DVLA Services You Can Access Without Travelling to Accra

While many DVLA services still require an in-person visit for biometrics, eye tests, or vehicle inspections, the Authority has significantly expanded what you can start or complete remotely. You can now handle a substantial amount of the paperwork and verification from outside Accra, thanks to digital platforms and a growing network of regional offices.

What You Can Do Online (From Anywhere)

You can begin the process for most major services without travelling to the capital, provided you have your Ghana Card and a smartphone or computer.

Start Applications and Generate Invoices

The official DVLA website allows you to create an account, select a service—such as licence renewal or vehicle registration—and receive an online invoice before you visit any office. The DVLA Ghana Self Service App also lets you apply for driver services (new licences, renewals, foreign conversions, IDPs), track applications, and manage vehicle services from your phone.

Remote Biometric Verification

The DVLAverify app (available on iOS and Android) and its web-based platform allow you to complete biometric identity verification remotely using your phone or a computer with a webcam. This is particularly useful for vehicle registration or licence services that do not require a physical examination.

Check Fees

You can view applicable DVLA fees and charges directly within the Self Service App, helping you prepare before making any payments.

Regional Offices and Ultra Centres (Avoid Accra)

If you need to visit an office, you no longer have to go to Accra. The DVLA has expanded its network from 33 to 63 offices nationwide, including new Ultra Centres—public-private partnerships offering full services—in various regions.

New Ultra Centres have opened in areas including Tema Port, Dansoman, Akwatia, Asamankese, Ashaiman, Teshie-Nungua, Nsawam, Kasoa, and Pokuase-Kwabenya (Greater Accra), as well as Bantama/Adum (Kumasi), North Dayi (Volta), and Guama (Oti). These centres offer the full suite of services, including vehicle registration, licence renewals, and conversions.

New Regional Offices have been commissioned in Adentan, Bole, Dormaa, Bechem, Salaga, Nalerigu, Navrongo, Tumu, Nkoranza, Asuogyaman, Yendi, and Atebubu.

Extended Hours: Several offices (including Weija, Tema, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, and others) now operate until 10:00 PM on weekdays, making it easier to visit after work.

What Still Requires an In-Person Visit

Despite the digital progress, certain steps are legally mandated to be physical.

Eye Tests: Every licence holder must take an eye test at a certified centre before a licence is validated.

Vehicle Inspections: All private and commercial vehicles must be inspected at a DVLA-certified Private Vehicle Test Station (PVTS) for roadworthiness certification.

Biometrics (for some services): While remote verification is expanding, some applications still require in-person document submission or biometric capture at a DVLA office.

A Note on Avoiding Middlemen

The DVLA consistently warns against using intermediaries (“goro boys”). Whether you are applying online or visiting a regional office, deal directly with DVLA staff or official partners. Official fees are fixed, and paying more to a third party does not guarantee faster service.

Quick Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I renew my driver’s licence online without visiting a DVLA office in Accra?
You can start the renewal online or via the DVLA Self Service App. However, you must still take an eye test at a certified centre and may need to visit a regional office for biometric capture, depending on the service.

2. What is the DVLAverify app used for?
It allows remote biometric identity verification for vehicle registration and some licence services, so you may not need to visit an office in person for that step. It is available on iOS, Android, and as a web platform.

3. Are there DVLA offices outside Accra that offer full services?
Yes. The DVLA has opened Ultra Centres and regional offices across the country, including in Kumasi, Tema, Takoradi, Tamale, Cape Coast, Ho, and many other districts. These offer the full suite of services.

4. Which DVLA offices have extended opening hours?
Several offices, including Weija, Tema, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, and others, now operate until 10:00 PM on weekdays to improve access.

5. Can I get an International Driving Permit without going to Accra?
You can apply via the DVLA Self Service App or portal, but the process typically requires an in-person road signs test and document verification at a DVLA office.

6. What DVLA services still require an in-person visit?
Eye tests, vehicle roadworthiness inspections at a PVTS, and some biometric captures or document submissions still require a physical visit to a DVLA office or certified centre.

7. How do I avoid middlemen when using DVLA services?
Deal directly with DVLA staff or official partners at Ultra Centres. Use the official website, app, or visit a regional office. Do not pay third parties who promise faster service.