DVLA Clarifies Reports on Driver Licensing Services Abroad

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has clarified what it describes as misleading media headlines regarding its intention to extend selected driver licensing services to Ghanaians living abroad.

In a statement, Management of the DVLA explained that the Authority is not setting up full operational offices or posting staff to foreign missions, contrary to some media reports. Instead, the initiative forms part of a collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to make specific services more accessible to Ghanaian citizens residing outside the country.

Pilot Phase in Five Countries

According to the DVLA, the pilot phase of the initiative will be rolled out in the:

• United States of America
• Canada
• Germany
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom (through the High Commission)

Under the arrangement, Ghana’s Embassies and High Commissions in these countries will offer selected services, including the processing of applications for International Driver’s Permits and renewal of Ghanaian driver’s licences for qualified applicants.

How the Process Will Work

The Authority explained that Embassy staff will be trained by the DVLA to verify applicants’ documents. After verification, the documents will be forwarded to Ghana for processing by the DVLA.

Once processed, the completed documents will be returned to the respective Embassies or High Commissions for collection by applicants.

Management emphasized that this system ensures efficiency and maintains the integrity of DVLA’s processes, while also bringing services closer to Ghanaians abroad.

No Posting of DVLA Staff Abroad

The DVLA stressed that the arrangement does not involve posting domestic DVLA staff to work at Ghanaian Embassies, as some media headlines had suggested.

“The operation does not in any way mean that the DVLA would post its domestic staff to work at Embassies in the aforementioned countries,” the statement clarified.

Commitment to Service Delivery

Management reiterated its commitment to improving service delivery and minimizing defaults, noting that the Authority has consistently pursued policies aimed at promoting compliance and accessibility.

The DVLA further encouraged journalists and members of the public to seek clarification directly from its Corporate Affairs Department when in doubt, to avoid the publication of misleading reports.

The Authority reaffirmed its open-door policy and pledged to continue working in the interest of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.