DVLA completes design for RFID-enabled number plates for 2027 rollout

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has finalized the design for its new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled number plates, with a full nationwide implementation scheduled for 2027. This technological shift follows a pilot phase and is intended to modernise vehicle identification across Ghana. According to the authority, the move aims to significantly enhance the security of the vehicle registration process while providing law enforcement agencies with the capability to access vehicle data in real-time.The Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, emphasized that the introduction of RFID technology is a critical step in streamlining vehicle monitoring. By embedding RFID chips into number plates, the DVLA expects to improve the accuracy of vehicle tracking and simplify the verification process for police and other security officials. To support this rollout, the authority has also focused on decentralising the issuance process to regional offices. This administrative shift is designed to eliminate the long-standing bottlenecks that have previously delayed the acquisition of number plates and other essential vehicle documentation.The DVLA has already commenced a public sensitization campaign to educate vehicle owners and stakeholders about the transition and the benefits of the new system. Beyond the RFID plates, the authority is introducing a comprehensive suite of digital innovations and policy changes. These include the implementation of a demerit points system for drivers to promote road safety, the extension of service hours at various branches, and the expansion of office locations to increase accessibility. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy that has already seen improved revenue collection and higher issuance rates for temporary driving (DP) stickers across the country.