Ghana’s number plate system is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades. New smart plates with embedded RFID chips are being rolled out, trade plates are being tightened, and the rules around personalised marks are being clarified. Here is what you need to know about the types of plates, the fees, and how to apply.
The Main Types of Number Plates
Standard Registration Plates
Every registered vehicle in Ghana is assigned a standard identification mark by the DVLA . These follow a standardised format and are issued when a vehicle is registered. The process is straightforward: present the vehicle for inspection, provide the required documents, and the DVLA assigns a registration number.
Personalised Identification Marks (Vanity Plates)
What many people call “vanity plates” or “customised plates” are legally known as Personalised Identification Marks. Under Regulation 10 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), vehicle owners may request a particular identification mark or special registration number for a fee .
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The prefix of a personalised mark is limited to six characters. It can include letters, acronyms, punctuation, or pseudonyms—including names. However, legally, the mark identifies the vehicle, not the owner .
Between 2009 and the time of reporting, the DVLA had registered 946 customised number plates nationwide . The process is similar to acquiring a normal registration, except you must submit an application specifying what you want. The name or phrase chosen must be decent and not offensive. The personalised plate is for one car only and is not transferable .
DV Plates (Trade Plates for Dealers)
DV stands for Defective Vehicle. These plates are issued to registered car dealerships and recognised garages for moving vehicles that have not yet been inspected for roadworthiness—for fixing defects, test-driving for potential buyers, or other restricted uses.
Important: The DVLA has restricted DV plate issuance exclusively to registered car dealerships and garages. Individuals cannot walk into the DVLA and acquire a DV plate .
The official price for a DV plate is GH¢417.25. The DVLA has warned that unauthorised intermediaries (“goro boys”) have been selling DV plates for GH¢1,300 to GH¢1,500. The public should not pay more than the official price .
DP Plates (Drive from Port)
DP plates are issued as stickers for vehicles cleared from the port but not yet registered. They are valid for fourteen days after customs clearance. During this period, the owner must address any defects and complete registration. The SIC provides two weeks of insurance coverage for vehicles at the port under this arrangement .
The New Smart Number Plates (Rolling Out)
Ghana is introducing new smart number plates with embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips. The new plates will include enhanced security features: the name of the country, the Coat of Arms, a biannual renewal sticker, the map of Ghana, the vehicle number, region of registration, registration centre code, a random identification mark, and the national flag.
The RFID chip is tamper-proof and ISO-certified. It will allow security agencies with scanners to instantly retrieve vehicle information during investigations and roadside operations. The current plates carry no digital information .
The DVLA has centralised the embossing of number plates to eliminate loopholes that previously allowed fraudulent replacement plates. This may cause slight delays in issuance, but the Authority says the enhanced security is consistent with international best practices .
Reregistration: Existing vehicles will need to be onboarded onto the new digital system. The current onboarding fee is GH¢25 for biodata verification. This fee does not include the Certificate of Title or Vehicle Registration Card, which will be issued later when the new plates are rolled out. The DVLA has warned the public not to pay more than GH¢25 .
How to Apply for a Number Plate
Standard Registration
The process is the same as vehicle registration. You need:
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Customs Declaration Form (for imported vehicles) – proves duties and taxes are paid
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Roadworthiness certificate (for used vehicles)
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Vehicle inspection at a DVLA office or Private Vehicle Testing Station
For brand-new vehicles, the Customs Declaration Form and Ghana Card are sufficient. For used vehicles, a roadworthiness certification from a PVTS is required before registration.
The DVLA has stated that under normal circumstances, a vehicle can be registered within the same day, and in many cases within a few hours. Number plate collection may take slightly longer due to centralised embossing .
Personalised Identification Marks
You must submit an application specifying the mark you want. The DVLA will review it to ensure it is not offensive. If approved, the fee is paid, and the plate is issued. The mark is limited to six characters and is not transferable .
DV Plates
Only registered car dealerships and garages can apply. Individuals cannot acquire DV plates. The official fee is GH¢417.25 .
What to Watch Out For
Avoid goro boys. The DVLA has repeatedly warned against unauthorised intermediaries who charge inflated fees for plates and other services. Deal directly with DVLA officers and always take an official receipt.
Verify chassis and engine numbers. Before completing any transaction, cross-check the numbers on the documents against the physical vehicle.
Understand the difference between DV and DP. DV plates are for dealers and garages. DP stickers are for importers moving vehicles from the port to registration. Neither is for regular road use by ordinary citizens .
The new plates are coming. If you are registering a vehicle now, be aware that the plate you receive may eventually be replaced when the new RFID-enabled system is fully rolled out. The DVLA is urging owners to onboard their vehicles early to shorten the process later .
Quick Facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Plate | Issued on vehicle registration |
| Personalised Mark Limit | 6 characters |
| Personalised Plates Registered | 946 (2009 onwards) |
| DV Plate Official Price | GH¢417.25 |
| DV Plate Eligibility | Registered dealerships and garages only |
| DP Sticker Validity | 14 days |
| Digital Onboarding Fee | GH¢25 |
| New Plate Feature | RFID chip |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of number plates are available in Ghana?
Ghana has standard registration plates, personalised identification marks (vanity plates), DV plates for dealers and garages, and DP stickers for vehicles cleared from the port but not yet registered. New RFID-enabled smart plates are being rolled out .
2. How much does a personalised number plate cost in Ghana?
The cost depends on the DVLA’s fee schedule. You must submit an application specifying the mark you want, and the DVLA will review it before approval. The mark is limited to six characters .
3. Can individuals get a DV plate in Ghana?
No. The DVLA has restricted DV plate issuance exclusively to registered car dealerships and garages. Individuals cannot acquire DV plates .
4. What is the official price of a DV plate?
The official price is GH¢417.25. The DVLA has warned against intermediaries charging GH¢1,300 to GH¢1,500 for the same plate .
5. What is a DP plate?
DP stands for Drive from Port. It is a sticker issued for vehicles cleared from customs but not yet registered. It is valid for fourteen days, during which the owner must complete registration .
6. What are the new smart number plates?
The new plates have embedded RFID chips that allow security agencies to instantly retrieve vehicle information. They also include enhanced security features like the Coat of Arms, national flag, and region of registration .
7. How much does it cost to onboard my vehicle onto the new digital system?
The current onboarding fee is GH¢25 for biodata verification. The DVLA has warned the public not to pay more than this amount .
8. How long does it take to get a number plate after registering a vehicle?
Vehicle registration can be completed within the same day or a few hours. Number plate collection may take slightly longer due to centralised embossing for security reasons .
9. What is a personalised identification mark?
It is a customised registration number requested by a vehicle owner for a fee. The prefix is limited to six characters. It identifies the vehicle, not the owner, and is not transferable .
10. Can I transfer my personalised number plate to another car?
No. Personalised identification marks are for one car only and are not transferable
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.
