DVLA to decentralise licence printing to end delays

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is set to decentralise the printing of driver’s licence cards across its offices nationwide as part of measures to improve service delivery and end prolonged delays in the issuance of licences.

DVLA Chief Executive Officer Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey said the Authority currently operates a centralised printing system at its head office, where only two machines serve applicants across the country.

He said the new system would allow individual DVLA offices to print licence cards locally, significantly reducing the waiting period for applicants who have completed the required processes.

“We are doing decentralisation. Every station will now print its own card so that card printing will be everywhere,” Mr Kotey explained.

He said this during the commissioning of a new DVLA Ultra Centre in Amrahia, in the Adentan Constituency of the Greater Accra Region.

According to him, the decentralised system is expected to eliminate situations where applicants wait for several months to receive their licence cards and improve the overall customer experience.

Mr Kotey said the DVLA was currently conducting final tests on the system, with a transitional period expected between October and December 2026 before full implementation begins in January 2027.

DVLA Clarifies Private and Commercial Licences

The DVLA CEO also disclosed that the Authority was reviewing its driver’s licence system under the relevant legislative framework to establish a clearer distinction between private and commercial driving licences.

He explained that holders of commercial driving licences are permitted to operate private vehicles, but those with only private driving licences are not authorised to operate commercial vehicles.

Mr Kotey said the distinction was necessary because commercial drivers are subject to different age requirements and other conditions compared with private drivers.

Call for Regular Vehicle Inspections

Mr Kotey also stressed the importance of regular vehicle inspections as part of efforts to reduce road crashes linked to mechanical defects.

He noted that faults such as defective braking systems could contribute significantly to road accidents if vehicles were not properly maintained and inspected.

He therefore urged commercial vehicle operators to have their vehicles inspected every six months, while private vehicle owners should undertake inspections at least once a year.

“If you are a commercial driver, every six months go there to check whether your car has mechanical issues. When you are a private driver, you go there every year to check once in a year whether the car doesn't have any issue that can worry you tomorrow or the next,” he said.

Mr Kotey said addressing mechanical faults was as important as improving roads and street lighting, stressing that all stakeholders must work together to protect lives.

Adentan MP Commends DVLA

The Member of Parliament for Adentan, Mohammed Adamu Ramadan, welcomed the establishment of the new facility and commended the DVLA for bringing its services closer to residents.

He described the constituency as fortunate to have Mr Kotey serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.

According to the MP, the newly commissioned centre is the second DVLA facility in the constituency, following the establishment of another facility around Ritz Junction between Madina and Adenta.

He said the geographical spread of the Adentan Constituency made decentralised DVLA services particularly important to residents.

The new centre is expected to serve residents within the area as well as communities towards Oyibi and Katamanso.

Mr Ramadan expressed hope that an additional facility could eventually be established in the middle of Adentan to further improve access to DVLA services.

He also commended the Authority for creating employment opportunities for residents through its facilities and for providing opportunities for some constituents to work at the centres.

New Centre to Improve Access to Services

The manager of the newly commissioned centre described the facility as more than just another DVLA office, saying it was intended to bring essential services closer to residents while creating employment opportunities for young people in the community.

He expressed appreciation to Dr Solomon Anan, his family and the startup team for their support towards the establishment of the centre.

He said the success of the facility would depend on the commitment of its staff, cooperation from the community and patience from customers.

The manager urged all stakeholders to support the growth of the centre, stressing that sustained commitment and teamwork would be crucial to ensuring the facility delivers on its objectives.