Ghana is gearing up for a major change to our vehicle registration system starting January 1, 2026. Ghana’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has set new parameters and redesign of license plate to all form of vehicle on our roads. This change according to the DVLA will improve traceability and vehicle identification across the nation.
The reform eliminates the familiar year-suffix format (like GR 1680-25) in favor a more modern design that prominently displays the region of registration at the top, followed by a four-digit number and a zonal code identifying the specific registration office. By eliminating the year from number plates, the Authority hopes to reduce the stigma attached to “older” registrations, which often influences a vehicle’s resale value and perceived age.
Another major improvement is that license plates will now be linked directly to the owner, not just the vehicle. This means that when a vehicle changes hands, the new owner will have to acquire a new plate.
These updates come alongside broader DVLA digitalization efforts, including the phasing out of metal “Drive from Port (DP)” plates in favor of secure digital tags. For Ghana’s automotive ecosystem, this modernization represents a step toward greater transparency, efficiency, and trust in vehicle registration.