Ghana’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is rolling out a major upgrade to its international travel documents, introducing biometric technology to solve a persistent problem: rejection of Ghanaian documents by foreign authorities.
Starting in 2026, the DVLA will issue Biometric International Driver’s Licenses (IDLs) and Biometric International Vehicle Permits (IVPs) across all its stations nationwide. The move comes after reports that current Ghanaian international driving documents have been rejected in some countries, creating headaches for travelers and citizens living abroad.
Why the Upgrade?
As a signatory to the UN’s Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Ghana is obligated to issue travel documents that meet international standards. However, the current IDLs and IVPs have faced acceptance issues in certain foreign jurisdictions, highlighting the need for a more secure and universally recognized format.
The new biometric documents will feature a bio-data page that fully complies with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) specifications. This enhancement is designed to establish a modern, secure, and globally verifiable standard that foreign authorities can trust and easily authenticate.
What Makes It Biometric?
While the DVLA hasn’t released detailed technical specifications yet, biometric documents typically include embedded chips or advanced security features that store the holder’s biometric data—such as fingerprints or facial recognition information. This makes them significantly harder to forge and easier for international authorities to verify.
The bio-data page ensures the documents align with global best practices used by countries with advanced licensing systems, reducing the likelihood of rejection at borders, car rental agencies, or during traffic stops abroad.
When Will It Start?
The DVLA plans to begin issuing the new biometric IDLs and IVPs across all its stations in Ghana starting in 2026. The nationwide rollout aims to ensure that Ghanaians—whether traveling temporarily or living abroad—have access to internationally compliant driving documentation.
This initiative represents Ghana’s commitment to modernizing its licensing infrastructure and removing barriers that have previously complicated international travel for its citizens. For Ghanaians planning to drive overseas, 2026 could mark the end of document-related travel anxiety.
