The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has explained the legal basis for delinquency charges imposed on motorists who fail to renew their driver’s licences before the expiry date.
The DVLA said every driver has a responsibility to ensure that their driver’s licence remains valid and should begin the renewal process before the existing licence expires.
DVLA Driver’s Licence Renewal Rules
According to the DVLA, Regulation 46(1) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519) allows motorists to renew their driver’s licences within one month before the expiry date, subject to payment of the prescribed renewal fee.
The regulation also states that the renewed licence takes effect from the date on which the previous licence expires.
Under Regulation 46(6), a driver’s licence must be renewed every two years and replaced after six years from the date of issue.
The DVLA further explained that Regulation 46(7) requires licence holders to personally undertake the renewal process after completing an eye test and providing evidence of training from a certified driver training institution.
DVLA Delinquency Charges for Expired Licences
The authority said the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512) provides the legal basis for penalties, known as delinquency charges, when motorists fail to renew their licences before they expire.
The applicable charges are as follows:
| Late Renewal Category | Delinquency Charge |
|---|---|
| Non-renewal – one sticker | GH¢52 |
| Non-renewal – two stickers | GH¢104 |
| Renewal after 7 to 12 months | GH¢75 |
| Renewal after more than 1 year to 2 years | GH¢111 |
| Renewal after more than 2 years | GH¢148 |
The DVLA said these charges are backed by law and apply to licence holders who fail to renew their driver’s licences within the prescribed period.
DVLA Urges Motorists to Renew Licences on Time
The authority has urged motorists across Ghana to renew their driver’s licences before the expiry date to avoid additional delinquency charges.
The DVLA also disclosed that it sends SMS reminders to licence holders using the telephone numbers provided during the original licence application.
According to the authority, motorists receive two alerts—one month before the licence expires and another reminder in the weeks leading up to the expiry date—to encourage them to start the renewal process early.
The DVLA said it remains committed to maintaining high driver licensing standards in Ghana and urged motorists to comply with the requirements of the law to ensure they remain legally licensed to drive.
Source: newsthemegh.com