The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has issued an important clarification regarding the legal process for vehicle registration in cases where the original owner cannot be located.
Previously, the DVLA employed an ‘indemnity provision’ to register vehicles for applicants who claimed they could not trace the original owner. However, recent court rulings have clarified that the DVLA does not have the legal authority to indemnify and register vehicles without proof of ownership.
According to the court, individuals in such situations must petition the court directly. After an official investigation, the court will instruct the DVLA to legally register and transfer the vehicle title.
The DVLA’s investigations reveal that many who attempt to use the old indemnity process are buyers who have not completed their hire-purchase or sales agreements and are trying to bypass the legal owner.
The Authority advises the public to adhere strictly to the lawful court process and cautions against spreading misinformation or threatening legal officials. “The law is clear, and we will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who defames officials or attempts to operate outside the ruling of the court,” the DVLA stated.The DVLA’s clarification aims to uphold the integrity of vehicle ownership and registration processes in Ghana.
