Having the correct name on your Bank Verification Number (BVN) is extremely important in Nigeria. The BVN is linked to all your bank accounts and used to verify transactions. However, there are times when you may need or want to change details on your BVN such as your name, date of birth or phone number.
A common question that arises is whether you can change your BVN name in any bank, or if there are limitations. In this detailed guide, I will explain the process of changing your BVN name based on my experience working in the Nigerian banking sector. I’ll address questions like can you change your BVN name in any bank, what documents are required, and how long the process typically takes.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether and how you can update your name on your BVN to ensure it matches your valid identification documents. Let’s get started!
Can I change my BVN name in any bank?
The short answer is no, you cannot change your BVN name in just any bank. You can only make changes to your BVN in the bank where you originally enrolled for your BVN.
To better explain – when you first opened a bank account in Nigeria, you would have been registered for a BVN. This original “BVN bank” is where any future changes or corrections need to be done.
For example, if your BVN was generated when opening an account with Access Bank, you cannot walk into UBA, GTBank or Zenith Bank to change your BVN details. They will simply refer you back to Access Bank.
Even if you currently have active accounts with multiple banks nowadays, the BVN amendment can only be processed at the branch of the bank where your BVN details were first captured. It is not possible in any other bank.
So in summary – no, you cannot change your BVN name in just any bank except for the specific bank where you originally enrolled for your BVN. The originating or “BVN bank” is the only place allowed to update your verification number details.
Checking your BVN details in other banks
Even though you cannot change your BVN details at other banks, you can check your BVN information in any bank in Nigeria.
Previously you could check your BVN through the NIBSS website, but now banks have taken over this function. You no longer need an account with a particular bank – you can walk into any bank branch and request assistance with viewing your BVN information.
The bank staff can retrieve your details through their internal systems once provided with your BVN number. So while amending BVN can only be done at your “BVN bank”, checking or verifying your existing BVN is possible in any Nigerian bank.
What it entail to change the BVN name or details
If after checking the above information you determine you do need to change something on your BVN, here are some important points to note about the amendment process:
- You generally get one chance to change details on your BVN like names or date of birth. Changes cannot be made twice.
- For minor name mismatches like a missing middle name, you’ll need a court affidavit as proof.
- A complete change of name (all names) requires additional documents – a court affidavit, newspaper publication with your new name, and new ID matching the published name.
- Changing your year of birth may necessitate documents like an original birth certificate for accuracy verification.
- Your fingerprints and facial recognition details linked to the BVN must still match you, or the bank may decline the request.
- The verification and approval process can take 1-2 weeks on average once submitted. Banks have 72 hours to a maximum of 15 days to update CBN.
- Keep photocopies of all documents submitted as part of your personal records in case of future need.
So in summary, while name changes are possible on BVNs, you only get one attempt and will need valid supporting documents. Be prepared for some processing time as well. Let’s look at a few examples.
BVN Name Change Scenarios
Now that the basics are covered, here are some common BVN name change scenarios explained step-by-step:
Scenario 1 – Minor name mismatch
Your BVN first name is “Grace Abiodun” but your ID and all records show “Abiodun Grace”.
- Get a court affidavit stating the name order mismatch as proof.
- Submit the document to your BVN bank along with your new ID for verification.
- The bank will correct the order within 1-2 weeks once the fingerprints match.
Scenario 2 – One name change
BVN shows “Mary James Tokunbo” but it should be “Mary Anuoluwapo Tokunbo”
- Court affidavit for name change proof (middle name change).
- Submit to BVN bank with a new ID matching the corrected name.
- Expect 1-2 weeks of processing for the update to take effect.
Scenario 3 – Complete name change
BVN is “Patience Chukwudi” but you now go by “Precious Chinasa”.
- Court affidavit, ID with a new name, newspaper publication announcing the new name.
- Submit package to BVN bank for verification and approval process.
- Allow 2 weeks minimum for the update to reflect on your profile.
In each case, the originating or enrollment bank alone handles the update and amendment request for BVN matching to take place properly. Let’s move our discussion overseas now.
Changing BVN name when not in Nigeria
A common scenario is wanting to update BVN details while residing abroad long-term or permanently. In this case, you still need to go through the same bank but may have alternate options:
- Contact your BVN bank’s International/Overseas customer support channel by phone/email. They can advise on the process.
- Some Nigerian bank headquarters in Western nations like the UK, Canada, US offer limited BVN services to citizens with pending requests.
- Pay a visit to the Nigerian High Commission/Embassy in your resident country for guidance on fulfilling requirements abroad.
- Consider traveling briefly back to Nigeria and visiting the physical bank branch directly if urgent.
- As a last resort, assign a Nigerian-based family/friend power of attorney to submit documents on your behalf in person at the bank.
So while abroad, be proactive to inquire from your BVN bank on available alternatives to the regular Nigerian process. With cooperation, it’s still very possible to resolve name issues without relocating back temporarily.