National ID card print out is now helping many people in Nigeria who have done their NIN registration but have not received the plastic ID card. You don’t need to wait for the card anymore. You can print your ID slip online and use it for banking, SIM registration, NYSC, and other important things. This print out is official and accepted in most places once it has your NIN and QR code. It saves you time and stress, especially when you need to provide a valid means of identification quickly.
In this guide, you’ll see how to get your National ID card print out online using your phone or computer. You’ll also learn where you can use it and how to fix common problems people face during the process. Let’s get started.
What Is a National ID Card Print Out?
A National ID card print out is a paper or digital copy of your identity details issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). It contains your National Identification Number (NIN), full name, date of birth, and a scannable QR code that confirms the details are valid.
This print out is not the plastic card, but it can still serve the same purpose in many cases. Banks, government offices, telecom companies, and even schools now accept it, especially when it comes with the QR code.
There are two types of printouts people usually get:
The old NIN slip — This is a small paper given at the NIMC centre during registration. It has basic information but no QR code.
The improved NIN slip — This one is downloaded online or from the NIMC app. It comes in PDF format and includes a QR code, which most places now require.
If you’ve lost your old slip or never received the plastic card, this print out can help you move forward without delay. It’s quick to get, easy to print, and works in many official situations.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your National ID Card Print Out Online
There are a few simple ways to get your National ID card print out. You can do it from your phone, your computer, or by going to a NIMC office if you prefer help. Below are the three methods most people use.
Method 1 – Using the NIMC Mobile App
This is the fastest way to get your NIN slip with a QR code.
Go to the Google Play Store or Apple Store.
Search for “NIMC Mobile ID” and download it.
Open the app and enter your NIN and the phone number linked to your NIN.
You will receive an OTP code to verify your login.
Once you are logged in, tap “Print NIN Slip” inside the app.
After payment, you can download the PDF file of your NIN slip.
Save it on your phone or send it to your email to print later.
This version includes your full details and QR code. It is accepted in most places that ask for ID.
Method 2 – Using the NIMC Online Portal
If you don’t want to use the app, you can also print from the NIMC website.
Look for the section on NIN slip reprint or improved NIN slip.
Enter your NIN and the phone number linked to your NIMC record.
Pay the required fee through Remita.
Download the PDF version of your NIN slip.
Make sure you enter the correct phone number and NIN. If any detail is wrong, the portal may not work.
Method 3 – Visit a NIMC Office for Help
If you prefer to get help in person, go to any NIMC enrolment center.
Take your phone number and any document that shows your NIN.
Request a reprint of your improved NIN slip.
You may be asked to pay a small fee.
The staff will help you print your slip with the QR code.
This is helpful for people who don’t have smartphones or can’t access the internet.
Once you have the print out, check that your name, NIN, and QR code are correct. If there’s any mistake, go back to the center to fix it before using it.
How to Reprint Your NIN Slip If You Lost It
If you’ve lost your NIN slip or can’t find where you kept it, there’s no need to panic. You can still get another copy easily. The process is almost the same as printing it for the first time.
You have two options. You can either use the NIMC Mobile ID app again or visit a NIMC enrolment center near you.
Using the NIMC Mobile ID App:
Open the app on your phone. If it’s not there anymore, download it again from the app store.
Login using your NIN and the phone number linked to your NIMC record.
If you’ve used it before, your details will still be saved.
Tap on “Print NIN Slip” and follow the same steps to pay and download it.
You don’t need to register again. Just use the same phone number and NIN you used the first time.
Reprint at a NIMC Office:
If the app doesn’t work for you or you want a printed copy immediately, go to the nearest NIMC center.
Go with your NIN or any ID that has your name and date of birth.
Tell the staff you want to reprint your slip.
They will check your record and help you print it again.
You may be asked to pay a small service fee.
Many people want to know if they can use the print out instead of the plastic card. The answer is yes. The improved NIN slip with a QR code is now accepted by many offices and institutions in Nigeria. This includes banks, telecom providers, schools, and government agencies.
Can You Use It at the Bank?
Most banks in Nigeria now accept the improved NIN slip. It must have a clear QR code and match the name on your account. Before you go, check with the specific bank branch to be sure they accept it. If your print out is old or doesn’t have a QR code, it may not be accepted.
Some banks will scan the QR code to confirm if your identity is real. Make sure the print quality is clear and the details are correct.
Can You Use It for NYSC, SIM Registration, or Exams?
Yes, the improved NIN slip is accepted for these purposes:
NYSC registration
SIM card registration or SIM updates
JAMB and other school-related activities
Applying for scholarships
Getting your PVC or voter information
As long as your slip is clean and the QR code is working, these services will usually accept it. Keep both the print out and the PDF on your phone, just in case one is requested over the other.
Can You Travel with the Print Out?
For local travel by road or domestic flights within Nigeria, many transport companies and airlines now accept the print out with a QR code. You can use it to show your identity at checkpoints, airports, and terminals.
It is not valid for international travel, because only the plastic ID card or a valid passport is allowed for that. But within Nigeria, this slip can help you move around without stress.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Many people face small problems when trying to get their national ID card print out. The good thing is that most of these issues have simple solutions. Below are the common ones and what you can do.
NIMC App Not Opening or Crashing
If the mobile app refuses to open or keeps crashing:
Make sure your phone has enough space and is updated.
Delete the app and install it again.
Try using a different phone if the issue continues.
Check your internet connection.
Some phones may not support the app fully, so using another phone can help.
You Don’t Know Your NIN
If you’ve lost your NIN, dial *346# on the phone number you used to register. You’ll get your NIN by SMS, and a small fee may be charged.
If the number you used is no longer active, go to a NIMC office with any valid document. They will help you recover your NIN.
Wrong Phone Number Linked to NIN
If your current phone number is not linked to your NIN, the app or portal will not work. You’ll need to visit a NIMC center to update your phone number. Go with:
A valid ID
Your NIN
Your current phone number
They may ask you to fill a form or pay a small fee.
QR Code Not Scanning
Sometimes the printed QR code may not scan well:
Make sure the print quality is clear and not faded.
Don’t resize or crop the slip.
Avoid using dark or glossy paper.
Keep the original PDF file safe in case you need to reprint it.
If the code still doesn’t work, go back to the app or portal and download it again. A fresh copy may fix the problem.
Details on Slip Are Wrong
If your name, date of birth, or other information is wrong, go to the NIMC center with proof of the correct details. You may need to fill a correction form and wait for approval.
These problems can slow things down, but most of them are easy to fix. Just follow the right steps and your NIN print out will be ready in no time.
Is It Safe to Use Just a Print Out Without the Plastic Card?
Yes, it is safe to use your NIN slip as long as it is the improved version with a QR code. Many places now accept it as a valid form of identification. This includes banks, mobile networks, schools, and government offices.
The QR code on the slip is what makes it official. It allows staff to scan and confirm your details directly from the NIMC system. As long as the code is clear and your information matches, you won’t have any issues using it.
Keep in mind that this print out is mainly for use within Nigeria. You cannot use it to apply for an international passport, visa, or to travel outside the country. For those things, you still need the plastic card or a valid international passport.
It is also a good idea to always keep both the digital copy and a printed copy. This way, you won’t be stranded if one gets lost or damaged. You can email the PDF to yourself or save it in your phone’s cloud storage so you can access it anytime.
Tips to Protect Your National ID Print Out
Your national ID print out contains personal details that should not fall into the wrong hands. Even though it’s not the plastic card, it still carries sensitive information like your NIN, full name, and date of birth. You need to keep it safe and secure.
See, below are some simple tips to follow:
Keep It in a Safe Place
Once printed, store it in a folder or an envelope where it won’t tear or get dirty. Avoid folding it too much, especially if it has a QR code. If the code gets damaged, it may not scan properly.
Make a Backup Copy
Always save the digital version of your NIN slip. You can email it to yourself or upload it to your Google Drive or any trusted storage app. This way, you can print it again anytime without stress.
Do Not Share It Online
Never post your NIN slip or print out on social media or public platforms. Someone can use your information to open accounts or commit fraud. If any office requests it online, make sure it’s a trusted government platform.
Avoid Giving It to Strangers
Only share your NIN print out with trusted institutions like banks, telecom companies, or official government offices. Do not hand it over to just anyone, even if they claim to work for NIMC.
Laminate It (Optional)
If you want to protect the paper from dirt or water, you can laminate it. Just make sure the QR code is still visible and easy to scan. Don’t shrink the size or make copies with low quality.
Keeping your national ID print out safe helps you avoid stress later. Once you have it, treat it like any other important document.
FAQs About National ID Card Print Out in Nigeria
Many people still have questions about the national ID print out. Here are straight answers to some of the most common ones:
Is NIN the Same as the National ID Card?
No. The NIN is your unique number that links your records in the national identity database. The ID card is a physical or digital document that shows your personal information and NIN. You can have a NIN without having the card yet.
Can I Open a Bank Account with a NIN Print Out?
Yes, you can. Most banks in Nigeria now accept the improved NIN slip with a QR code. Just make sure the information is clear and matches your other documents.
Can I Print My NIN at a Cyber Café?
Yes. If you have the PDF file from the NIMC app or website, you can take it to any trusted café and print it. Make sure they do not keep a copy or send your file to others. Always delete the file from their system after printing.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Plastic Card?
There is no fixed time. Some people wait for months or even years. That’s why NIMC introduced the improved NIN slip, which you can use in place of the plastic card.
Can I Use My National ID Print Out for JAMB or NYSC?
Yes. The improved slip with a QR code is accepted for both JAMB and NYSC. Make sure you print it clearly and keep a soft copy on your phone just in case it is requested.
Do I Need to Pay to Download My NIN Slip?
Yes. NIMC collects a small payment through Remita when you request the improved NIN slip. The amount is affordable and is paid once for each download.
Before You Go — Your NIN Print Out Can Do a Lot
If you’ve been waiting for the plastic national ID card or you’re not sure what to do with just the NIN slip, you don’t need to wait anymore. The improved print out is already helping millions of Nigerians do things like open bank accounts, register SIM cards, sign up for NYSC, and confirm their identity during important processes.
All you need is a clean print out with your details and a working QR code. You can get it from your phone or by visiting a nearby NIMC centre. Keep both digital and paper copies safe, and only share them with trusted places.
This single document, even though it’s not a plastic card, can make a big difference in getting things done. If you’ve not printed yours yet, this is a good time to do it. It’s fast, legal, and useful.