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.
The Authority said the charges are provided for under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (LI 2512) and apply to licence holders who seek to renew or replace expired licences.
In a statement, the DVLA said motorists have a responsibility to ensure that their driver’s licences remain valid and should not allow them to expire.
The Authority cited Regulation 46(1) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (LI 2519), which provides that a driver’s licence may be renewed within one month before its expiry upon payment of the prescribed fee. The renewed licence takes effect from the date on which the previous licence expires.
The DVLA further explained that Regulation 46(6) requires a driver’s licence to be renewed every two years and replaced after six years from the date of issue.
Under Regulation 46(7), the licence holder is required to personally renew the licence after passing an eye test and providing evidence of training from a certified driver training institution.
Delinquency charges
According to the DVLA, LI 2512 establishes different delinquency charges depending on the circumstances and length of the delay.
The charges are:
- Non-renewal – one sticker: GH¢52
- Non-renewal – two stickers: GH¢104
- Renewal delayed by 7 to 12 months: GH¢75
- Renewal delayed by more than one year up to two years: GH¢111
- Renewal delayed by more than two years: GH¢148
The Authority said the charges constitute penalties for failing to renew licences before their expiry dates.
The clarification follows concerns from some motorists over charges being imposed at DVLA service centres when they seek to renew or replace expired licences.
The DVLA urged motorists to renew their licences on time to avoid the additional charges.
SMS reminders
The Authority said it has measures in place to remind licence holders about approaching expiry dates.
According to the DVLA, SMS alerts are sent to licence holders using the telephone numbers provided during the licence application process.
The reminders are sent on two occasions—one month before the licence expires and again shortly before its expiry.
The Authority encouraged motorists to ensure that the contact details associated with their licences remain accessible so they can receive the notifications.
The DVLA said it remains committed to maintaining high driver standards and urged licence holders to comply with the responsibilities associated with holding a valid driver’s licence.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
