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DVLA to phase out metallic DP plates for digitised stickers effective August 1
DVLA to phase out metallic DP plates for digitised stickers effective August 1
By: Abigail | 5 mins read
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced a new directive concerning Drive from Port (DP) plates, the aluminum number plates that are temporarily attached to imported vehicles when cleared at entry points like Tema and Takoradi.
In a statement titled “DVLA goes fully digital with issuance of sticker drive from port numbers” and issued on Monday, July 28, the licensing authority announced that, effective August 1, it will phase out these metal plates in place of digital sticker-based DP numbers. These are adhesive labels placed on the vehicle’s windshield, not physical metal plates.
“The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is excited to announce to the general public that with effect from 1st August, 2025, there will be no more issuance of aluminium plates at the Ports.
DVLA will ONLY issue sticker DP numbers at the ports of entry for vehicles that are imported into the country. This move is aimed at making DVLA services secure and efficient for our clients. DVLA will ONLY issue sticker DP numbers at the ports of entry for vehicles that are imported into the country,” the statement read.
The move comes after what DVLA describes as a “successful pilot program” of the issuance of the sticker from Port (DP) at the Tema and Takoradi Ports. The digitisation of the DP numbers is to enhance the safety and speed of DVLA services for all users, according to the authority.
For a successful and sustainable transition of the roll-out, DVLA has partnered with the State Insurance Company (SIC). This partnership has become necessary to give the vehicle a legal cover before it hits the road.
“To make this transition as smooth as possible and safe, we have teamed up with the State Insurance Company (SIC) to ensure that vehicles that are issued with DP stickers are provided with insurance cover before they leave the Ports”, DVLA said.
“The public is encouraged to cooperate with DVLA and SIC to ensure that this transition to innovative and seamless services becomes a success. For further enquiries, contact Customer Service Centre on 0302746760, Our Concern” the statement concluded.
DVLA’s issuance of the aluminium metal plates, particularly the temporary “Drive from Port” (DP) plates, is a long-standing practice by the regulatory authority as part of its vehicle registration process at ports of entry.
DP number plates were given to vehicle owners right after they were cleared from the port to allow them to drive legally while awaiting full registration. Over time, several challenges emerged with the use of these metal plates. Fraud was one of the major issues coupling the DP plates. It was easy to be duplicated and counterfeited, making it susceptible to misuse.
Criminal networks exploited loopholes in the system, producing fake plates and distributing them illegally. Investigations revealed that thousands of plates went unaccounted for monthly, suggesting large-scale theft and black-market activity. Additionally, some individuals who were not authorised dealers used DP plates to avoid registration fees or insurance requirements, undermining road safety and regulatory compliance.
According to the regulations governing the DP plate, it is supposed to be used for ten days from the date of issuance. Within the ten days, the vehicle should always be used with a logbook that records its movements and driver details. Any use beyond the ten-day window is considered illegal and subject to enforcement action.
In addition, DVLA, in the last days of January, launched the 2025 DV plates across all its offices nationwide, introducing cutting-edge security enhancements to curb counterfeiting and guarantee authenticity. Speaking on the release, DVLA’s Chief Executive, Julius Neequaye Kotey, emphasised that the upgraded plates mark a significant milestone in vehicle registration and licensing.
“We are excited to introduce the 2025 DV plate, which represents a significant improvement in vehicle registration and licensing in Ghana. The new plate demonstrates the Authority’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance security and convenience for its customers,” he stated.
The 2025 plates feature advanced security elements such as holograms, watermarks, and QR codes, all designed to prevent unauthorised duplication and protect vehicle owners. Now available at all DVLA operational offices, the new DV plates can be acquired by vehicle owners, automobile dealers, distributors, freight forwarders, and agents.
In collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, the DVLA has also issued a stern warning against the use or sale of fake DV plates. Authorities are actively working to identify and prosecute individuals involved in such illegal activities.
In addition, excavator owners and operators who have failed to register their machines with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) were warned in early June that they risk losing them to the state, as the government intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, issued the directive in Accra, warning that effective June 1, any excavator not registered with the DVLA will be confiscated.
Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. Kotey announced that the Ghana Police Service and the DVLA’s operational team will begin nationwide enforcement after the deadline, arresting and impounding excavators being used at mining sites or for commercial purposes without proper documentation.
“This exercise will help identify every excavator that enters the country and trace how it is being used. The goal is to ensure we can monitor and hold people accountable,” Mr. Kotey said.
The directive falls in line with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), which mandates the registration of all motor vehicles and trailers, including farm and heavy-duty equipment. Despite the law, the DVLA has found many unregistered excavators operating in mining areas, some of which have been used in illegal activities.
Mr. Kotey emphasised that the DVLA, with its 34 offices nationwide, can register all excavators and farm machinery within two weeks and is ready to strictly enforce the directive.
He stressed the environmental toll caused by unregulated excavator use in illegal mining, saying, “Excavators in the hands of illegal miners have worsened the destruction of our environment. This is why we must act.”
