Driver’s license: FRSC unveils contactless system to eliminate backlogs by November

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has implemented a new contactless biometric system nationwide, streamlining driver’s license processing. Applicants can now complete biometric capture without physical contact and receive their permanent licenses immediately, eliminating waiting periods and temporary documents through a fully digital and automated process.

The innovation was announced on Monday in Abuja during the launch of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign themed “Tech Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed stated that the FRSC’s upgraded printing facility, created to resolve persistent driver’s license delays, can now produce 15,000 licenses daily, with plans to eliminate backlogs before mid-November.

The contactless process uses technology that captures fingerprints without physical touch, ensuring hygiene, speed, and accuracy. It is also linked to the National Identification Number (NIN) database to verify identities instantly.

The Corps Marshal also announced that driver’s licenses will now be issued immediately upon the completion of the application, eliminating temporary licenses and lengthy delays. This streamlined system was developed in collaboration with state governments, driving schools, and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) for nationwide implementation.

Integrating driving school certification and inspection into the contactless system will streamline the process. Mohammed stated this initiative marks the start of a comprehensive digital platform for all licensing services.

Clearing driver’s license backlogs and connecting systems

FRSC Deputy Corps Marshal Aliyu Datsama announced the nationwide rollout of a new system, including in Lagos, to address a backlog of unprocessed driver’s license applications. He stated that the system has already reduced the backlog from 800,000 to 400,000, and the FRSC is now operating 24/7 to produce up to 40,000 licenses daily to eliminate the remaining gap.

“We are working 24/7 to clear the remaining backlog in the coming weeks,” Datsama said. He also revealed that more than 206,000 printed licences remain unclaimed across the country and urged applicants to collect theirs.

The FRSC is collaborating with state revenue boards and vehicle inspection units to fully integrate the new system, a key component of a larger initiative to synchronise all vehicle and driver data within a unified digital framework.

Corps Marshal Mohammed stated the reform aims to meet global standards for instant license issuance upon completion of the process, thereby reducing human error, corruption, and increasing transparency.

At the FRSC’s Driver’s License Print Farm in Abuja, officials showcased their contactless technology, which uses near-field biometric sensors to capture fingerprints without physical contact. This system reduces waiting times and eliminates manual verification.

Read also: Driver’s license: FRSC, ECOWAS to create a unified registration system for West Africa

Having tested and confirmed its instant processing and printing capabilities, the agency’s new technology marks a complete departure from the previous manual system, which often resulted in drivers waiting weeks or months for their licenses.

Towards a faster, safer licensing process

Nigeria’s transport administration is undergoing a significant improvement with the introduction of a new contactless biometric system. This aims to address the longstanding issues of delays and system failures plaguing driver’s license applications and renewals, which have led to expired temporary licenses and public frustration.

The FRSC aims to permanently resolve challenges by transitioning to a fully digital, contactless system. This system expedites data processing, secures verification, reduces physical document handling, provides real-time application updates, and eliminates the need for in-person visits to multiple offices.

Linking the process to the NIN database will streamline identity verification, thus preventing fraudulent registrations. This will enhance road safety enforcement by providing officers with accurate, real-time driver data.

This digital shift aligns with the national objective of enhancing service delivery through technology. Building on existing digital systems for identity, tax, and business registration, the FRSC’s new system extends automation to motor vehicle and driver licensing, demonstrating improved efficiency and transparency in public services.

The FRSC will implement its contactless system in state offices and licensing centers nationwide in the coming months. Officials assert the system’s design ensures it can manage high traffic and support nationwide adoption without compromising processing speed.

The agency expects the system to reduce pending licenses, improve federal-state coordination, and rebuild public trust in vehicle administration. The new system offers drivers a streamlined experience with one-stop application, capture, and collection of licenses, eliminating long waits, temporary papers, and repeat visits.

This move demonstrates the FRSC’s belief in technology’s ability to overcome administrative obstacles. The nationwide implementation and success of this contactless system will likely shape the future of digital government services in Nigeria’s transport sector and potentially others.