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NIN and BVN show different dates of birth: which one to fix

NIN date of birth different from BVN? Find out which record is wrong first, because NIMC lets you change a NIN date of birth only once.

3 min readBy the Docufy editorial team

Quick answer

Find out which record is wrong before you change anything. NIMC lets you change a NIN date of birth only once, and the fee is ₦28,574, so be sure the NIN is the record at fault. Ask your bank how a BVN is corrected; this post has no steps for that.

NIN date of birth changes
only once
NIMC fee
₦28,574
Free when
free if NIMC made the original error
See what NIMC holds
NINAuth slip, free
On this page

A date of birth that differs between your NIN and your BVN has one safe first move: find out which record is wrong. NIMC lets you change a NIN date of birth only once, so a wrong guess is costly.

This post covers the date of birth only. It sits inside our wider NIN and NIMC guides.

Step 1: see what NIMC holds

Download your NIN slip in NINAuth at ninauth.nimc.gov.ng. In the app, go to Do More with NINAuth, then NIN Slip, then download. It costs free.

Read the date of birth on the slip. That is the NIN record. Now find the date of birth on your BVN record, which your bank can help you see. Write the two dates side by side.

Start with the NIN record, because a NIN date of birth can be changed only once.

Step 2: decide which record is wrong

Neither date is right just because it is newer. Compare both with your earliest birth document, such as a birth certificate.

  • If the NIN is wrong and the BVN is right, the NIN needs a correction.
  • If the NIN is right and the BVN is wrong, leave the NIN alone. Ask your bank how to correct the BVN. We do not have steps for that.
  • If both are wrong, correct the NIN with extra care. Its date of birth can be changed only once.

TechCabal reported in April 2024 that a date of birth change needs an NPC birth certificate or attestation. NIMC's own site does not list documents field by field, so treat that as a guide. The NPC is the National Population Commission. Our post on which NPC document proves your date of birth has the detail.

No birth certificate? NPC lists a NIN and a court sworn affidavit for an attestation of birth, and it is for adults aged 18 and above. See NPC attestation of birth for adults.

Why the NIN gives you one attempt

NIMC allows a NIN date of birth change only once. That holds online or at a centre. TechCabal reports that a payment for any later change is not refunded and the change is not made.

The fee is ₦28,574, against ₦2,000 for other fields. Both figures date from 2 May 2025.

If you may have used your one change already, read already changed your NIN date of birth once before you pay anything. The fee post shows how the price moved.

When the fix is free

NIMC has confirmed that the correction is free if NIMC made the original error. The rule behind it is Article 36(4) of the GAID 2025, the General Application and Implementation Directive. It says that when a data controller or processor makes an error inputting personal data, it is corrected at no cost to the person.

Reports do not say how to claim the waiver. Keep the documents you gave at enrolment, because they show what you supplied. The post on the free date of birth fix goes further.

Once you know the NIN is at fault

Apply on NIMC's self-service portal at selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng. Or start a NIN modification with Docufy, which only collects your details in the right format. A vetted partner firm files it, and NIMC decides it.

A NIN modification needs no office visit unless you change your photo. The step-by-step modification guide has the full walk-through.

Have your birth document and your NINAuth slip to hand. Use one device and one browser for every step, because NIMC ties the account to the same device and browser used to create the account.

Common mistakes

  • Changing the NIN to match a wrong BVN. The NIN change happens once, so check first.
  • Paying anyone who promises a second date of birth change. NIMC allows it only once.
  • Retrying a bank update with the same two dates. Find out which record is wrong first.
  • Picking the "right" date from memory. Use a document, not a guess.

Questions people ask

Which date of birth is right, my NIN or my BVN?

Neither is right by default. Compare both with your earliest birth document, such as a birth certificate. Fix the record that disagrees with it.

Can I change my NIN date of birth twice?

No. NIMC allows it only once, online or at a centre. See already changed your NIN date of birth once.

Will my bank accept my NIN if the dates differ?

Ask your bank. We do not know how each bank treats two different dates, so check before you retry. See linking your NIN to your bank account.

Is the fix free if NIMC made the mistake?

NIMC has confirmed that a date of birth correction is free if NIMC made the original error. Reports do not say how to claim it, so keep the documents you gave at enrolment.

Sources

5 more sources

Last checked 27 Sep 2026. Fees and rules change; the agency that issues the document has the final word. See our editorial policy.

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