Did you know that individuals can no longer walk into the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to acquire Defective Vehicle (DV) plates?

The DVLA has tightened controls following reports of misuse. From now on, DV plates will only be issued to registered car dealerships and recognised garages across the country.

Announcing the new directive in a Facebook post, DVLA Chief Executive Officer Julius Neequaye Kotey disclosed that the official price for a DV plate is GH¢417.25.

The DV plates are specifically restricted for use by garage operators, vehicle manufacturers, and vehicle dealers to move vehicles for fixing defects, test-driving for potential buyers, or for other restricted uses while the vehicles are in their possession.

“The official price for a DV plate is GH¢417.25. Please note that the DVLA currently restricts issuance exclusively to registered car dealerships and garages,” Kotey said.

Earlier this year, Julius Neequaye Kotey revealed that nearly five percent of vehicles registered in Ghana are operating with fake number plates obtained through illegal means.

5% of vehicle number plates in Ghana are fake - DVLA CEO.

Speaking on TV3 on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Kotey explained that fraudsters exploit several loopholes to produce counterfeit plates.

Plates from accident-damaged cars beyond repair are often embossed and reused, while others photocopy customs documents to duplicate registration numbers for vehicles that have evaded duty payments.

Kotey emphasised that number plates are security documents and should not be produced indiscriminately.

He called for the centralisation of embossing under a single authorised company to strengthen oversight, enhance security, and protect motorists.

The DVLA boss also cautioned Ghanaians to be vigilant about where they obtain their plates, warning that using unauthorised embossers could expose them to legal and security risks.

SA/MA



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