DVLA to Roll Out Biometric International Driving Documents by 2026 to Boost Global Recognition
DVLA to Launch Biometric International Documents for Global Recognition in 2026
Ghana’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced plans to introduce biometric international driving and vehicle documentation starting in 2026. The move is aimed at aligning Ghana with global standards for road traffic documentation and enhancing the international acceptability of its credentials.
The initiative was confirmed by DVLA Chief Executive Officer, Julius Neequaye Kotey, in a public statement on his official Facebook page earlier this week. He indicated that the updated documents would incorporate biometric features and comply with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specifications, as required under international transport agreements.
Ghana is a signatory to the United Nations’ Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which mandates participating countries to issue internationally recognized and verifiable driver and vehicle documents. The new biometric versions of the International Driver’s License (IDL) and International Vehicle Permit (IVP) are designed to meet these obligations.
According to Mr. Kotey, the updated documents will feature a bio-data page, embedded with biometric information that can be authenticated worldwide. This development is expected to significantly reduce the instances where Ghanaian documents are rejected abroad due to non-compliance with international norms.
Ghanaian drivers, especially those living, working, or travelling abroad, often face challenges when presenting their international driving documents. In some countries, current Ghana-issued IDLs and IVPs have reportedly been declined at checkpoints or during official processes due to verification issues or differences in formatting.
The upcoming upgrade seeks to eliminate such complications by ensuring that Ghana’s transport credentials are consistent with global best practices. For the Ghanaian diaspora, the move will simplify driving license recognition, while for tourists or international travellers, it strengthens trust in Ghana’s administrative systems.
This reform also plays into broader government efforts to digitize public services and enhance security and interoperability across national ID systems.
The DVLA has indicated that the issuance of the biometric international documents will begin in 2026 across all its regional and district offices. The authority is currently finalising technical preparations and engaging with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.
Although specific rollout dates have not yet been confirmed, officials have assured that both domestic and international users will receive timely guidance on how to apply for the new documents.
Additionally, Ghanaian embassies and consulates abroad are expected to be equipped to assist citizens in obtaining the biometric credentials without needing to return home.
This announcement follows ongoing national efforts to modernise identity and administrative systems in Ghana. The country’s Ghana Card, for example, has been integrated into banking, SIM card registration, voter registration, and passport applications. The DVLA’s shift toward biometric international driving documents represents a further step in synchronising transport-related identity services with this digital ecosystem.
As of 2025, over 17 million Ghanaians have enrolled for the Ghana Card, and the government has committed to making it the primary form of legal identity nationwide by 2026.
Ghana’s biometric documentation initiative could serve as a benchmark for other African nations also seeking to improve the global recognisability of their driving and vehicle records. While countries like South Africa, Morocco, and Kenya have made strides in digitising their licensing systems, not all have transitioned to internationally compliant biometric formats.
As intra-African mobility increases through frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), secure and verifiable transport documents will become essential for cross-border travel and trade.
The DVLA’s plan to launch biometric international driving and vehicle permits by 2026 reflects a growing emphasis on standardisation, security, and international interoperability. For citizens, this means greater ease of travel and legal recognition abroad. For Ghana as a whole, it signals progress toward a more integrated and technology-driven public service delivery model that aligns with international norms.
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