A Comprehensive Guide on How to Change Your BVN Phone Number in Nigeria

Your Bank Verification Number (BVN) is an important identity verification tool for conducting seamless banking transactions in Nigeria. Along with your name and date of birth, your contact phone number is also stored within your BVN profile.

It is quite possible that over time, your phone number may change due to various life events like upgrading devices, shifting networks or relocating. In such cases, it is important to update your new number across all your financial records, including within your BVN.

Failing to change your phone number on the BVN can lead to problems receiving important SMS alerts and verification codes from banks. This guide comprehensively explains the step-by-step process to officially amend your phone number on the BVN database in Nigeria.

Reasons for Changing BVN Phone Number

Before starting the amendment process, it is important to have a valid reason for requesting the number change. Some common grounds banks accept include:

Your previous number is no longer in use due to an upgrade, damage or network switch.
You’ve noticed the number linked to BVN is incorrect and needs rectification.
The number does not match what is on file with your bank account(s), creating mismatches.
The registered number was reassigned to another customer after porting.

Having proof that substantiates the need for change helps banks examine requests thoroughly to avoid any potential misuse. Always carry evidence like a new SIM pack or account statement reflecting the right number.

Requirements for Phone Number Update

To initiate the BVN phone number change at any bank branch, gather the following key documents:

Valid photo identity proof like a national ID card, passport, driver’s license, etc.
A filled BVN amendment form was obtained from the bank.
Your 11-digit BVN number for verification purposes.

No need for court affidavits or newspaper publications, unlike amendments to critical details like names or dates of birth. Just ensure the ID matches the existing details on your BVN records.

Step-by-Step Change Process

Once you have collated the requirements, follow these simple steps to update your phone number through the bank:

Head to the bank where your BVN was originally obtained.
Ask to speak to customer care and request a ‘BVN phone number amendment’.
Present your ID proof, BVN, and a filled form containing the new number and reason for the change.
Bank executive will verify your identity and submit a change request online.
Provide your fingerprint for biometric authentication during submission.
Receive confirmation that the request has been sent to the Central BVN database.
Check updated number reflecting within 48 hours to 1 week maximum.

Avoid making the same mistake twice by ensuring the new number is accurate before submission. Banks can only entertain one change per customer.

Altering Number Across Linked Accounts

Along with the core BVN update, it also helps change the number registered across all your linked bank accounts for consistency. Visit respective bank branches of:

Accounts already existing at enrollment like salary/savings accounts.
Newly opened accounts after BVN generation requiring number update.

This synchronizes essential contact points across financial records for ease of transaction alerts and verifications going forward.

Timeline for Number Reflection

Once the request is processed successfully at the bank point, it takes an average 2-5 working days for the amended phone number to reflect fully across:

The Central BVN database is used by all financial institutions.
The client’s profile on the initiating and associated banks’ servers.
Any other platforms/systems drawing phone numbers from the individual’s BVN.

So be patient during this period and retry verification post the stipulated timeline for confirmation.

Limitations of the Change Process

While applying once should ideally suffice, there are a few caveats to keep in mind:

BVN phone number amendment can only be done in person at the enrolling bank branch or verified centers. No online requests are allowed as fingerprint authentication is mandatory.
Customers residing overseas will need assistance from international bank representatives on procedure to follow locally.
Submitting inaccurate information or repeatedly requesting changes will raise suspicion of possible fraud instead of legitimate mistake correction purposes.
Any errors after approval require thorough documentation to get addressed since a single change clause exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s address some other frequently asked doubts regarding changing BVN phone numbers:

Q. How long is the form valid for submission?

A. The BVN amendment form obtained from banks do not have an expiry period. It can be submitted for processing till the request is completed.

Q. What if I don’t remember my BVN?

A. You’ll need to recall it or check past statements. Else banks may help trace via your ID, but the process could get delayed.

Q. Can I change the number without ID proof?

A. No, presenting a valid ID is mandatory to verify your identity for applying any BVN changes securely.

Q. How many times can it be altered?

A. Only once throughout the lifetime of your BVN. Ensure correctness to avoid future issues needing another change request.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide explains the step-by-step procedure and important considerations for having one’s phone number officially updated on the Bank Verification Number database in Nigeria.