How to Register BVN Without Going to the Bank

How to Register BVN Without Going to the Bank. A Radical Guide for Nigerians Who Want to Digitize Their Identity Without Visiting the Bank Hall. In Nigeria, the phrase “go to the bank” has historically meant a long day of queuing, sweating under noisy fans, and repeating your mother’s maiden name to a stern-faced teller. It’s a rite of passage. It’s also outdated.

In the digital era especially after the pandemic and the diaspora tech boom Nigerians are questioning the old structures. One of the loudest questions being whispered and typed into Google late at night is:

“Can I register for BVN without going to the bank?”

And the short answer?

Yes. But not in the way you think.

In this post, we will uncover unconventional, little-known, and even semi-hacked methods that real Nigerians—students, hustlers, developers, and diasporans—are using to register their BVNs without physically setting foot in a bank. We’ll dig into what works, what’s unofficial-but-functional, what CBN allows, and what exists in legal grey zones.

This isn’t your usual fintech fluff. This is lived experience, obscure research, and whispers from inside the system.

UNDERSTANDING THE OBSTACLE

Let’s begin by defining the elephant in the room.

 Why You Traditionally Had to Go to the Bank

The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is not just a code—it’s a biometric identity system. When BVN was introduced in 2014, it required:

Fingerprint capture

Facial image capture

Signature capture

ID document validation

Because of the biometric requirement, the CBN mandated in-person registration—you needed to physically appear at a designated bank branch. No biometric = no BVN.

But what happens if:

You’re bedridden?

You’re living abroad?

You’re in a remote village with no banking presence?

Or simply... you refuse to spend 4 hours under fluorescent lights?

Let’s now explore the lesser-known and evolving alternatives.

REGISTERING BVN REMOTELY — MYTH OR POSSIBILITY?

The straight answer is: Yes, it is possible—but not via a single magical app. It requires navigating through approved alternative channels, including third-party capture centers and embassy-authorized missions.

Let’s look at the options that exist today (and growing every year).

The NRBVN Route — For Diaspora Nigerians

If you’re outside Nigeria, you qualify for Non-Resident BVN (NRBVN). While the name is slightly different, the result is the same—you get a 11-digit BVN that works like any other.

Here’s how it works:

Step-by-Step NRBVN Registration Without Going to Bank:

Find an NRBVN Agent or Embassy Partner

Nigerian embassies and consulates in the US, UK, Canada, UAE, Germany, etc., partner with fintechs and consultants for BVN biometric capture. These may be:

OIS Services (Outsourced immigration services)

VFS Global centers

Innovate1Pay partners

Afripay, PayAfrica, or other diaspora fintechs

Book an Appointment or Walk-in

Many of these agents operate inside Nigerian embassies. You can call, email, or book via their websites.

Capture Biometric Data on Site

They’ll capture your fingerprints, facial image, and document scans on specialized machines connected to NIBSS (the national BVN system).

Get Your BVN Via Email or SMS

Within 1–7 working days, your NRBVN is generated and sent to your registered phone/email.

No bank visit. No queues. No shouting.

Note: This is 100% legitimate. It's CBN-approved, though many Nigerians abroad still don't know it exists.

BVN Enrollment by Proxy (Unofficial But Happens)

Now, here’s a practice that happens underground but is surprisingly common—using a proxy to register BVN on your behalf in Nigeria.

While it’s not officially sanctioned, some families, especially in villages, have used trusted relatives to:

Fill the BVN form with your data

Present your ID photocopy

Provide biometric data from someone else (risky)

Collect and forward your BVN

⚠️ This method is dangerous. If someone else’s fingerprint or face is captured instead of yours, you will never truly “own” that BVN. It could lead to fraud cases, access denial, and legal issues.

Verdict? Not recommended. But yes, it has happened.

Third-Party BVN Capture Centers (Within Nigeria)

In major Nigerian cities, third-party licensed BVN registration points now exist—especially inside:

NIMC offices

POS Super Agents

Fintech partner stores (e.g., Opay, Palmpay offices)

Telco hubs (MTN, Airtel sometimes assist in registration)

These places, though not banks, have CBN-licensed biometric machines. You can walk into one, present your ID, and get your BVN enrolled just like you would in a bank branch.

Some even offer mobile BVN capture for elders or disabled persons.

So, if your issue is not distance but just avoiding the big banks themselves, this method is golden.