The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has explained the legal basis for the delinquency charges imposed on motorists who renew or replace their expired driver’s licences.
The DVLA said the charges are prescribed under Ghana’s existing road traffic and fees regulations and apply to licence holders who fail to renew their licences before the expiry date.
In a statement responding to concerns from some motorists at DVLA service centres, the authority reminded drivers that they are responsible for ensuring that their driver’s licences remain valid.
According to the DVLA, motorists are expected to take the necessary steps to renew their licences before they expire rather than allowing them to lapse.
DVLA Driver’s Licence Renewal Rules
The DVLA cited the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519) as the legal framework governing the renewal and replacement of driver’s licences in Ghana.
Under Regulation 46(1) of L.I. 2519, a driver’s licence can be renewed within one month before its expiry date after payment of the prescribed renewal fee.
The regulation further states that where a licence is renewed during this period, the new licence takes effect from the date the previous licence expires.
The DVLA also referenced sub-regulation 6 of Regulation 46, which provides that a driver’s licence must be renewed every two years.
The same regulation requires the licence to be replaced after six years from the date it was originally issued.
DVLA Delinquency Charges for Late Renewal
The authority said the penalties for failing to renew a driver’s licence before its expiry are provided under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512).
According to the DVLA, the regulations establish different driver’s licence delinquency fees depending on how long the licence has remained unrenewed.
The applicable charges include:
| Category | Delinquency Fee |
|---|---|
| Non-renewal – one sticker | GH¢52.00 |
| Non-renewal – two stickers | GH¢104.00 |
| Renewal between 7 and 12 months | GH¢75.00 |
| Renewal above 1 year to 2 years | GH¢111.00 |
| Renewal above 2 years | GH¢148.00 |
The DVLA stressed that these charges are not arbitrary fees introduced by its service centres. Instead, they are penalties provided for under the applicable fees and charges regulations for motorists who fail to renew their driver’s licences within the required period.
DVLA Urges Motorists to Renew Licences on Time
Following the clarification, the DVLA has urged motorists across Ghana to renew their driver’s licences before they expire to avoid additional delinquency charges.
The authority said timely renewal helps motorists avoid unnecessary costs while ensuring that they continue to hold valid driver’s licences and comply with Ghana’s road traffic regulations.
Motorists are therefore encouraged to check their licence expiry dates and complete the DVLA driver’s licence renewal process within the prescribed period.
Source: newsthemegh.com