The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has explained the legal basis for the delinquency charges imposed on motorists who apply to renew or replace expired driver’s licences.
DVLA said the charges are provided for under existing regulations and are intended to apply to licence holders who fail to renew their licences before their expiry dates
In a statement addressing concerns raised by some clients at DVLA service centres, the authority stressed that motorists have a responsibility to ensure that their driver’s licences remain valid at all times.
According to the DVLA, a driver’s licence is not expected to be allowed to expire before the holder takes steps to renew it.
Under Regulation 46(1) of L.I. 2519, a driver’s licence may be renewed at any time within one month before its expiry upon payment of the prescribed fee.
The regulation further provides that where a licence is renewed within that period, the renewed licence takes effect from the date on which the previous licence expires.
DVLA also pointed to sub-regulation 6 of Regulation 46, which states that a driver’s licence is subject to renewal every two years.
The same provision requires the licence to be replaced after six years from the date it was issued.
It said the penalties for failing to renew a driver’s licence before its expiry are also provided for under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2512).
According to the DVLA, L.I. 2512 establishes different delinquency categories depending on the circumstances and duration of the non-renewal.
The charges include:
- Delinquency for non-renewal (one sticker): GH¢52.00
- Delinquency for non-renewal (two stickers): GH¢104.00
- Driver’s licence renewal between 7 and 12 months – delinquency: GH¢75.00
- Driver’s licence renewal above one year to two years – delinquency: GH¢111.00
- Driver’s licence renewal above two years – delinquency: GH¢148.00
DVLA said the charges therefore do not represent arbitrary fees introduced at its service centres but are penalties prescribed under the applicable fees and charges regulations for licence holders who fail to renew their licences on time.
Having outlined the legal basis for the charges, DVLA urged motorists to ensure that they renew their driver’s licences within the prescribed period to avoid incurring additional costs.
It emphasised that timely renewal not only helps motorists avoid delinquency charges but also ensures that they continue to hold valid driver’s licences.
