The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is set to launch biometric international documents as part of efforts to enhance the global recognition and security of Ghanaian driving and vehicle credentials.

The upgrade, which aligns with international standards and Ghana’s obligations under the United Nations’ Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, seeks to address long-standing challenges faced by Ghanaian drivers whose existing International Driver’s Licenses (IDLs) and International Vehicle Permits (IVPs) have occasionally been rejected in some foreign jurisdictions.

Under the new policy, the DVLA will introduce Biometric International Driver’s Licenses and Biometric International Vehicle Permits, both designed with advanced security features and compliant with ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) specifications.

According to the Authority, the new documents will feature a bio-data page similar to that of modern passports, ensuring authenticity, easy verification, and protection against forgery.

“This strategic upgrade represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s transportation modernisation agenda, the CEO of DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey has said.

It will provide Ghanaian drivers and vehicle owners with internationally verifiable documents, reinforcing our country’s commitment to global standards,” he stated

The rollout of the new biometric documents is scheduled to begin in 2026 at all DVLA offices nationwide.

The Authority added that the initiative will particularly benefit Ghanaians living and working abroad, enabling seamless recognition of their driving credentials across international borders.

The move forms part of DVLA’s broader mission to digitise, secure, and internationalise Ghana’s vehicle licensing system, ensuring that Ghanaian drivers enjoy full credibility and convenience in global mobility.