DVLA to Roll Out New Number Plates and Tracking System from January 1

The Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has announced major reforms to Ghana’s vehicle registration process, including the introduction of new number plates and advanced tracking systems.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, August 19, Mr. Kotey explained that the newly introduced Dealer’s Permit (DP) stickers will improve accountability and monitoring of vehicles from the port into the transport system.

He noted that the DP stickers contain scannable codes that provide details such as the vehicle’s owner, date of arrival in Ghana, destination, and sticker expiry date. “Previously, many vehicles entered the system without proper ownership records, but with this new system, we can track ownership right from the port,” he said.

According to him, car dealers are required to use DV stickers for vehicles kept in garages, while private individuals must register newly acquired cars within two weeks. Using DV plates without valid justification, such as sending a vehicle for repairs, will be deemed an offence.

Mr. Kotey further revealed that the DVLA is considering issuing a special—and costly—number plate for vehicles that remain unregistered beyond the two-week deadline.

Additionally, starting January 1, 2026, number plates will no longer display the year of manufacture. Instead, they will include a regional code at the top and an area code at the end. For example, a plate might read GR 222 AD, with AD representing Adenta.