By NIyi JACOBS
Nigerians will begin paying significantly more for driver’s licenses and vehicle number plates starting Sunday, June 8, 2025, following a new nationwide pricing regime approved by the Joint Tax Board (JTB).
The JTB announced that the fee adjustment stems from the integration of enhanced security features and increased production costs. It urged all relevant agencies and licensing offices across the country to implement the new rates without delay.
Under the revised structure, a 3-year driver’s license for motor vehicles will cost N15,000, while a 5-year license will go for N21,000. Tricycle drivers are to pay N7,000 for a 3-year license and N11,000 for a 5-year option.
For number plates, the standard private and commercial vehicle plates now cost N30,000 each, while articulated vehicles will pay N90,000. Dealer plates are now priced at N100,000, and out-of-season plates at N150,000. Fancy vehicle number plates will set motorists back by N400,000.
Government-issued standard plates are now pegged at N80,000, with fancy government plates priced at N120,000. Motorcycle owners will pay N12,000 for regular plates and N50,000 for fancy versions. Government motorcycle plates have also been adjusted to N20,000 and N50,000, respectively.
This is the second major hike in four years. A similar adjustment occurred in 2021 when standard number plates increased from N12,500 to N18,750, and fancy plates from N80,000 to N200,000. The cost of driver’s licenses also rose then—from N6,000 to N10,000 for three years and N10,000 to N15,000 for five years.
The JTB has defended the increase, citing inflation, rising costs of materials, and the need for tamper-proof security upgrades. However, the new rates are likely to stir public debate amid prevailing economic hardship and high living costs.
