 airtime for the NIBSS BVN-validation service charge
Use the official route linked on this guide and make sure you are working in the correct applicant/entity account before entering data.
Keep the linked phone/SIM and any official code or confirmation message private and accessible.
Enter the 11-digit BVN in the USSD prompt and review the number before sending the request.
- The 11-digit BVN you want to validate
- A Nigerian mobile line that can dial NIBSS *565# USSD services
Review names, numbers, dates, contact details and selections before final submission because corrections may require a separate official process.
Keep the application/reference number, acknowledgement or confirmation generated after submission.
Confirm the request so the ₦20 NIBSS service charge can be applied to the USSD session.
- A Nigerian mobile line that can dial NIBSS *565# USSD services
- At least ₦20 airtime for the NIBSS BVN-validation service charge
Review names, numbers, dates, contact details and selections before final submission because corrections may require a separate official process.
Keep the application/reference number, acknowledgement or confirmation generated after submission.
Read the validation response and compare the returned registered name with the person or record you are checking before relying on the BVN.
- At least ₦20 airtime for the NIBSS BVN-validation service charge
Review names, numbers, dates, contact details and selections before final submission because corrections may require a separate official process.
Keep the application/reference number, acknowledgement or confirmation generated after submission.
What exactly happens next?
Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.
Read the validation response and compare the returned registered name with the person or record you are checking before relying on the BVN.
The validation result is returned during the USSD session.
Use NIBSS's official support channel with the application/reference details.
Quick answers about Validate BVN
Direct answers to the questions people commonly search for, using the same verified fee, requirements, route and timeline shown in this guide.
How much does Validate BVN cost in 2026?
₦20 — NIBSS states that BVN validation through *565*1# carries a ₦20 service fee.
What do I need for Validate BVN?
The current verified checklist includes The 11-digit BVN you want to validate, A Nigerian mobile line that can dial NIBSS *565# USSD services, and At least ₦20 airtime for the NIBSS BVN-validation service charge. Open the requirements section below for the complete list and any service-specific evidence.
Can I do Validate BVN online?
USSD service. Open the phone dialler on a Nigerian mobile line and dial *565*1# to start the NIBSS BVN-validation service. Then enter the 11-digit BVN in the USSD prompt and review the number before sending the request. The current sources for Validate BVN do not state a compulsory walk-in stage for the standard route.
How long does Validate BVN take?
The validation result is returned during the USSD session.
Where do I start Validate BVN?
Open the phone dialler on a Nigerian mobile line and dial *565*1# to start the NIBSS BVN-validation service. Then enter the 11-digit BVN in the USSD prompt and review the number before sending the request.
Important notes
- NIBSS says the service confirms that a BVN is correct and returns the name registered to the BVN.
- This is different from retrieving your own forgotten BVN with *565*0#.
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.
- The 11-digit BVN you want to validate — Identity / account detail
- A Nigerian mobile line that can dial NIBSS *565# USSD services — Other requirement
- At least ₦20 airtime for the NIBSS BVN-validation service charge — Identity / account detail
Can I do this online, or do I need to visit an office?
USSD service. Open the phone dialler on a Nigerian mobile line and dial *565*1# to start the NIBSS BVN-validation service. Then enter the 11-digit BVN in the USSD prompt and review the number before sending the request.
The current sources for Validate BVN do not state a compulsory walk-in stage for the standard route.
How much does this service cost?
₦20 — NIBSS states that BVN validation through *565*1# carries a ₦20 service fee.
Pay only through the responsible agency or the official payment channel linked in this guide.
How long should it take?
The validation result is returned during the USSD session.
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 Validate BVN: Keep the application/reference number, payment receipt, acknowledgement or downloadable record produced by this service.
Complete the final published step: Read the validation response and compare the returned registered name with the person or record you are checking before relying on the BVN.
What should I do if the portal, payment or application gets stuck?
Use NIBSS'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?
- NIBSS says the service confirms that a BVN is correct and returns the name registered to the BVN.
- This is different from retrieving your own forgotten BVN with *565*0#.
How do I verify that these instructions are current?
This guide was last checked on 2026-10-03. 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.
See something outdated?
Correction reporting is checked only when you choose to report an issue, keeping normal guide loads lighter.