The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has expanded its online vehicle registration system to all 34 operational offices nationwide, discontinuing manual registration. This development allows vehicle owners to complete registrations online at their convenience after the examination of their vehicles, eliminating the need for physical presence and extensive paperwork.
Mr. Eric Addison, the Deputy Director of Vehicle Inspection and Registration, revealed this information during a media briefing in Accra, emphasizing that the full transition to a digital platform for vehicle registration and related services aims to combat identity theft and false representation. Previously, the online system was not implemented nationwide, leading to a simultaneous operation of manual and online systems and resulting in congestion at DVLA offices, especially during the New Year period.
Under the new system, vehicle owners can seamlessly navigate a six-stage registration process, encompassing vehicle examination, customs validation, identity verification, payment, and the issuance of a license number. Invoices can be generated on the DVLA website, payments can be made at commercial banks or the Ghana.gov platform, and, after identity verification and transaction approval, a license number is generated.
With the new system, vehicle owners can go through the registration process seamlessly, including biometric identity verification, without the need for physical presence,” he said.
To comply with the National Identity Register Regulations, only the National Identification Card (Ghana Card) is accepted for identity verification. Mr. Addison highlighted that verification can be done in person at any DVLA office or remotely through the DVLA verify mobile app. A smart card containing all necessary documentation has been introduced to replace bulky paperwork.
Emphasizing enhanced security, convenience, and flexibility for vehicle owners, Mr. Addison noted that this digital transformation aligns with the DVLA’s mandate. The DVLA began its automation journey in 2008 with on-site banking services, progressing to digital vehicle registration in 2014. The online vehicle registration system was introduced in 2017, and as of July 2023, the manual registration system has been decommissioned entirely in favor of a fully digital approach.
Encouraging vehicle owners, especially those manually registered before 1995, to onboard onto the digital platform, Mr. Addison assured that private information would be protected under data protection laws. Kwame Appiah-Kubi, the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Services, highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade services and mentioned that adjustments in the cost of vehicle registration, approved by parliament, vary based on vehicle specifications.
