How to correct my BVN name in Nigeria

How to correct my BVN name – You probably have the wrong name captured on your BVN, or your bank refused to link the BVN to your new account on the premise of an irregular name cited on the BVN, if this feels like you, this piece will address the issue, as well as show you how to get it rectified.

Why you may need to correct/change your BVN name

There are a few reasons you may need to get your BVN name corrected/changed, you can also correct your date of birth, correct/change phone number, as the case may be, these include but are not limited to;

• You probably want to add a name to your existing name
• There’s a case for ladies who got married and it becomes necessary to change their names
• There’s a wrong name in your bank account

Whatever the situation is, the purpose of changing the BVN name is to regularize it to conform with the name in your bank account.

How to correct BVN name

To correct your BVN name, you will need to visit the very bank/branch where you were profiled on the BVN portal in the first place.

Some banks/branches have preferred modules for this service, listen to their customer service attentively for the requirements, however, what you will learn shortly is a blanket approach to it.

Step one: Visit the Bank/branch where you registered for BVN, walk straight to the customer service unit, and request to correct your BVN name.

Be sure to visit the bank with a supporting document like a driver’s license, national ID card, voter card, or international passport.

The name on the document must contain the name you are looking to bear.

Step two: Visit a court of competent jurisdiction and request for an affidavit of change of name, you forward.

You may be required to pay a small fee for the affidavit granted, though not outrageous.

Step three: The next thing is will need to do having obtained the affidavit is a notary public on a national daily.

This is to affirm that you have changed/corrected your name as such members of the public should be aware, and moving forward all previous documents remain valid.

This is the attestation upon which the bank will stand to grant your request for a BVN change of name. The affidavit should be duly signed and sealed.

Step four: Buy a copy of the national daily which your affidavit was published and take it to the bank.

You will be required to complete a BVN change of name form, usually known as a customer information update form.

Complete the form correctly and return it to the customer service officer who will process your request for the name change on the BVN/NIBBS portal.

On successful initiation, your preferred name will appear in your BVN within 24-48 hours.

Can BVN details be edited?

The answer is a ‘YES.” Your details can be edited, however, you are required to provide supporting documents, as well as visit the bank branch where you were profiled on BVN to edit such details.

 How can I check my BVN details online?

You can check your BVN details via;

• NIBBS portal
• You can check your details by visiting the bank

Can BVN be registered twice?

Each customer is expected to be profiled on the BVN portal only once, however, the CBN has not given a go-ahead for multiple personal registrations.

Can I edit my BVN details online?

Unfortunately, you cannot edit your BVN details by yourself either online or offline. However, details can be corrected at the physical bank branch location with approved supporting documents.

Can I block my BVN and get a new one?

You cannot block your BVN, and neither can you create a new one. The NIBBS is exclusively empowered to profile and modify details, this can only be achieved through the profiling bank branch.

Can I change my BVN name and age?

Your BVN name can only be corrected, you are not allowed to change the whole name, however, your age can be changed or corrected with a supporting document.

Can someone withdraw money from my account with my BVN?

According to CBN, the BVN is neither a payment instrument nor an account number and therefore could not be used to access any account by unauthorized users.

However, you are advised not to expose your BVN randomly, it has been reported that some scammers access online loans from the comfort of their location someone else’s BVN.

Can loan apps blacklist my BVN?

If you are looking to take a loan with an online loan app, be sure to take a loan you can repay. However, do not take a loan if you do not have a means for repayment.

Not repaying your loan will lead to the loan company reporting you to the credit bureau, when this happens your BVN will most likely be blacklisted and you may not be able to access services with financial institutions in Nigeria.

Who controls BVN?

The Central Bank of Nigeria has the regulatory and oversight function on the BVN system in Nigeria.

How do I access my BVN on my phone?

You can access your BVN on your phone using the USSD code without the internet facility.

From your registered phone number on BVN, dial *565*0#, your BVN will be displayed on your screen.

Kindly note that you are required to have N20 at least on your phone to access this service.

How can I check my BVN without a phone number?

You can check your BVN via your Mobile app, kindly log into your app and you will see the BVN displayed conspicuously in most bank mobile apps.

Walk into any bank where your account is domiciled and ask to check and receive your BVN number.

Letter for change of BVN name in Nigeria

Some banks may require that you write a letter to the manager before your BVN name can be corrected.

Kindly find the below sample letter and take a clue from it.

Letter for change of BVN name

Sir,

          Letter for change of BVN name

The above subject refers to;

Kindly use this as an instruction to correct/change my BVN name.

My name is Raphael Orji, I am one of your customers at ABC Bank PLC.

Account name: 1089678434, I look forward to your swift response.

Yours in Business,

Raphael Orji.

Conclusion

 You can get your BVN name corrected, however, you are required to provide the supporting document. You are allowed to correct your BVN name once, CBN has not given a green light for multiple changes or corrections. Be informed that the whole name cannot be changed, rather can be corrected.