The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has commenced the pilot phase of its new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled number plates as part of efforts to strengthen vehicle identification, enhance security and modernise Ghana’s vehicle registration system.
The Authority said the pilot forms part of measures to introduce a more secure, technology-driven and tamper-resistant vehicle identification system.
“The pilot marks a significant step in the Authority’s efforts to introduce a more secure, technology-driven and tamper-resistant vehicle identification system,” the DVLA said.
According to the Authority, the pilot will enable it to assess the effectiveness of the new number plate and its associated processes before a nationwide rollout.
The initiative follows the passage of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), and forms part of the DVLA’s broader programme to strengthen the integrity, security and efficiency of Ghana’s vehicle registration system.
New security features
The new RFID-enabled number plates incorporate enhanced security and identification features intended to improve the authenticity and traceability of registered vehicles.
The features include 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 at the centre of the plate.
The DVLA has also redesigned the registration format.
Under the new system, the registration number will be followed by four letters. The first two letters will represent the Registration Centre Code, while the subsequent two letters will constitute a Random Identification Mark that does not follow a sequential pattern.
The Authority said the year of registration will no longer appear on the number plate.
Issuance to begin in January 2027
The current pilot phase will involve a selected number of vehicles and will allow the DVLA to test and refine the new system, processes and operational requirements ahead of full implementation.
The Authority intends to commence the official issuance of the new RFID-enabled number plates in January 2027, beginning with unregistered vehicles.
The DVLA said it will subsequently announce the modalities and commencement date for the re-registration of vehicles that are already registered.
“The introduction of the RFID-enabled number plate represents an important step in DVLA’s commitment to digitisation, enhanced vehicle security, improved revenue protection and greater efficiency in vehicle registration and identification,” the Authority said.
The DVLA has therefore urged the public to take note of the upcoming changes and assured vehicle owners and the motoring public that adequate information will be provided ahead of each phase of the rollout.
