The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has commenced the pilot phase of a new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled vehicle number plate system as part of efforts to strengthen vehicle identification, improve security and modernise Ghana’s vehicle registration regime.
The initiative, which follows the passage of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), marks a major step in the Authority’s drive to deploy technology-driven solutions to enhance the integrity, efficiency and security of vehicle registration and identification across the country.
According to the DVLA, the pilot exercise will allow the Authority to test the effectiveness of the new RFID-enabled number plates and associated operational processes before a nationwide rollout.
The new plates have been designed with enhanced security features aimed at improving the authenticity and traceability of registered vehicles. Among the key features are the inscription “REPUBLIC OF GHANA” prominently displayed at the top of the plate, the Ghana Flag positioned at the top-right corner, a biennial renewal sticker ring at the top-left corner, the region of registration displayed at the bottom, and a watermark of the map of Ghana embedded at the centre.
The Authority has also introduced a new registration format. Under the redesigned system, registration numbers will be followed by four letters. The first two letters will indicate the Registration Centre Code, while the final two letters will serve as a Random Identification Mark that does not follow a sequential pattern.
In another significant change, the year of registration will no longer be displayed on vehicle number plates.
DVLA said the pilot phase will involve a selected number of vehicles and will help fine-tune operational requirements ahead of full implementation.
The Authority announced that official issuance of the new RFID-enabled number plates is expected to begin in January 2027, starting with newly registered vehicles. Details regarding the re-registration of vehicles already on Ghana’s roads will be announced at a later date.
DVLA noted that the introduction of the RFID-enabled number plate system forms part of its broader digitisation agenda and is expected to enhance vehicle security, improve revenue protection and increase efficiency in vehicle registration and identification.
The Authority assured vehicle owners and the motoring public that adequate public education and information would be provided before each phase of the rollout and appealed for continued cooperation as Ghana transitions to a more secure and technology-enabled vehicle registration system.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
