DVLA to begin instant printing of renewed licences nationwide

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) will start printing renewed driver’s licences locally at its offices nationwide by the end of October 2026.

This move is aimed at reducing delays in issuing licence cards.

The Chief Executive Officer of DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, announced the initiative during the commissioning of a new Ultra driver licensing and vehicle registration centre at Amrahia in the Adentan Municipality on Friday, August 21, 2026.

He said the decentralised system would allow offices to print renewed licences instantly, replacing the current centralised arrangement.

DVLA opens new ultra licensing and registration centre at Amrahia

Kotey clarified that the new system will initially cover licence renewals only, while first‑time applicants will continue to undergo the standard three‑month testing and certification process.

He explained that this distinction is necessary to maintain the integrity of the licensing process.

The CEO highlighted DVLA’s broader expansion drive, noting that the Authority has commissioned 26 new offices in the past 18 months to improve access and reduce congestion.

He also emphasised reforms supported by technology and enforcement measures to strengthen road safety and the integrity of Ghana’s licensing system.

Kotey defended the strict enforcement of delinquency charges, saying the policy is designed to encourage compliance and reduce accidents.

He also directed officers at the Amrahia centre to eliminate intermediaries, popularly known as “goro boys”, warning that staff who enable such practices will be held accountable.

He cautioned the public against fraudsters promising licences with only passport photographs, stressing that DVLA’s process requires biometric capture under ISO standards.

“We don’t use passport pictures for licences because we take biometric details. Anyone who requests your passport picture and promises a licence will give you a fake licence,” he said.

Kotey further announced that DVLA will pilot RFID‑enabled vehicle number plates in October, aimed at strengthening identification, combating cloning, and improving verification.

SA

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