The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has clarified the legal basis for delinquency charges imposed on motorists who fail to renew their driver’s licences before they expire.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, the Authority said it had noted concerns from clients over charges imposed at its service centres when expired licences are presented for renewal or replacement.
The DVLA said under the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), licence holders are required to ensure that their licences remain valid and are renewed on time.
The Authority stated that under Regulation 46(1) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), a driver’s licence may be renewed at any time within one month before the licence expires upon payment of the prescribed fee.
It also assures that such a renewal shall have effect from the date of expiry. Also, sub regulation 6 of Regulation 46 of LI 2519 states that a licence is subject to renewal every two years and it is to be replaced after 6 years from the date it was issued.
Further, sub regulation 7 of Regulation 46 of LI 2519 imposes a duty on the licence holder to renew the licence personally after having passed an eye test and having provided evidence of undergoing training with a certified driver training institution.
According to the Authority, the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512), provides for delinquency charges for licence holders who fail to renew their licences before the expiry date.
The charges include GH¢52 for delinquency involving one sticker and GH¢104 for two stickers.
For longer periods of non-renewal, the DVLA said the applicable charges are GH¢75 for renewals delayed between seven and 12 months, GH¢111 for delays above one year to two years, and GH¢148 for delays exceeding two years.
The Authority urged motorists to renew their licences promptly to avoid paying the penalties.
