DVLA Unveils New Vehicle Number Plate System Starting January 2026

Temporary plate

DVLA Unveils New Vehicle Number Plate System Starting January 2026

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced a significant overhaul of Ghana’s vehicle number plate system, set to take effect from January 1, 2026. According to a report by GhanaWeb, vehicle number plates will no longer display the year of registration, marking a departure from the current practice. The decision, revealed by DVLA Chief Executive Officer Julius Neequaye Kotey, aims to modernize the system and address issues related to the misuse of temporary plates.

Screenshot

Instead, the redesigned plates will highlight the region of registration, featuring a unique four-digit number and a zonal code. For example, a car registered in Greater Accra will have the region’s name displayed at the top of the plate. If it falls within the Adenta zone, the code AD will appear after the vehicle’s four-digit number. This change replaces the current system of showing the registration year, such as “25” for 2025.

Kotey also disclosed changes to the use of DV (Defective Vehicle) plates, originally intended for dealers to move unregistered vehicles for repairs or test drives. He noted that many private owners misuse DV plates to avoid registering their vehicles, keeping them on the road indefinitely. To curb this, the DVLA will introduce redesigned DV plates alongside new TMP (temporary) plates. A fresh sticker system will also be implemented for vehicles not yet cleared for road use, ensuring proper tracking and identification.

The CEO emphasized that these reforms are part of broader efforts to tighten regulations and build public confidence in Ghana’s vehicle registration system. The updates are expected to enhance efficiency and reduce fraudulent practices, with implementation beginning in the new year.

Source: GhanaWeb