DVLA introduces birthdate-based license expiry, rolls out SMS renewal alerts nationwide
Driver’s licenses in Ghana will now expire on the holder’s date of birth, the Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has announced, as part of sweeping reforms aimed at modernizing the Authority’s operations.
In addition, the DVLA will this year roll out an SMS notification system to remind motorists in advance when their driver’s licenses and vehicle roadworthiness certificates are due for renewal.
Mr. Kotey disclosed this at a press conference on Friday, January 23, 2026, to mark his first year in office.
He explained that the new measures are designed to improve compliance, reduce lapses in renewals, enhance service delivery, and strengthen revenue mobilization across the transport sector.
According to him, linking license expiration to a driver’s date of birth will simplify tracking, reduce confusion over renewal timelines, and align Ghana’s licensing system with international best practices.
The SMS alert system will further reduce reliance on manual reminders and long queues caused by last-minute renewals.
“We have introduced an SMS notification system that informs motorists when their license expiration is approaching. In addition, from this year [2026], we are starting a project where a driver’s license expiration will be attached to the holder’s date of birth,” Mr. Kotey stated.
“Your date of birth will therefore be the day your license expires. The public should take note of this change. We are also extending this system to roadworthiness certification, so when it is time to renew your roadworthy certificate, you will receive an SMS indicating the due date,” he added.
The reforms form part of the DVLA’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to improve efficiency, curb avoidable infractions, reduce revenue leakages, and support road safety enforcement nationwide.
