DVLA to introduce 'just married, rest in peace' number plates with new temporary vehicle registration system

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced plans to introduce official temporary vehicle number plates carrying celebratory messages such as "Just Married," "Called to the Bar," and other approved inscriptions as part of sweeping reforms aimed at modernising Ghana's vehicle registration system.

The initiative is designed to provide motorists with a legal alternative to the widespread practice of covering or replacing official registration plates with customised messages during weddings, funerals, graduations and other special occasions.

Temporary celebratory number plates to become legal

Speaking on Joy FM on Wednesday, August 5, DVLA Chief Executive Julius Neequaye Kotey said the Authority was responding to the growing misuse of personalised number plates, which currently violates Ghana's vehicle registration regulations.

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According to him, motorists will soon be able to apply for officially approved temporary commemorative number plates after paying the prescribed fee.

"People write messages such as 'Just Married', 'Rest in Peace' and 'Gone Forever' on their number plates, but those are not legal. We are now making it legal. Just come for it, pay for it, and it will be valid for one week," Mr Kotey explained.

The temporary plates will also be available for other milestones, including graduations, professional achievements and ceremonial events.

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"For someone who has been called to the Bar, we can issue a plate reading 'Called to the Bar' or 'Fresh Lawyer'," he added.

Part of Ghana's new digital number plate reforms

The temporary commemorative plates form part of the DVLA's broader digital vehicle registration reforms aimed at strengthening road safety, improving vehicle identification, enhancing security and reducing vehicle-related fraud.

The Authority recently unveiled a new generation of digital number plates equipped with enhanced security features that extend beyond displaying vehicle registration details.

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Rollout timeline for the new DVLA registration system

The DVLA has outlined a phased implementation schedule for the nationwide rollout:

• July 31, 2026: Completion of system upgrades.

• August 2026: Pilot phase begins with government-owned vehicles.

• September 1, 2026: Registration of all newly imported and unregistered vehicles under the new system.

• January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2028: Nationwide re-registration of all existing vehicles.

The two-year re-registration exercise is expected to provide motorists with sufficient time to transition to the new digital number plate system.

Official launch date yet to be announced

While the DVLA is yet to confirm the official launch date and pricing for the temporary celebratory number plates, the initiative is expected to provide motorists with a lawful way to mark important life events while ensuring full compliance with Ghana's vehicle registration laws.