The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced a postponement in the highly anticipated rollout of its new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) embedded chip license plates.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Stephen D. Attuh, the Director of Corporate Affairs at the DVLA, clarified that while the Authority remains committed to modernizing vehicle identification, the current legal framework does not yet permit the issuance of the advanced plates.
“Sometime this year, we at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, DVLA, announced the introduction of new license plates. We were motivated to conform to international standards and again to allow for the promotion of road safety.
“This was the reason for which we sought to introduce the Radio Frequency Identification, that is RFID Embedded Chip Number Plate”
Stephen D. Attuh, DVLA Director of Corporate Affairs
Mr. Attuh explained that though the rollout was initially scheduled to commence at the start of the 2026 registration year, the transition has been stalled due to the inability of Parliament to pass the necessary amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations (L.I. 2180) before the recent recess.
The introduction of the RFID plates is a centerpiece of the government’s broader strategy to enhance national security and road safety through digitalization. These plates are designed to conform to international standards, allowing for real-time tracking and verification of vehicle data.
However, the legal specifications for license plates are strictly governed by Regulation 10 of L.I. 2180. Without a formal amendment to these regulations, the DVLA cannot legally issue any plate that deviates from the current physical and technical specifications.
Mr. Attuh established that this administrative bottleneck means that from January 2, 2026, vehicle owners will continue to receive traditional plates rather than the digital versions anticipated.
Contingencies for 2026 Registrations
Despite the delay in the RFID rollout, the Director of Corporate Affairs assured the motoring public that its offices will remain fully operational for all registration activities.
He noted that vehicles registered during the initial months of 2026 will be issued standard license plates featuring the “26” suffix, ensuring that the vehicle market and the logistics sector are not disrupted by the legislative delay.
Furthermore, Mr. Attuh confirmed that 2026 Defective Vehicle (DV) plates will be available for issuance immediately upon the reopening of offices in the new year, while emphasizing that the RFID license plate postponement of the rollout is temporary.
“Once Parliament reconvenes and the amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations are passed, the DVLA will move into a full-scale rollout phase. This will include a transition plan for vehicle owners who receive the standard “26” plates in the interim, as well as those currently using older plate formats”
Stephen D. Attuh, DVLA Director of Corporate Affairs
A critical component of the DVLA’s modernization drive is the digital onboarding of all vehicles within its database. The goal in 2026 is to eventually have every vehicle in Ghana equipped with the RFID chip to facilitate seamless integration with the police and other security agencies.
While the new plates are on hold, the Authority is accelerating its efforts to ensure that all vehicle titles are digitally captured. Currently, all vehicles registered from 2023 onwards have been automatically integrated into the digital system, with owners receiving smart cards as proof of title.
However, a significant number of vehicles registered prior to 2023 still operate on manual records, which the DVLA aims to eliminate.
“For those who registered their vehicle before 2023 – we encourage you to visit any DVLA office and get onboarded. After you are done with that process, you have title to your vehicle, you have a smart card to that effect, which contains every information about your vehicle”
Stephen D. Attuh, DVLA Director of Corporate Affairs
According to Mr. Attuh, the onboarding process is a prerequisite for the eventual adoption of the RFID plates. By converting manual records into digital smart cards, the DVLA is creating the necessary data infrastructure to support the embedded chip technology.
Safety and Modernization
The move toward RFID technology is not merely an aesthetic change but a functional upgrade to Ghana’s transport ecosystem. The embedded chips will contain encrypted vehicle data, making it nearly impossible for criminals to clone license plates or use forged documents.
This level of verification is expected to significantly reduce vehicle theft and improve the efficiency of toll collections and traffic enforcement.
As the country enters 2026, the DVLA’s focus remains on maintaining service delivery while preparing for the inevitable legislative green light.
The Authority concluded its year-end update by wishing its customers a happy new year, while maintaining a firm stance on the necessity of these technological upgrades for the future of Ghanaian road safety.
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