Your driver’s licence is one of those documents you do not think about until it expires. In Ghana, the renewal process has become significantly easier in recent years, with an online portal and a self-service app that allow you to start the process from your phone. But there are still in-person steps you cannot avoid—and the fees escalate sharply if you let your licence expire. Here is a complete guide.
The Requirements: What You Need Before You Start
Before you begin the renewal process, make sure you have the following:
Your old driver’s licence – You will need to present it for verification.
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Your Ghana Card – The national ID is now the primary identification document for DVLA services. The online portal requires you to log in with your Ghana Card number.
An eye test – Every licence holder is mandated by law to take an eye test before the licence is validated . This is a non-negotiable step.
Evidence of training – The DVLA has stated that licence holders must present evidence of training from a certified driver training institution as part of the renewal process .
Proof of address – Some service centres may request proof of residential address.
The Fees: What You Pay in 2026
The cost of renewal depends on when you renew. The DVLA’s 2026 fee schedule applies escalating charges for expired licences.
| Renewal Timing | Fee (GH¢) |
|---|---|
| Before expiry | 127.00 |
| Expired 1 day – 6 months | 204.25 |
| Expired 7 – 12 months | 279.25 |
| Expired up to 2 years | 315.25 |
| Expired up to 4 years | 352.25 |
| Expired more than 4 years | 404.25 |
These figures come from the DVLA’s 2026 Summary of Licensing and Other Activity Rates .
There is also a delinquency charge separate from the renewal fee. Under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (LI 2512), the DVLA charges:
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GH¢52 for non-renewal involving one sticker
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GH¢104 for two stickers
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GH¢75 for renewals between 7 and 12 months late
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GH¢111 for renewals above one year up to two years
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GH¢148 for renewals exceeding two years
Important warning: If your licence has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it online. You must reapply as a new driver, retaking both the theory and practical tests . This is the most expensive mistake you can make.
The Online Process: How to Renew from Your Phone
The DVLA’s digital transformation has made renewal significantly faster. The online portal launched in May 2023, and by 2026 it handles licence renewals for licences expired less than 12 months.
Step 1: Create or Log Into Your DVLA Account
Visit www.dvla.gov.gh and select ‘Individual’ (or ‘Business’ for corporate applicants). Fill in the required fields to create an online service account. If you already have an account, log in .
You will need your Ghana Card number to complete the registration and verification process .
Step 2: Select the Renewal Service
Once logged in, select Driver’s Licence Renewal from the list of available services. The system will guide you through the requirements and ask you to select your service class and preferred DVLA branch .
Step 3: Generate Your Invoice and Pay
The portal will generate an invoice for the renewal fee. You can pay online using MTN MoMo, Telecel Cash, AirtelTigo Money, Visa, or Mastercard . Keep your payment confirmation—you will need it for tracking.
Step 4: Complete the In-Person Requirements
The online process does not eliminate all physical steps. You will still need to:
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Visit a DVLA office for the eye test
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Present your old licence for verification
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Complete biometric capture if required
Some applications also require in-person verification, document submission, or collection at a DVLA office .
Step 5: Track Your Application
The DVLA portal allows you to track your application by reference number. Your account dashboard will show the status:
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Approved – if a temporary licence has been issued
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Printed – if the licence has been printed
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Issued – if the licence has been given out
SMS updates arrive at key milestones: document verification, payment confirmation, card printing, and dispatch .
Step 6: Receive Your New Licence
Card printing takes 1–3 working days. Courier delivery adds 2–4 days depending on your region. Total processing time from payment to delivery is typically 3–7 days .
The new card arrives by courier, and someone at your registered address must sign for it. If you miss the delivery, the courier leaves a collection slip for the nearest DHL office .
The Self-Service App: An Alternative Channel
The DVLA has also launched a Self Service App for smartphones. The app allows you to:
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Create an account and verify your identity with your Ghana Card
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Link an existing driver’s licence
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Apply for renewals and other driver services
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Track applications and resume in-progress submissions
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Generate invoices and access online payment options
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Receive activity updates and notifications
The app is available for download, though some services still require in-person verification or collection .
The Ultra Centre: A Premium Option in Accra
For residents in Accra, the Ultra Centre for Licensing and Vehicle Registration offers a more comfortable, customer-friendly experience. Operated by Bridge Direct in partnership with VFS Global, the centre is located at 174 Ring Road West High Street and has been operational since July 2024 .
The centre offers driver’s licence renewal, replacement, foreign licence conversion, and other services in a premium environment. You can initiate your application online and receive an invoice before visiting the centre .
Contact:
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Phone: 0302 918007
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Email: [email protected]
What Happens If You Let It Expire
The financial penalties for late renewal are steep. A licence renewed before expiry costs GH¢127. If you wait until it has been expired for more than four years, you pay GH¢404.25—more than three times the standard fee .
But the greater risk is the one-year rule. Licences expired over one year cannot be renewed online. You must reapply as a new driver, retaking both theory and practical tests . That means hours of study, driving lessons, and examination fees—a far greater cost than renewing on time.
The DVLA has clarified that motorists are responsible for ensuring their licences remain valid. Regulation 46(1) of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (LI 2519) permits renewal within one month before expiry upon payment of the prescribed fee .
Quick Facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Renewal Fee (Before Expiry) | GH¢127.00 |
| Max Fee (Expired 4+ Years) | GH¢404.25 |
| Online Renewal Eligibility | Licences expired less than 12 months |
| Required ID | Ghana Card |
| Eye Test | Mandatory before validation |
| Online Payment Methods | MTN MoMo, Telecel Cash, AirtelTigo Money, Visa, Mastercard |
| Processing Time | 3–7 days (including courier) |
| Portal | www.dvla.gov.gh |
| Ultra Centre Phone | 0302 918007 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to renew a driver’s licence in Ghana?
The standard fee for renewal before expiry is GH¢127.00. If the licence has expired, the fee rises to GH¢204.25 (up to 6 months), GH¢279.25 (7–12 months), GH¢315.25 (up to 2 years), GH¢352.25 (up to 4 years), or GH¢404.25 (more than 4 years) .
2. Can I renew my driver’s licence online in Ghana?
Yes, if your licence expired less than 12 months ago. You can start the process at www.dvla.gov.gh by creating an account, selecting the renewal service, and paying online. You will still need to visit a DVLA office for the eye test and any required biometric capture .
3. What documents do I need to renew my licence?
You need your old driver’s licence, your Ghana Card, and evidence of training from a certified driver training institution. An eye test is mandatory before the licence is validated .
4. What happens if my licence has been expired for more than a year?
You cannot renew it online. You must reapply as a new driver, retaking both the theory and practical driving tests .
5. How long does the renewal process take?
Payment confirmation arrives in minutes. Card printing takes 1–3 working days, and courier delivery adds 2–4 days depending on your region. Total time is typically 3–7 days .
6. What is the DVLA Self Service App?
It is a mobile app that allows drivers to create an account, verify identity with the Ghana Card, apply for renewals, track applications, and receive updates. Some services still require in-person verification .
7. Where is the DVLA Ultra Centre in Accra?
The Ultra Centre is located at 174 Ring Road West High Street. It offers a premium, customer-friendly experience for licence renewal and other services. Contact: 0302 918007 or [email protected] .
8. Is the eye test mandatory for licence renewal?
Yes. Every licence holder is mandated by law to take an eye test before the licence is validated
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
