DVLA to roll out owner-linked number plates from January 2026

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced a sweeping reform of Ghana’s vehicle registration system, effective January 2026.

Under the new policy, vehicle number plates will be issued in the names of individual owners rather than tied to the vehicles themselves.

According to the DVLA, the reform is designed to boost road safety and security by ensuring that every number plate can be directly traced to its registered owner.

With the change, number plates will remain the property of the owner. When a vehicle is sold or transferred, the original owner must remove their plates, while the new owner will be required to register for a fresh plate under their name.

“Once implemented, every vehicle owner is entreated to see their vehicle numbers as their personal numbers with the additional responsibility of protecting them,” the DVLA statement explained.

The Authority noted that the change would make it easier for law enforcement and other security agencies to trace vehicle-related activities directly to individuals, strengthening accountability within the transport ecosystem.

DVLA further emphasised that the initiative is designed to ensure a seamless link between a vehicle number and its rightful owner, thereby curbing fraudulent use of number plates and aiding investigations when crimes are committed using vehicles.

Below is the full statement