A passport that is expired, lost, damaged or carries the wrong name needs more than a simple renewal — each case has its own documents and its own pitfalls. This guide covers how to replace, reissue or renew a Nigerian passport in 2026, whether yours has expired, gone missing, filled up, or needs a name change after marriage.
Renewing an expired Nigerian passport
If your passport has simply expired (or is close to it), you apply for a renewal/reissue of the e-passport. You will need your old passport, a valid and correctly linked NIN, recent photographs and the usual supporting documents. Renew before you travel — many countries require at least six months’ validity on entry.
Replacing a lost or stolen passport
A lost or stolen passport adds one critical step: a police report. You report the loss, obtain the report, and usually swear an affidavit of loss, then apply for a replacement. Be ready to explain the circumstances; a replacement is treated more carefully than a routine renewal.
Reissue for a damaged or full passport
If your passport is damaged (water, tears, a washed booklet) or you have simply run out of pages, you apply for a reissue. Damaged passports, like lost ones, are scrutinised — keep the damaged booklet and bring it with you, as you may need to surrender it.
Passport name change (marriage or correction)
To change the name on your passport — after marriage, divorce, or to correct a spelling — you reissue the passport with supporting evidence: a marriage certificate, a sworn affidavit, or a court document, plus a newspaper publication where required. Crucially, your NIN record should reflect the new name too, so the two documents agree.
Let RenewPapers sort your replacement or reissue
Lost, expired, damaged or changing your name — we handle the whole reissue: guiding the police report and affidavit for a lost passport, aligning your NIN and name-change evidence, preparing every document, booking the appointment and tracking it through official Nigeria Immigration channels, submitting on your behalf or putting a vetted person in the queue for you. It all stays in your RenewPapers wallet so the next renewal is effortless. No queues, no repeat trips, no wasted time.
Start an application Chat on WhatsAppQuick reference by situation
- Expired: old passport + NIN + photos + supporting documents
- Lost or stolen: the above + police report + affidavit of loss
- Damaged or full: the above + the old booklet to surrender
- Name change: the above + marriage/court evidence + matching updated NIN
This guide is general information, not immigration or legal advice. Nigeria Immigration Service requirements for replacements, reissues and name changes vary and change; confirm the current process before you apply.
If you (or someone travelling with you) also needs a Nigeria visa, see our Nigeria visa guide. Nigerian citizens and dual citizens do not need a visa — they travel on a Nigerian passport (here is why).
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