Decoding e-CMR: A Guide to Registering Your Vehicle on the Digital Highway

For over six decades, since the establishment of the Central Motor Registry by the Nigeria Police Force, the compulsory registration of vehicle information has been a manual process, fraught with numerous challenges. In an effort to combat the increasing sophistication of vehicular crime in the country, the Nigeria Police Force introduced the digitalized Central Motor Registry Information System (e-CMR) in April 2023, aiming for the seamless management of motor vehicles and their ownership details.

With the advent of the e-CMR, vehicle owners now have the capability to provide information about their vehicles and ownership remotely, using any internet-enabled device. However, many vehicle owners in Nigeria may be unfamiliar with the steps required to apply for their CMR Motor Vehicle Information Certificates using the e-CMR portal.

In this comprehensive guide, Infostride News will walk you through the steps Nigerian vehicle owners can follow to register for the e-CMR. Additionally, we will explore the advantages and benefits that come with enrolling vehicles in the e-CMR portal.

**Steps to Apply for the CMR Motor Vehicle Information Certificate using the e-CMR Portal**

1. **Visit the official website at [https://cmris.npf.gov.ng](https://cmris.npf.gov.ng)**.
2. **Click on “Get Started.”**
3. **Create Profile (if Profile has been created earlier, go to step 8):**
– (a) Profile type – Personal or Organisation
– (b) Identification – NIN for Personal, TIN for Organisation
– (c) Enter your identification number
– (d) Click Verify.
4. **If identity is verified, click Continue.**
5. **Confirm email and phone number:**
– If Email is no longer valid, select No and enter a valid email.
– If the Phone Number is not current, select No and enter a current phone number.
– Click Confirm to receive a token through the current phone number and valid email address.
6. **Enter the token and click Confirm Token. If confirmed, click Continue to proceed.**
7. **Personal Information Page (Review uploaded NIN/TIN information):**
– Select the Current State of Residence and Current LGA of Residence.
– Confirm if your NIN/TIN address is the same as your current address. If No, enter your Current Residential Address.
– If you selected a wrong response, click on Change Selection to select the right response.
– Create and confirm your password.
– Click Next to proceed.
8. **Apply for CMR Motor Vehicle Information Certificate:**
– Log in using the access credentials created during the Profile creation process (Username: Email or Phone Number, Password: created in the fourth bullet point of Step 7).
– Click Login.
9. **Choose CMR Request:**
– (a) CMR Request – Select a Request.
– (b) CMR Sub-Request – Select Sub-Request.
– (c) Select Number of Requests: (i) Single – for one motor vehicle (ii) Fleet – for more than one motor vehicle in application.
10. **Vehicle Details:**
– Select Vehicle Category and Plate Number Type.
– Enter Vehicle Details – (i) State Licensing Officer (where the vehicle was registered/licensed) (ii) State Requesting Form (where the applicant is requesting CMR service).
11. **Request Confirmation (carefully review information for accuracy and genuineness in this stage):**
– Click Proceed to view the invoice and make payment.
12. **User Profile Features:**
– (a) Requests – View Request(s), Sold Vehicles, Print Certificate, etc.
– (b) Profile – Update/Edit Password, Email, Phone.
– (c) Logout – Exit Portal.

**Advantages and Benefits of Enrolling Your Vehicle with the e-CMR**

According to the Nigeria Police Force, there are several advantages and benefits for citizens enrolling their vehicles in the e-CMR. Firstly, a digitalized CMR enhances vehicle security by allowing the police to utilize accurate and real-time information during registration to prevent and swiftly resolve vehicular crimes.

Secondly, the e-CMR equips the police to enforce laws related to motor vehicles, including registration and licensing. The comprehensive database of the e-CMR portal serves as a deterrent to potential criminals, as the knowledge that the police have access to accurate information can discourage criminal behavior.

The digitalized CMR expedites investigations, especially in cases of accidents or disputes involving motor vehicles, providing quick resolution and reducing inconvenience for citizens. Moreover, maintaining accurate vehicular information contributes to national security, ensuring that vehicles associated with criminal activities can be tracked and addressed promptly.

It is crucial to note that the discontinuation of manual processing and issuance of all CMR documents/certificates, and the migration to the digitalized NPF CMR portal, renders all previously issued CMR certificates by the NPF invalid. This transition marks a significant step toward modernizing and streamlining the management of vehicle information, fostering a safer and more efficient environment for both law enforcement and citizens alike.

In conclusion, the e-CMR portal represents a transformative shift in how vehicle information is managed and utilized for security and law enforcement purposes. By following the outlined steps, Nigerian vehicle owners can seamlessly navigate the registration process and contribute to a more secure and well-regulated vehicular landscape in the digital age.