Ghana’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is shifting gears and it’s good news for drivers across the country. On July 17, 2025, the DVLA officially launched a new Ultra-Centre for vehicle registration and licensing in Accra, promising faster, more efficient, and more comfortable services for the public.
Located at Ring Road West, the Ultra-Centre was developed in partnership with VFS Global, a company known for streamlining public services through technology. The facility is designed to offer a premium experience, with digital tools that reduce wait times and improve accuracy. Services available include driver’s license renewal, foreign license conversion, international driving permits, and full vehicle registration.
The launch marks a major step in DVLA’s modernization efforts. According to GhanaWeb, Deputy CEO Foster Akwasi Asante praised the initiative, saying, “DVLA alone cannot take on this mandate because the workload will definitely overwhelm us. We are happy to have such partners… Bringing the services closer to the doorsteps of our cherished customers not only shows the revenue of the state, but also provides the service in the convenience of our cherished customers.”
The Ultra-Centre is just one part of DVLA’s broader digital transformation. Earlier this year, the Authority announced that vehicle registration for 2025 would begin on January 2. The process has been simplified into two stages. First, vehicle owners present their cars and customs documents at authorized testing stations for inspection. Then, they visit a DVLA office to validate documents and receive an invoice. In the second stage, they make payments, either in cash or electronically, and have their biometric details captured. After that, they receive their license plates, smart registration card, and roadworthiness certificate.
The new license plates will carry a “-25” suffix to mark the registration year, in line with the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (L.I. 2180). DVLA has also emphasized that only original documents and the Ghana Card will be accepted for identification. To protect the public, the Authority is warning against the use of unauthorized middlemen, commonly known as “goro boys” who often charge illegal fees and provide fake documents.
What does this mean for Ghanaian drivers?
For many car owners in Ghana, registering a vehicle has long been a stressful experience. Long queues, confusing paperwork, and the risk of falling into the hands of “goro boys” have made the process frustrating and expensive. With the new Ultra-Centre and digital systems, DVLA is aiming to change that.
Drivers can now expect shorter wait times, clearer procedures, and more secure transactions. The introduction of biometric data capture and smart registration cards means your information is safer and harder to tamper with. Electronic payments also reduce the need to carry cash, cutting down on the risk of fraud.
Perhaps most importantly, the DVLA’s modernization gives drivers more confidence in the system. When services are transparent and efficient, people are less likely to seek shortcuts and more likely to follow the law. That’s good not just for individual drivers, but for road safety across the country.
As Ghana’s car population continues to grow, these improvements couldn’t come at a better time. Whether you’re a taxi driver, a private car owner, or someone buying your first vehicle, the new system is designed to make your experience smoother, safer, and more reliable.
