The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has clarified the legal basis for delinquency charges imposed on applicants seeking to renew or replace expired driver’s licences.
In a statement, the Authority noted concerns raised by clients over charges applied at its service centres for licences that had already expired.
DVLA emphasised that the responsibility for holding a driver’s licence includes ensuring that the licence remains active at all times. A driver’s licence is not supposed to be allowed to expire.
According to the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (LI 2519), Regulation 46(1) provides that a driver’s licence may be renewed at any time within one month before it expires upon payment of the prescribed fee. Such a renewal takes effect from the date of expiry.
Subregulation 6 of Regulation 46 further states that a licence is subject to renewal every two years and must be replaced after six years from the date it was issued.
Subregulation 7 imposes a duty on the licence holder to renew the licence personally after passing an eye test and providing evidence of having undergone training with a certified driver training institution.
Consequently, the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (LI 2512) set out the following delinquency penalties for licence holders who fail to renew before the expiry date:
Delinquency for non-renewal (one sticker) attracts GH¢52.00.
Delinquency for non-renewal (two stickers) attracts GH¢104.00.
Driver licence renewal between 7 and 12 months attracts a delinquency charge of GH¢75.00.
Renewal between above one year and two years attracts GH¢111.00.
Renewal after more than two years attracts GH¢148.00.
DVLA encouraged licence holders to renew their licences on time to avoid these penalties.
The Authority noted that it sends SMS alert notifications to licence holders through the phone numbers provided during the application process. Notifications are sent one month before the expiry date and again two weeks before the licence expires.
DVLA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest driver standards and expects licence holders to abide by the responsibilities that come with holding a driver’s licence.
