Driving a car with tinted windows in Nigeria often brings questions about permits, regulations, and costs. Understanding the tinted permit in Nigeria is absolutely crucial for every vehicle owner.

It ensures you drive legally and avoid unnecessary trouble. For many, the details surrounding the “new” permit, its price, and the application steps remain unclear.

With the latest directives from the authorities, including the most recent update on tinted permit in Nigeria for 2024 and 2025, clarity is more important than ever.

At 360 AutoSecure, we believe in empowering you with accurate information.

This comprehensive guide will cut through the confusion, explaining exactly what the permit is, who truly needs it, and the definitive process to obtain it.

We will tackle the pressing question: “How much is the new tinted permit in Nigeria?” and provide essential insights, ensuring you have all the facts for a smooth journey.

Understanding the Tinted Glass Law in Nigeria: Why It Matters

The tinted glass law in Nigeria specifically regulates the darkness of vehicle windows. This law is not arbitrary; it serves vital purposes related to national security, public safety, and crime prevention.

Law enforcement agencies rely on being able to see into vehicles, especially during security checks or emergencies.

Additionally, excessively dark window tints can severely reduce a driver’s visibility, particularly at night or in adverse weather conditions, which significantly increases the risk of accidents.

The Core Intent of the Law:

• Enhancing Security: Police officers need clear visibility into vehicles. This helps them quickly identify occupants and assess potential threats, contributing to overall national security efforts.
• Promoting Road Safety: Overly dark tint makes it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles, especially in low-light conditions. The law helps ensure adequate visibility for all road users.
• Combating Criminality: The ability to see inside a vehicle deters criminal activity and aids law enforcement in investigations, making it harder for individuals to conceal illegal activities or items.
• Maintaining Public Order: The law strikes a balance between individual privacy and the broader public interest in safety and law enforcement.

Before you consider getting a tint film or starting your tint permit application, fully understanding the reasons behind this law helps you appreciate its importance and comply willingly.

The law dictates that vehicle windows must allow a specific percentage of visible light to pass through. If your vehicle’s windows are darker than this prescribed limit, obtaining a permit becomes a legal necessity.

Tinted Permit in Nigeria

It is a common misunderstanding that every vehicle with tinted windows requires a special tinted permit in Nigeria. This is not entirely true. The law makes a distinction that is crucial for every car owner.

Generally, if your vehicle was manufactured with factory-fitted tinted glass, and the tint level meets the standard Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages allowed by law (often around 70% for the front windshield and front side windows, and 50% for rear windows), you may not need a separate permit.

However, if you add any tint film or tinted film for car windows after purchasing the vehicle, or if your factory tint is exceptionally dark, then a permit becomes mandatory.

Key Scenarios Where a Permit is Required:

• Aftermarket Tint Installation: If you decide to install any type of tint film (like ceramic, carbon, or dyed film) on your vehicle’s windows after it leaves the factory, you must apply for a tinted permit in Nigeria. This is the most common reason people seek a permit.
• Excessively Dark Factory Tint: While many factory-fitted tints are compliant, some luxury or armored vehicles might come with tints darker than the standard legal limits. In such cases, even with factory tint, you might still need a permit to get an exception.
• Medical Exemption: Individuals suffering from specific medical conditions that make them highly sensitive to sunlight (e.g., severe photophobia, lupus, albinism, or certain skin cancers) can apply for a permit. This application requires a valid medical report for tinted permit in Nigeria from a recognized medical institution. This specific provision in the law aims to accommodate health needs while maintaining regulatory oversight.
• Security Reasons: High-profile individuals or those with documented security threats may apply for a permit based on security concerns. This requires stringent verification by the authorities.

Ignoring the requirement for a tinted permit in Nigeria when it applies to your vehicle can lead to significant legal issues.

Law enforcement agencies are increasingly strict, and possessing a valid permit ensures your compliance and prevents unnecessary stops, fines, or even vehicle impoundment.

360 AutoSecure advises all vehicle owners to confirm their status and apply if necessary.

Update on Tinted Permit in Nigeria

The journey of the tinted permit in Nigeria has seen significant changes, leading to widespread confusion among motorists.

For a period, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) suspended the issuance of tinted permits. This created an ambiguous situation where many drivers were unsure of their legal standing.

However, a major update on tinted permit in Nigeria has clarified the situation.

NPF POSSAP Portal

In a significant move towards transparency and efficiency, the Nigerian Police Force has reactivated and launched a new, fully digital system for the tint permit application.

This online portal, known as the Police Specialized Services Automation Project (POSSAP), has fundamentally changed how permits are applied for and issued.

This digital shift officially began in 2024 and is fully operational for Tinted permit in Nigeria 2025. It represents a definitive move away from the old, often problematic, manual system.

Key Aspects of the Latest Update (as of June 20, 2025):

• Exclusive Online Application: All applications for the tinted permit in Nigeria must now be made exclusively through the official POSSAP website (www.possap.gov.ng). There is no longer a legitimate manual or paper-based application process.
• Invalidation of Old Permits: The NPF has explicitly stated that all previously issued manual paper permits are now considered invalid. This means if you have an old permit, you must re-apply through the new digital system.
• Centralized Digital Database: The new online system creates a centralized, verifiable database of all genuine tinted permits. This helps law enforcement quickly authenticate permits using QR code scanners and effectively combats the proliferation of fake documents.
• Enforcement Resumption & Grace Period: Following the reactivation, the NPF resumed enforcement from June 1, 2025. However, they have granted an extended grace period until August 12, 2025, for motorists to apply for and obtain the new digital permits. This grace period provides ample time for compliance.

This comprehensive update on tinted permit in Nigeria aims to streamline the process for citizens, enhance security checks, and significantly reduce opportunities for corruption.

360 AutoSecure highly recommends that all affected vehicle owners take advantage of the grace period to secure their new permits.

Cost of Tinted Permit in Nigeria

One of the most frequent and crucial questions motorists ask is, “How much is the new tinted permit in Nigeria?”

The answer, as officially declared by the Nigerian Police Force, is simple and impactful: The tinted permit in Nigeria itself is ABSOLUTELY FREE.

This means you should not pay any fee directly for the permit document. The NPF has reiterated this to curb illegal charges and corruption.

What You Might Still Pay For

While the permit document itself carries no official fee, you might encounter legitimate, minor costs associated with the application process.

These are service charges, not permit fees:

• Internet and Digital Access Costs: If you do not have personal access to a computer and internet, you might pay a cybercafé or business center to help you with the online application, scanning of documents, and printing.
• Biometric Capture Fees: The new digital system might require biometric data capture (e.g., fingerprints). If this service is outsourced to a vendor, there could be a small fee for this specific service. This fee is for the service of capturing your biometrics, not for the permit itself.
• Medical Report Costs: If your permit application is based on medical grounds, obtaining a medical report for tinted permit in Nigeria from a recognized medical institution will incur standard medical consultation and report fees. This is a payment to the hospital or doctor, not to the NPF.
• Vehicle Physical Inspection Fees: In some cases, the NPF might require a physical inspection of your vehicle at a designated police station or inspection point. While the permit itself remains free, there could be a minor administrative fee charged at the inspection point for the service of carrying out the inspection. This fee should be clearly stated and receipted.

It is paramount to be aware of the NPF’s stance on the free nature of the permit. Any individual or group demanding a substantial “permit fee” is likely engaging in fraudulent activity.

360 AutoSecure advises all applicants to adhere strictly to the official POSSAP portal and only pay for clearly itemized and legitimate service charges.

Tinted Permit in Nigeria Requirements

To successfully complete your tint permit application through the new online portal, you must gather a set of specific documents and pieces of information.

Having these ready in digital format (scanned copies or clear photographs) will significantly speed up your application process.

These tinted permit in Nigeria requirements are standard and designed to ensure proper identification and vehicle verification.

Essential Documents and Information You Will Need:

• National Identification Number (NIN): This is the foundational requirement. Your new digital tinted permit in Nigeria will be inextricably linked to your NIN. Ensure your NIN is valid and easily accessible.
• Vehicle Particulars: You will need detailed information about your vehicle:
  • Vehicle Registration Number: The unique numberplate assigned to your car.
  • Chassis Number: Also known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), usually found on the dashboard or door frame.
  • Engine Number: The unique identification number for your vehicle’s engine.
  • Vehicle Make and Model: For example, “Toyota Camry,” “Mercedes-Benz E-Class,” “Honda Accord,” etc.
  • Vehicle Color: The primary color of your car.
• Proof of Vehicle Ownership: This typically involves clear scanned copies of your vehicle’s original registration documents. This proves you are the rightful owner or have legal custody of the vehicle.
• Driver’s License: A valid Nigerian driver’s license. Both the front and back must be clearly scanned or photographed.
• Recent Passport Photograph: A clear, recent passport-sized photograph of yourself. This should be a digital image.
• Active Contact Information: You will need to provide a valid and active phone number and a functional email address. The NPF portal will use these to send updates and the permit itself.
• Reason for Tint (if applicable):
  • Medical Reason: If applying due to a health condition, you absolutely need a medical report for tinted permit in Nigeria. This report must be from a recognized government hospital and explicitly state the medical necessity for the tinted windows.
  • Security Reason: If applying due to a security threat, you may need to provide a formal application or supporting documents detailing the nature of the threat.

Gathering all these items meticulously before you begin your tint permit application is crucial. Any missing or incorrect information can lead to delays or rejection.

360 AutoSecure advises verifying all numbers and spellings for accuracy.

The Tint Permit Application Process

The new digital approach for the tint permit application aims to be user-friendly, but following the exact steps is vital for a successful outcome.

This is the official and only legitimate way to obtain your tinted permit in Nigeria.

Detailed Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Access the Official NPF POSSAP Portal: Your first and most critical step is to navigate directly to the correct website: www.possap.gov.ng. It is paramount to use only this official portal to avoid falling victim to fraudulent websites or scams. Double-check the URL before entering any personal information.
2. Create an Account or Log In:
   • New Users: You will need to click on “Register” or “Sign Up” and provide basic details to create an account on the portal. This usually involves your name, email, phone number, and creating a secure password.
   • Existing Users: If you have previously registered on the POSSAP portal for other services, simply log in using your existing credentials.
3. Initiate the Tinted Permit Application: Once logged in, look for a section or link specifically for “Tinted Permit Application” or “Specialized Services.” Click on it to begin the process.
4. Complete the Online Application Form: This is where you input all your personal and vehicle details. Carefully fill in every required field:
   • Your full name, address, and contact information.
   • Your NIN.
   • Your Driver’s License details.
   • All vehicle particulars: make, model, color, registration number, chassis number, and engine number.
   • Specify the reason for the tint (e.g., aftermarket installation, medical, security). Double-check all entered information for accuracy before proceeding. Errors can lead to delays.
5. Upload Required Documents: The portal will prompt you to upload digital copies of your supporting documents. Ensure these are clear, legible, and correctly oriented:
   • Scanned copy of your valid Driver’s License (front and back).
   • Scanned copy of your Vehicle Registration Certificate/Proof of Ownership.
   • Your recent digital Passport Photograph.
   • If applicable, your medical report for tinted permit in Nigeria (from a recognized government hospital).
   • If applicable, any other supporting documents for security reasons.
6. Submit Your Application: After filling all fields and uploading documents, click the “Submit” or “Apply” button. You will usually receive an application reference number or ID. Write this down or save it carefully! This number is crucial for tracking your application status.
7. Await Verification and Background Checks: The NPF will now review your application. This phase involves extensive verification of your submitted documents, cross-referencing your NIN, and conducting necessary background security checks. This process is vital for ensuring the legitimacy of all applications.
8. Biometric Data Capture/Physical Inspection (if notified): Depending on the NPF’s process, you might receive a notification (via email or within the portal) to proceed for biometric data capture at a designated location or for a physical inspection of your vehicle. This step confirms the details provided and the actual tint level. Attend promptly if called.
9. Permit Issuance: If your application successfully passes all verification and checks, your digital tinted permit in Nigeria will be issued. You will typically be notified via email, and the permit (often a QR-code enabled document) will be available for download from your portal account.

Patience is key during the verification stages. 360 AutoSecure advises regular checks on the POSSAP portal using your reference number for status updates.

Choosing the Right Tint Film and Installer

If you need to install new tint film or replace existing tinted film for car windows, selecting the right product and a reputable installer is just as important as getting the permit.

You want quality work that is durable, effective, and crucially, aligns with the tinted glass law in Nigeria. Finding a reliable “car tint near me” service should involve careful consideration.

What to Look For When Choosing a Tint Shop and Film:

• Reputation and Reviews: Always start by checking reviews online (Google Maps, local business directories) and asking for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues. A reputable shop will have positive feedback and a strong track record.
• Quality of Tint Film: Ask about the types of tinted film for car they use. High-quality films (like ceramic or carbon tint) offer superior benefits:
  • Better Heat Rejection: Keeps your car cooler, reducing the need for AC and saving fuel.
  • Superior UV Protection: Blocks harmful UV rays, protecting your skin and preventing your car’s interior from fading.
  • Enhanced Durability: Resists fading, bubbling, and peeling, lasting much longer.
  • Clarity: Provides good optical clarity from inside, while still offering privacy from outside.
• Compliance with Nigerian Law: The installer should be knowledgeable about the tinted glass law in Nigeria and be able to advise you on legal Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages. Even if you have a permit for darker tint, they should explain the implications for visibility and safety. They might even have a VLT meter to demonstrate the tint level.
• Warranty: A professional and reputable installer will offer a comprehensive warranty on both the tint film itself and their installation work. This covers issues like bubbling, peeling, or defects in the film.
• Installation Expertise: Look for technicians with proven experience. Proper installation ensures a clean, bubble-free, and long-lasting finish. Poor installation can ruin even the best quality film.
• Customer Service: Assess their professionalism, how they answer your questions, and if they provide clear estimates.

A simple search for “car tint near me” will give you local options, but due diligence in selecting a service provider ensures you get a quality product that lasts and meets legal standards, reducing any future issues.

Update on Tinted Permit in Nigeria 2025

As we firmly establish ourselves in 2025, the operational focus on the new digital tinted permit in Nigeria remains a priority for the Nigerian Police Force.

Their aim is full implementation of this advanced system and the complete eradication of old, potentially fraudulent permits from the roads.

Drivers need to be prepared for the intensified enforcement and the benefits of the new system.

Key Expectations for Tinted Permit in Nigeria 2025 and Beyond:

• Increased and Targeted Enforcement: Expect a significant increase in enforcement activities from the NPF after the extended grace period of August 12, 2025. Police will likely be equipped with digital devices (like smartphones or tablets) capable of scanning the QR codes on the new permits. This allows for quick, accurate verification of permit authenticity.
• Zero Tolerance for Fake Permits: The digital system is specifically designed to eliminate the issuance and use of fake permits. Anyone caught attempting to use a forged or invalid document will face severe penalties, which could include substantial fines, vehicle impoundment, and even legal prosecution. The digital system leaves no room for doubt about a permit’s legitimacy.
• Continued Public Awareness Initiatives: The NPF may continue to run public awareness campaigns to ensure that all motorists are fully informed about the new application process, the invalidity of old permits, and the consequences of non-compliance. These campaigns aim to reduce confusion and encourage widespread adherence.
• System Refinements and Improvements: Like any new digital platform, the POSSAP portal for the tint permit application might undergo continuous updates or refinements. These improvements will be based on user feedback, operational efficiency needs, and evolving security requirements. These updates typically aim to make the process even smoother for applicants.
• Data-Driven Enforcement: The centralized database will provide the NPF with valuable data, allowing them to conduct more strategic and data-driven enforcement, focusing resources where compliance is lowest or where security concerns are highest.

Staying updated on any official announcements from the Nigerian Police Force regarding the update on tinted permit in Nigeria is critical.

Always rely on official sources for the latest information to ensure full compliance and avoid legal pitfalls.

Beyond the Permit: Maintaining Your Tinted Film for Car

Obtaining your tinted permit in Nigeria and having quality tint film installed is a significant step.

However, proper care and maintenance are equally important to ensure your tinted windows last for years, continue to look great, and effectively perform their functions (like UV protection and heat rejection).

Ignoring maintenance can lead to bubbling, peeling, and a reduced lifespan of your tint.

Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Tinted Windows:

• Observe the Curing Period: After installation, the adhesive needs time to fully cure (dry and bond). Your installer will advise a specific waiting period, typically 3 to 5 days, before you should roll down your windows. Failing to observe this can cause the tint to peel or crease at the edges.
• Use Ammonia-Free Cleaners Only: Ammonia-based glass cleaners are highly detrimental to window tint. Ammonia can react with the tint film’s adhesive, causing it to break down, leading to bubbling, discoloration (purple tint), and peeling. Always use a soft cloth (microfiber is ideal) and a window cleaner specifically labeled “ammonia-free” or simply use plain water with a little mild soap.
• Avoid Abrasive Materials: Never use harsh brushes, scrub pads, razor blades, or any abrasive cloths on your tinted windows. These can easily scratch, scuff, or tear the tint film for car windows, ruining its appearance and protective qualities.
• Be Gentle with the Edges: Pay extra attention to the edges of the tint film when cleaning. Aggressive wiping or pressure on the edges can cause the film to lift or peel over time.
• Regular Cleaning: Keep your windows regularly cleaned. Dust, dirt, and grime can build up on the tint, reducing its clarity and making it look dull. Regular, gentle cleaning maintains both visibility and the aesthetic appeal of your tint.
• Park Smartly (Initial Curing): For the first few weeks after installation, try to park your car in shaded areas if possible, especially during the hottest parts of the day. While quality tint is made to withstand heat, excessive direct sunlight during the initial curing phase can sometimes affect the bonding process.

Proper maintenance protects your investment in quality tint film and ensures your vehicle continues to benefit from its enhanced privacy, heat rejection, and stylish appearance for years to come.

Medical Reasons for a Tinted Permit in Nigeria

The tinted glass law in Nigeria is designed for public safety and security, but it also includes provisions for individuals with genuine medical needs.

If sunlight or bright light severely impacts your health, you can apply for a tinted permit in Nigeria based on medical grounds. This requires a specific document: a medical report for tinted permit in Nigeria.

Conditions That May Qualify for a Medical Permit:

Several medical conditions can make a person exceptionally sensitive to sunlight, making darker window tints a medical necessity. These include:

• Severe Photophobia: An extreme sensitivity to light, causing pain, discomfort, or vision impairment in bright conditions. This can be a symptom of various underlying eye conditions or neurological disorders.
• Lupus Erythematosus: A chronic autoimmune disease where sun exposure can trigger severe skin rashes, fatigue, and other systemic symptoms.
• Albinism: A genetic disorder characterized by a lack of melanin pigment, leading to extreme sensitivity to light and increased risk of skin damage from UV rays.
• Porphyria: A group of rare genetic disorders where the body produces chemicals that are light-sensitive, leading to severe skin reactions upon sun exposure.
• Specific Eye Conditions: Such as severe cataracts, glaucoma, or certain retinal disorders, where bright light can exacerbate symptoms or cause significant discomfort and damage.
• Post-Surgical Eye Conditions: Patients recovering from certain eye surgeries might require temporary or permanent protection from bright light.
• Severe Sun Allergies: Conditions like Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE) where even brief sun exposure causes intense, itchy rashes.

Obtaining Your Medical Report for Tinted Permit in Nigeria:

To apply for a medical exemption, you must obtain a comprehensive medical report for tinted permit in Nigeria from a recognized and licensed medical doctor or specialist.

The report should explicitly state:

• Your diagnosed medical condition.
• A clear explanation of how this condition is adversely affected or worsened by exposure to sunlight or bright light.
• The medical necessity for having darker window tints on your vehicle to mitigate the effects of your condition.
• The doctor’s full name, medical license number, qualifications, and contact information.
• The report should be on official hospital letterhead and properly dated.

This medical report will be a critical piece of evidence during your tint permit application, substantiating your need for an exemption. The authorities will review it carefully to ensure the request is legitimate.

Tinted Permit in Nigeria 2024 and Beyond

The shift to the new digital permit system in 2024 and its ongoing enforcement in 2025 brought about many questions and concerns among Nigerian motorists.

360 AutoSecure understands these queries and aims to provide clear answers based on the latest directives.

Tinted Permit in Nigeria FAQs

• What about old, paper-based permits issued previously?
  • Answer: As per the official update on tinted permit in Nigeria by the NPF, all manually issued paper permits are now generally considered invalid. You are required to apply for the new digital permit via the official POSSAP portal (www.possap.gov.ng). Driving with an expired or old manual permit puts you at risk of fines and other penalties.
• How reliable is the new online portal for the application?
  • Answer: The NPF is committed to making the POSSAP portal reliable and efficient. While any new digital system may experience initial teething issues, continuous improvements are being made. Users should ensure they have a stable internet connection and follow all instructions meticulously.
• Do I absolutely need a permit if my car came with factory-fitted tint?
  • Answer: The primary target for the permit are vehicles with aftermarket tint. However, if your factory-fitted tint is exceptionally dark (below the legally specified Visible Light Transmission, VLT, for clear windows), or if you wish to avoid any potential arguments during roadside checks, applying for the new digital permit is a safer bet. Always carry your original vehicle documents that confirm factory tinting.
• Can I get a permit for an extremely dark tint level, like limousine black?
  • Answer: While a permit allows for darker tint than the standard, there are still practical and safety limits. Extremely dark tints (e.g., 5% VLT) are typically reserved for very specific security details or compelling medical reasons, which require strong and verifiable justification during the application process. The NPF will assess each case.
• How do I know if my existing tint is too dark or illegal?
  • Answer: The legal limits for VLT (Visible Light Transmission) can vary slightly, but generally, the front windshield and front side windows require a higher VLT (e.g., 70% or more light coming through). Rear windows might allow for slightly darker tint (e.g., 50%). Reputable car tint near me service providers often have VLT meters. They can measure your current tint and advise you on whether it complies with the tinted glass law in Nigeria or if a permit is necessary.
• What if I bought a car recently and it already has aftermarket tint?
  • Answer: The responsibility to comply with the law lies with the current owner. If the car has aftermarket tint, you, as the new owner, must apply for the new digital tinted permit in Nigeria in your name and linked to your NIN.
• What is the grace period for compliance in 2025?
  • Answer: The Nigerian Police Force initially announced a 30-day grace period for compliance starting May 1, 2025. This period was subsequently extended to August 12, 2025. This extension provides ample time for all concerned motorists to apply for and obtain their new digital permits through the official POSSAP portal. Enforcement will become stricter after this date.

360 AutoSecure advises all motorists to stay informed through official NPF channels and take proactive steps to ensure their vehicles comply with the latest regulations to avoid any legal complications.

Conclusion:

Understanding how much is the new tinted permit in Nigeria and the comprehensive process to obtain it is an absolute necessity for every car owner with tinted windows.

The transition to the new, fully digital permit system by the Nigerian Police Force represents a significant and welcome update on tinted permit in Nigeria, bringing much-needed transparency and efficiency to the process.

Remember, the official permit itself is FREE, a crucial fact to reiterate to combat misinformation and fraudulent charges. However, be prepared for legitimate, minor administrative or medical report fees if applicable.

By staying meticulously informed about the tinted glass law in Nigeria, ensuring your tint film meets official standards, and diligently following the correct tint permit application process, you effectively safeguard yourself from legal complications.

Whether you are actively seeking a tinted permit in Nigeria 2025 for a new vehicle, updating an old permit from 2024, or simply confirming your car’s legal status, prioritizing compliance ensures you drive with peace of mind.

At 360 AutoSecure, we are committed to providing Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to manage their vehicles efficiently and compliantly.

While we don’t issue tinted permits, our expertise in vehicle security and management means we understand the ecosystem you operate in.

We encourage you to utilize reliable information and official channels for your permit needs. Drive safely, drive smartly, and always drive legally.

Ready to enhance your vehicle’s security and management? While you’re ensuring permit compliance, explore 360 AutoSecure’s cutting-edge vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions.

Visit our website today to discover how we can help you protect your investment and optimize your journey.