The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has introduced a major reform in Ghana’s vehicle registration system, announcing that from January 1, 2026, all vehicle number plates will be issued in the names of individual owners rather than remaining attached to vehicles.
The new policy, the DVLA says, is part of broader efforts to enhance road safety, traceability, and national security by ensuring that every registered number plate can be directly linked to a specific owner.
Under the new system, vehicle owners will be required to remove and retain their number plates whenever they sell or transfer ownership of their vehicles. The new buyer will then have to apply for a fresh plate registration in their own name before the vehicle can legally be used.
In a statement issued on October 3, 2025, the Authority emphasized that number plates should now be considered personal identifiers, carrying the same level of responsibility as an identity card.
“Owners owe a responsibility to themselves to remove the number plate when transferring ownership. The new owner must go through the proper registration process to obtain an assigned number,” the statement read.
Officials explained that the reform will simplify vehicle tracking, assist law enforcement agencies in investigating road crimes, and curb the use of unregistered or cloned plates.
The DVLA believes the move will close existing loopholes that have allowed individuals to evade accountability for traffic offences, car theft, and other vehicle-related crimes.
Public sensitisation campaigns are expected to begin later this year to educate drivers and car dealers on how the new system will work and the procedures for transferring vehicle ownership under the updated regulations.
