The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has commenced a pilot phase of new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled number plates as part of efforts to strengthen vehicle identification, enhance security and modernise Ghana’s vehicle registration system.
The Authority says the pilot will enable it to assess the effectiveness of the new number plates and refine the processes and operational requirements ahead of a nationwide rollout.
In a statement, the DVLA said the initiative is intended to introduce a more secure, technology-driven and tamper-resistant vehicle identification system.
“The pilot marks a significant step in the Authority’s efforts to introduce a more secure, technology-driven and tamper-resistant vehicle identification system,” the statement said.
The initiative follows the passage of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), and forms part of the DVLA’s broader programme to improve the integrity, security and efficiency of the vehicle registration system.
The new RFID-enabled number plates will carry several security and identification features, including “REPUBLIC OF GHANA” prominently displayed at the top, the Ghana flag at the top-right corner, a biennial renewal sticker ring at the top-left corner, the region of registration at the bottom and a watermark of the map of Ghana at the centre.
The registration format will also change under the new system. The registration number will be followed by four letters, with the first two representing the Registration Centre Code and the next two constituting a Random Identification Mark that does not follow a sequential pattern.
The year of registration will also no longer appear on the number plate.
The pilot currently involves a selected number of vehicles and is expected to help the DVLA test and refine the new system before its full implementation.
The Authority plans to officially begin issuing the new RFID-enabled number plates in January 2027, starting with unregistered vehicles.
The DVLA said it will subsequently announce the modalities and commencement date for the re-registration of vehicles that are already registered.
The Authority said the initiative forms part of its efforts to improve vehicle security, digitisation, revenue protection and efficiency in vehicle registration and identification.
“The introduction of the RFID-enabled number plate represents an important step in DVLA’s commitment to digitisation, enhanced vehicle security, improved revenue protection and greater efficiency in vehicle registration and identification,” the statement added.
The DVLA has therefore urged vehicle owners and the motoring public to take note of the upcoming changes and assured them that adequate information will be provided ahead of each phase of the rollout.
The introduction of the RFID-enabled plates is expected to strengthen the identification and traceability of vehicles while making the registration system more secure and technology-driven.
