How to Get an International Driving Permit in Ghana

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation document that allows you to drive in countries that recognise it, provided it is carried alongside your valid national driver’s licence. In Ghana, the DVLA issues IDPs to holders of Ghanaian licences, and the process is straightforward—but it requires your physical presence and a short road signs test.

What the IDP Is (and What It Is Not)

The IDP is not a standalone driving licence. It is an official translation of your existing Ghanaian licence into multiple languages, designed to help foreign authorities understand your credentials. To be valid, it must always be accompanied by your original, valid Ghanaian driver’s licence .

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue . It is issued under the framework of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which Ghana follows.

Important distinction: If you hold a foreign licence and are visiting Ghana, you generally need an IDP obtained from your home country before you travel . The Ghanaian DVLA issues IDPs based on Ghanaian driver’s licences, not foreign ones.

The Requirements

To apply for an IDP at the DVLA, you must meet the following requirements :

• Your physical presence – The applicant must appear in person. You cannot apply by proxy.

• A valid Ghanaian driver’s licence (or a valid cover note).

• Two recent passport-sized photographs.

The Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Visit a DVLA Office

The DVLA’s official service page states that to acquire an IDP, “the applicant must personally contact DVLA” . This means an in-person visit is required. You can go to a DVLA state office or the Ultra Centre in Accra, which lists International Driving Permit among its premium services .

Step 2: Authenticate Your Licence

DVLA officials will verify the authenticity of your Ghanaian driver’s licence. This is the first procedural step .

Step 3: Pay the Prescribed Fee

You will be directed to make the required payment. The exact fee is not published on the DVLA’s public service page, so confirm the current rate at the office before you go. Keep your receipt.

Step 4: Complete the Forms

You will fill out the application forms provided by the DVLA .

Step 5: Take the Road Signs Test

This is the step many applicants do not expect. The DVLA requires a test on road signs and markings, along with general questions about the country for which the permit is being issued . The test is short, but it is mandatory.

Step 6: Collect Your IDP

If you pass the test and have completed all requirements, the IDP is issued—often on the same day .

Where to Go: DVLA Offices and the Ultra Centre

You can process your IDP at any DVLA office that handles driver’s licensing services. In Accra, the Ultra Centre for Licensing and Vehicle Registration offers a premium, less crowded environment for IDP applications .

Ultra Centre Contact:

• Address: 174 Ring Road West High Street, Accra

• Phone: 0302 918007

• Email: [email protected]

You can also initiate the process online by creating an account at www.dvla.gov.gh, selecting the service, and receiving an invoice before visiting the centre . However, the physical presence requirement for authentication and the road signs test remains.

The DVLA Self-Service App

The DVLA’s mobile app allows you to apply for driver services, including international driving permits, depending on eligibility and service availability . You can use it to review requirements, generate invoices, and track your application. But the app itself notes that some applications still require in-person verification or examinations at a DVLA office .

For Ghanaians in the Diaspora

In February 2026, the DVLA announced a pilot arrangement with Ghana’s diplomatic missions in the United States, Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Under this initiative, embassy staff will be trained to verify applicants’ documents and forward them to the DVLA in Ghana for processing. The processed IDPs will then be returned to the embassies for collection . This is a significant development for Ghanaians abroad who need an IDP but cannot travel to Accra.

A Word of Caution

There are third-party websites offering “International Driving Permits” for Ghana online, often for fees ranging from $69 to $115 . These are not issued by the DVLA. The official Ghanaian IDP is issued only by the DVLA after an in-person process that includes authentication and a road signs test. If a website promises an IDP without these steps, treat it with caution.

The DVLA’s own service description is clear: the applicant must personally contact the Authority .

Quick Facts

Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

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.

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