The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is intensifying efforts to modernise its operations, expand access to licensing services and strengthen road safety enforcement through new digital technologies and additional service centres across Ghana.
The reforms include the introduction of radio-frequency identification (RFID)-enabled vehicle number plates, digital roadworthiness verification, biometric international driving permits and tougher sanctions for motorists who repeatedly violate traffic regulations.
Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, announced the initiatives during the commissioning of a new DVLA office at Ottamens, near Kasoa, in the Awutu Senya East Municipality of the Central Region.
He said the measures formed part of the Authority’s broader strategy to improve efficiency, eliminate fraudulent practices and make licensing services more accessible to motorists nationwide.
DVLA Expands Service Centres from 33 to 64
Mr Kotey disclosed that the Authority had expanded its nationwide office network from 33 to 64, with 31 additional facilities commissioned since the current management assumed office.
He said another 15 offices were ready for commissioning as part of efforts to bring essential services closer to communities and reduce the inconvenience of travelling long distances to access DVLA facilities.
Communities earmarked for additional offices include Kwashiman, Ada, Enchi, Jomoro, Sogakope, Breman, Tema Community Four and selected locations in the Ashanti and Western regions.
According to him, the expansion would also help reduce the activities of unauthorised intermediaries who exploit motorists seeking licensing and vehicle registration services.
The newly commissioned Ottamens office was established through a public-private partnership and is equipped with a computer-based testing facility, eye examination centre, biometric capture unit, licence renewal and card collection centre, accounts office, kitchenette and director’s office.
Mr Kotey said partnerships with private investors remained an important component of the Authority’s strategy to expand its infrastructure and improve service delivery.
Pending Driving Licences to Be Cleared by November
Addressing concerns over delays in the issuance of driving licences, the DVLA CEO assured applicants that the Authority was working to clear its outstanding backlog by the end of November 2026.
He explained that although the licences had already been printed, their completion and distribution were delayed because of a shortage of laminates required for the production process.
Mr Kotey disclosed that the Authority had received the necessary materials from Italy and instructed staff to work around the clock to complete the outstanding licences.
“I can assure them that by the end of next month, every Ghanaian who has truly gone through the process to register with DVLA will have his or her licence,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that the renewed production efforts would address the delays experienced by applicants who had completed the required registration procedures.
New Digital Number Plates to Strengthen Vehicle Security
As part of its technological reforms, the Authority plans to introduce vehicle number plates equipped with RFID, near-field communication and ultraviolet security features.
Mr Kotey explained that the technology would enable security agencies to verify vehicle information more effectively, improve traceability and support efforts to combat vehicle-related crime.
He further announced plans to introduce digital roadworthiness verification and biometric international driving permits to strengthen the integrity of the Authority’s services.
The DVLA also intends to manufacture the new number plates locally at its facility at Narhman, where construction work is ongoing.
According to the CEO, local production would help eliminate the importation of raw number plates while strengthening the Authority’s operational capacity.
Drivers Risk Losing Licences Over Repeated Traffic Offences
Mr Kotey also announced plans to introduce stricter sanctions against motorists who repeatedly disregard road traffic regulations.
Under the proposed enforcement measures, drivers who accumulate six traffic offences within two years could have their driving licences withdrawn.
Affected motorists would be required to undergo retraining at the Authority’s skills development centre before their licences could be reissued.
The DVLA CEO said the initiative was intended to promote responsible driving, improve compliance with traffic regulations and reduce road crashes.
He also disclosed plans to digitise accident reporting procedures, requiring officers to visit accident scenes and record GPS coordinates before submitting official reports.
The initiative, he explained, would strengthen accountability and improve the accuracy of accident records.
DVLA Warns Against Fake Driving Licences
Mr Kotey cautioned the public against dealing with individuals who pose as DVLA officials and issue fraudulent driving licences.
He revealed that investigations into some licences recently circulated on social media established that the documents were fake and had not been issued through the Authority’s official systems.
He urged applicants to follow approved procedures and transact business only through recognised DVLA offices and authorised channels.
Stakeholders Welcome Expansion, Call for Driver Education
The Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, Seth Banini, commended the DVLA for expanding its operations and introducing digital reforms to improve public service delivery.
He said the initiatives had the potential to create employment opportunities and make licensing services more efficient.
However, he urged the Authority to intensify public education, particularly among commercial drivers, to ensure a smooth transition to the new systems.
Mr Banini stressed that motorists needed adequate information about the proposed withdrawal of licences for repeated traffic violations and the retraining requirements for affected drivers.
He said sustained stakeholder engagement would help drivers understand the measures and their importance to road safety without unnecessarily disrupting their livelihoods.
The Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, also welcomed the new facility, describing it as an important intervention that would improve access to DVLA services for residents of surrounding communities.
She appealed to the Authority to consider establishing another service centre at Bawjiase to serve motorists in the Awutu Senya West Municipality.
Madam Tetteh-Agbotui further proposed flexible payment arrangements for applicants who might struggle to pay licensing fees in full.
She said making licensing services more affordable and accessible could encourage compliance with registration requirements.
The commissioning of the Ottamens office forms part of the DVLA’s ongoing efforts to decentralise its operations, modernise service delivery and strengthen road safety administration across the country.
