The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ghana has published the 2026 fee schedule for vehicle registration, which varies depending on the vehicle's engine capacity, classification, and type of registration service requested. The charges cover motorcycles, private cars, commercial vehicles, buses, coaches, and heavy-duty trucks. Motorists must also account for additional services, including roadworthiness certification, number plates, and documentation.
The registration charges differ across vehicle categories, with motorcycles generally attracting lower fees than private cars and heavier vehicles. According to the published 2026 fee guide, the basic registration charges are as follows: motorcycle up to 200cc, GH¢116.00; motorcycle above 200cc, GH¢140.00; motor vehicle up to 2,000cc, GH¢429.50; motor vehicle above 2,000cc, GH¢544.00; buses and coaches, GH¢544.00; and rigid cargo truck up to 16 tonnes, GH¢544.00.
Beyond basic registration, the DVLA's September 2026 price list outlines additional charges for motorists requesting specialised services. These include motorcycle up to 200cc re-registration and roadworthy, GH¢510.05; private bus or coach re-registration and roadworthy, GH¢980.55; motor vehicle above 2,000cc re-registration and roadworthy, GH¢980.55; and private vehicle above 2,000cc registration with customised plate, GH¢8,852.55.
To register a vehicle, applicants must present the vehicle, original customs entry documents, a valid Ghana Card, and a vehicle inspection report from an approved testing station. The DVLA subsequently verifies the documents and assesses the vehicle before issuing an invoice for payment. After successful registration, motorists receive the applicable registration documents, number plates, and roadworthiness certification.
The DVLA also offers premium service options, which attract different charges depending on the transaction. Motorists are advised to verify the latest applicable fees through the DVLA's official website before making payments to avoid unauthorised charges. This ensures that they are aware of the total costs involved in registering their vehicles.
In August 2025, the DVLA unveiled the design of new number plates set to be introduced in 2026, as part of sweeping reforms in the country's vehicle registration system. The authority also announced a two-year nationwide exercise to replace all vehicle number plates in Ghana with digital ones, running from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2028.
The DVLA's move to digital number plates aims to improve the efficiency and transparency of the vehicle registration process. Motorists can expect a more streamlined and secure system, with reduced risks of counterfeiting and tampering. The authority's efforts to modernise the vehicle registration system are expected to benefit both vehicle owners and the Ghanaian public.
Key points
- The DVLA's 2026 fee schedule for vehicle registration varies depending on engine capacity and vehicle category.
- Additional costs for number plates, documentation, and premium services apply.
- The authority plans to introduce digital number plates in 2026 and replace existing plates by 2028.
