DVLA to roll out regional number plates from 2026

Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has announced sweeping reforms in Ghana’s vehicle registration system, including the rollout of new number plates and enhanced tracking technology.

Speaking in an interview on Face to Face on Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 19, Mr. Kotey explained that the new Dealer’s Permit (DP) stickers introduced by the DVLA are designed to ensure accountability and traceability of vehicles from the port into the country’s transport system.

“The new DP sticker allows us to track who is driving the car, when it arrived in Ghana, its destination, and the date the sticker expires. Once scanned, the code reveals all these details. It was wrong to have cars in the system without knowing their owners, but now, right from the port, we know who owns the vehicle,” he said.

He stressed that while car dealers are required to use DV stickers when holding vehicles in garages, individuals must register their cars within two weeks of acquisition. According to him, using DV plates without a valid reason, such as sending a car for repairs, constitutes a violation.

Mr. Kotey also revealed that the DVLA is considering introducing a special number plate for individuals who fail to register their cars within the stipulated two weeks. However, he cautioned that such plates would come at a “very expensive” cost.

In addition, the DVLA will phase out the practice of placing the year of manufacture at the end of number plates. Beginning January 1, 2026, number plates will instead feature a regional code at the top and an area code at the end.

“For instance, a plate will read GR 222 AD, with AD representing Adenta. We have completed all the legal groundwork and intend to roll this out on the first of January,” he disclosed.

Source: CitiNewsRoom