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The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced a major strategic shift aimed at eliminating chronic delays in the issuance of driver’s licences across Ghana. By the end of October 2026, the Authority plans to decentralise its printing operations, enabling regional and local offices nationwide to print renewed licences instantly. This initiative is expected to address long-standing grievances regarding the current centralized system, which has often resulted in applicants waiting for up to a year to receive their permanent plastic cards.
According to the Chief Executive of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, the decentralisation move is designed to enhance accessibility and operational efficiency. Currently, all licences are processed through a central hub, creating a significant bottleneck that hampers service delivery. By equipping individual DVLA offices with the capacity to print cards locally, the Authority intends to provide a more seamless experience for motorists, ensuring that renewed documentation is handed over immediately upon application.
It is important to note that the instant printing service will primarily apply to the renewal of existing licences and the issuance of replacement cards for lost or damaged ones. The process for first-time applicants will remain distinct; new drivers will still be required to complete a mandatory three-month process, including training and testing, to ensure compliance with safety standards and international best practices. This distinction ensures that while administrative efficiency is improved for existing drivers, the integrity of the qualification process for new motorists is maintained.
This modernization effort represents a significant step in the DVLA’s broader goal of meeting international standards and improving the ease of doing business within the transport sector. As the October 2026 rollout approaches, the Authority is expected to focus on upgrading the technological infrastructure at its various regional offices to support local printing. The transition is poised to reduce the reliance on temporary paper permits and provide Ghanaian drivers with a more reliable and professional licensing service.