Ghana’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is set to revolutionize vehicle registration at the country’s ports with the complete transition to digital sticker-based ‘Drive from Port’ (DP) numbers, effective August 1, 2025.
This landmark shift marks the end of the traditional aluminum DP number plates that have been in use for decades.
The new digital system replaces physical metal plates with high-tech stickers that incorporate advanced security features designed to combat fraud and enhance efficiency.
This follows a successful pilot of the sticker-based DP number system at the two major ports of Tema and Takoradi, where the technology has proven its effectiveness over recent months.
The digital DP stickers represent a significant technological leap forward for Ghana’s automotive sector. Unlike their aluminum predecessors, these stickers feature sophisticated anti-counterfeiting measures, including QR codes, watermarks, and specialized security elements that make unauthorized duplication virtually impossible.
Vehicle owners and law enforcement agencies can instantly verify the authenticity of these stickers using mobile technology, with a simple USSD code verification system accessible on all Ghanaian mobile networks.
One of the most compelling advantages of the new system is its environmental impact. The digital stickers are eco-friendly alternatives to metal plates, reducing the carbon footprint associated with aluminum production and disposal.
Additionally, they offer superior durability and weather resistance compared to traditional plates, ensuring longer-lasting identification for imported vehicles.
The transition also strengthens revenue assurance for the government through enhanced accountability mechanisms built into the digital infrastructure.
Each sticker contains unique identifiers that create an unbroken chain of documentation from port entry to final registration, significantly reducing opportunities for revenue leakage that plagued the previous system.
For vehicle importers and clearing agents, the new system promises streamlined processes and reduced waiting times at Ghana’s ports.
The lightweight, compact nature of the stickers eliminates storage and handling challenges associated with bulky aluminum plates, while their tamper-evident design provides better security during the clearing process.
The DVLA has partnered with the State Insurance Company (SIC) to ensure that all vehicles issued with the digital DP stickers receive valid insurance cover before leaving the ports, creating an integrated approach to vehicle documentation that enhances road safety from the point of import.
The Authority’s digital transformation aligns with Ghana’s broader national digitalization agenda, demonstrating how traditional government processes can be modernized to serve citizens more effectively.
This initiative builds on previous successful digital implementations by the DVLA, including online vehicle registration systems that have already shown remarkable results in improving service delivery.
As Ghana positions itself as a leader in digital governance across West Africa, the DVLA’s transition to digital DP stickers represents another milestone in the country’s technological evolution.
The system not only addresses current operational challenges but also provides a scalable foundation for future innovations in vehicle licensing and management.
The full implementation from August 1 will affect all entry ports across Ghana, ensuring nationwide consistency in vehicle documentation and setting new standards for efficiency and security in the automotive import sector.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
