The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced that Ghana’s new vehicle number plates will no longer feature the year of registration as part of reforms aimed at improving the country’s vehicle identification system.

DVLA Chief Executive Officer Julius Neequaye Kotey said the change will eliminate the practice where some vehicle owners delay registration in order to obtain plates associated with a particular year.

Speaking on Asempa Radio on Monday, August 3, 2026, Mr. Kotey explained that the removal of the registration year means vehicle owners will no longer have the opportunity to attach status or value to a particular year displayed on number plates.

“There is no year of registration anymore, so who are you going to flex?” he said.

The redesigned plates will also introduce a new ownership-based registration system, where registration numbers will be linked to the owner rather than permanently assigned to the vehicle.

Under the new arrangement, individuals selling vehicles will be required to remove their existing number plates before completing the sale. The DVLA will then deactivate the old registration number and issue a new one to the buyer after the ownership transfer process is completed.

Mr. Kotey said the reform is expected to improve accountability, strengthen vehicle tracking and reduce complications involving vehicles that have changed ownership.

He advised vehicle owners to remove their plates before selling their cars to avoid being held responsible for offences or incidents involving vehicles they no longer own.

“When you sell your car, ensure you remove your number plate to avoid being linked to offences or incidents involving it,” he cautioned.

According to the DVLA CEO, the updated system will enhance road safety, support law enforcement efforts and improve the overall efficiency of vehicle registration in Ghana.

The redesigned number plates form part of wider measures by the DVLA to modernise vehicle identification and registration processes across the country.

“There will no longer be a year of registration displayed on vehicle number plates, so there will be no need for anyone to delay registering a vehicle just to flex with the year shown on the number plate.”

—Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority… pic.twitter.com/hl4z7SAYSu

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) August 4, 2026