New RFID Number Plates: DVLA To Begin Nationwide Rollout In January 2027
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) will from January 2027 begin the nationwide issuance of its new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled number plates, starting with unregistered vehicles.
The Authority disclosed this on Monday, 29th September, 2026, when it announced that it has commenced the pilot phase of the new plates.
According to the DVLA, the pilot involves a selected number of vehicles and is intended to allow the Authority to test and refine the new system, processes and operational requirements ahead of the full implementation.
The new system, backed by the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), is described as a more secure, technology-driven and tamper-resistant vehicle identification system aimed at modernising Ghana’s vehicle registration regime.
Under the new design, the familiar year-of-registration embossed on number plates will be scrapped. Instead, the registration number will be followed by four letters – the first two representing the Registration Centre Code and the last two serving as a Random Identification Mark that does not follow a sequential pattern.
In terms of security features, the new plate will have “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 Authority said the introduction of the RFID-enabled plate is a major step towards digitisation, enhanced vehicle security, improved revenue protection and greater efficiency in vehicle registration and identification.
The DVLA said it will subsequently announce modalities and the commencement date for the re-registration of vehicles that are already registered, and assured vehicle owners and the motoring public that adequate information will be provided ahead of each phase of the rollout.
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