Expired driver’s licence attracts delinquency charge of up to GH¢148 – DVLA

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has clarified that motorists who fail to renew their driver’s licences before expiry will be required to pay delinquency charges when applying for renewal or replacement.

The Authority said the charges are backed by the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (LI 2519) and the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (LI 2512).

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, it said the applicable delinquency charge depends on how long the licence has remained expired, with penalties ranging from GH¢52 to GH¢148.

“The responsibility for holding a driver's licence is to ensure that the licence is active at all times. At no point is a driver's licence supposed to be allowed to expire,” the statement read in part.

Under Regulation 46(1) of LI 2519, a driver’s licence may be renewed within one month before its expiry date upon payment of the prescribed fee, with the renewed licence taking effect from the date of expiry.

The regulation further provides that a driver’s licence must be renewed every two years and replaced after six years from the date of issue.

The DVLA said licence holders are also required to renew their licences personally after passing an eye test and providing evidence of having undergone training with a certified driver training institution.

According to the Authority, LI 2512 prescribes different delinquency charges for licence holders who fail to renew their licences before expiry.

A non-renewal involving one sticker attracts a GH¢52 delinquency charge, while two stickers attract GH¢104.

For licences that have remained expired for seven to 12 months, the applicable delinquency charge is GH¢75, while an expiry period of above one year to two years attracts GH¢111.

Where a licence has been expired for more than two years, the delinquency charge rises to GH¢148.

The DVLA said the charges are intended to enforce the requirement for motorists to keep their licences valid and encouraged licence holders to renew them on time to avoid additional costs.