The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) printed more than 444,000 driver’s licence applications by the end of 2025 after introducing a 24-hour printing scheme to clear a backlog of applications, some dating back to 2023.
The Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, disclosed this at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, October 12, 2026.
He explained that the backlog of unprinted driver’s licences existed when he assumed office, prompting the Authority to introduce measures to address the delays and improve service delivery.
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According to Mr Kotey, the 24-hour printing scheme enabled the DVLA to accelerate the processing of outstanding applications and reduce the number of applicants waiting for their licences.
The Authority has also secured an instant licence printing machine to provide faster services to applicants seeking replacement licences, particularly those whose records have been with the DVLA for at least six years.
“There’s no reason why we cannot provide such applicants with instant services,” he said.
Mr Kotey explained that the instant printing initiative is intended to eliminate unnecessary delays for eligible applicants seeking replacement licences.
He, however, stressed that the reform would not compromise the Authority’s established licensing procedures.
“For those seeking new licensing, they will be required to go through the full process before the licences are printed,” he stated.
The DVLA’s latest measures form part of efforts to improve efficiency, reduce waiting times and ensure applicants receive their licences without prolonged delays.
The introduction of instant printing for eligible replacement applications is also expected to help prevent a recurrence of the backlog that affected applicants in previous years.
The Authority has indicated that the distinction between new applications and replacement requests will remain important, with all new applicants required to satisfy the necessary licensing requirements before receiving their documents.