The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ghana has initiated a pilot phase for a new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled number plate system. This development marks a significant step towards introducing a more secure, technology-driven, and tamper-resistant vehicle identification system in the country. The pilot phase will involve a limited number of vehicles, allowing the Authority to test and refine operational processes before a full-scale implementation.
The new number plates feature several upgraded security elements, including a prominent display of "REPUBLIC OF GHANA" at the top, accompanied by the national flag at the top-right corner and a biennial renewal sticker ring at the top-left. A watermark of the map of Ghana is also featured at the centre of the plate. Furthermore, the registration format has been redesigned, with a code composed of four letters following the registration number. The first two letters identify the Registration Centre, while the remaining two form a Random Identification Mark.
The year of registration will no longer be visible on the new plates. This change is part of a broader programme to strengthen the integrity and efficiency of the vehicle registration process. The initiative follows the passage of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519). The DVLA plans to begin official issuance of the RFID-enabled plates in January 2027, starting with unregistered vehicles.
The rollout of the new number plates is expected to support digitisation, improve vehicle security, protect government revenue, and increase overall efficiency in vehicle registration and identification. The Authority has urged members of the public and vehicle owners to stay informed about the forthcoming changes and to cooperate with the transition towards a "safer, more secure and technology-enabled vehicle registration system."
The DVLA has announced that details regarding the re-registration process for vehicles already carrying existing plates will be communicated separately at a later date. In August 2025, it was reported that the design of the new number plates had been unveiled, with the changes being part of sweeping reforms in the country's vehicle registration system.
A two-year nationwide exercise to replace all vehicle number plates in Ghana with digital ones has been announced, with the programme set to run from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2028. The Authority has called on Ghanaians to cooperate with the transition, assuring that adequate information will be provided ahead of each phase of the rollout.
The new RFID-enabled number plate system is expected to bring significant improvements to the vehicle registration process in Ghana. With its upgraded security features and technology-driven design, the system aims to provide a more secure and efficient way of identifying vehicles. The DVLA's efforts to introduce this new system have been reported by various sources, including Yen.com.gh.
Key points
- The DVLA's new RFID-enabled number plates feature upgraded security elements, including a Ghana flag, a watermark map, and a redesigned registration format.
- The official issuance of the new plates is scheduled to begin in January 2027, starting with unregistered vehicles.
- The rollout of the new number plates aims to support digitisation, improve vehicle security, protect government revenue, and increase overall efficiency in vehicle registration and identification.
