FRSC Launches Contactless Biometric System for Instant Driver’s License Issuance

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced a major technological leap in its public service delivery with the introduction of a contactless biometric capture system for the National Driver’s License. This significant digital reform aims to end the long-standing challenges of delays and the use of temporary licenses by enabling on-the-spot printing of the permanent card.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed unveiled the new system on Monday in Abuja during the flag-off of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign. He stated that the innovation will transform the process into a digitalized one-stop-shop, eliminating the need for applicants to wait weeks or months for their licenses.

“We are about to commence the contactless biometric capture with on-spot printing of the licence. This will eliminate temporary licences, thereby signalling the beginning of a digitalized one-stop-shop for processing driver’s licence,” Mohammed explained. He assured the public that once an applicant’s biometric data is captured using the new system, the permanent driver’s license will be issued instantly.

The new contactless technology allows for the capture of biometric data, specifically fingerprints, without physical contact, ensuring both a faster process and improved hygiene. Furthermore, the entire system is fully synchronized with the National Identification Number (NIN) database, a measure designed to strengthen data integrity and ensure seamless identity verification.

To manage the transition, the FRSC has significantly upgraded its production infrastructure, boosting its daily printing capacity to an impressive 40,000 licenses. Deputy Corps Marshal Aliyu Datsama confirmed that this increased capacity has already helped reduce a massive backlog of unprocessed licenses from 800,000 to 400,000, with a goal to clear the remaining pending applications before mid-November. The Corps urged applicants who have already completed their capture to check and collect their permanent licenses, noting that over 206,000 licenses remain unclaimed nationwide.