All you need to know about the ‘Tinted Glass Permit’ and how to apply

Obtaining a tinted glass permit in Nigeria is now mandatory, following the federal government’s move to regulate its use to enhance security, maintain public order, combat criminality, and promote road safety. 

Recently, the Nigeria Police Force extended the grace period for enforcing the Tinted Glass Permit requirement to August 12, 2025, following widespread public feedback. 

Tinted glass is glass that has been darkened by adding colouring agents during the manufacturing process. This can range from light tints to almost black shades, similar to those seen on some car windows. Tinted glass is mostly used to reduce heat penetration in buildings and can also be an aesthetic architectural element. 

The use of tinted glass on vehicles in Nigeria is regulated by the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991, requiring a permit from the Inspector-General of Police.

Do I need a Tinted Glass Permit?

Misconceptions still surround the context of whether every vehicle with tinted windows requires a special tinted glass permit. However, the following are 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 armoured 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. 
• 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.

Also Read: Step-by-step guide to applying for the 2026-2027 Chevening Scholarship

How to apply for the Tinted Glass Permit

For the tinted glass permit online application process, applicants’ identity verification would be integrated through the National Identification Number (NIN) and Tax Identification Number (TIN), alongside biometric capture and background checks. 

Before applying, ensure that documents such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), proof of car ownership, vehicle licence, front and rear view pictures of the car and other supporting documents are authentic and ready. 

Is the application free?

According to the Nigerian Police Force, the official online application for the Police Tinted Glass Permit is free on its portal. 

However, you may likely need a medical report or valid justification for having a tint, which can cost around N3,000 to N10,000, depending on how and where you get it.

Hiring an agent to handle everything also costs more. 

To apply for the Tinted Glass Permit, follow the process below: 

Step 1: Go to the tinted glass permit issuance portal and click on ‘Request a service‘. 

Step 2: Select as apply; ‘individual’ or ‘corporate/NGO’, and fill in the ‘Tinted Glass Permit’ in the space provided and proceed.

Step 3: Fill in biodata such as identification type (BVN or NIN), Full name, Phone Number, Email, Gender, State, Local Government Area, Home Address, Password, and Confirm Password. Click on ‘Proceed’ to verify your email address.

Step 4: Select your Verification Type: Physical or Virtual Verification. Physical Verification requires a visit to any Police Formation of your choice, while Virtual Verification can be completed remotely via the portal. 

For Physical Verification, 

• Upload your vehicle license and proof of ownership. 
• Print out the information submitted, then take the Printout to the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) in any Police Command to verify your documents and capture your biometrics.

Step 5: For Virtual Verification, you’ll be directed to a TINT PERMIT VIRTUAL VERIFICATION section to fill in the following details. 

Note that all uploaded files must be clear and must not exceed a size of 2 MB. 

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Vehicle maker, model, manufacture year, colour, plate number, and the Vehicle owner’s full name. 
• Upload image files such as passport photo, proof of ownership, and vehicle licence data page.
• Supply information on the date of vehicle licence issuance, reason for tinted glass permit (health, security, factory fitted), a supporting document to back up the reason, and the category of your tinted glass.
• Upload images of the front, rear, and side views of your vehicle and upload the VIN image as displayed on your vehicle’s body. 
• Select the State and Police Command to request the Tint Permit 
• Click on ‘Proceed’ to Submit. 

Step 6: You’ll be redirected to the Virtual Verification Service (VVS) portal. VVS is an external service provider responsible for conducting vehicle verification checks. At this stage, all documents submitted will be checked and vetted. 

Step 7: Once vetted, you’ll be directed to the Tint Permit Virtual Verification portal to validate the verified VIN and complete your Tint Permit request.

Step 8: After VIN verification, confirm your details and submit the request. 

Step 9: After reviewing your application and cross-checking background checks, you’ll be scheduled for physical biometric capture at the nearest police command.

Upon completion of this procedure, 

• Your application will be processed, and decisions, including the issuance of the permit if the application is successful, shall be conveyed within five working days, according to information available on the NPF website. 
• If all works well, you’ll get a downloadable permit with a QR code for verification during police checks.
• If your ‘pending’ application stays way too long, you might need to follow up at the police station. 

While the application process is self-directed, applicants can experience issues such as delays in email verification and website fluctuations. Applicants with challenges processing their application online can visit the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) within their State Police Command or the FHQ Abuja for support.