The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) says it has printed more than 444,000 driving licences by the end of 2025 as part of efforts to clear a backlog of applications, some of which dated back to 2023.
Chief Executive Officer Julius Neequaye Kotey disclosed this during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, October 12, 2026.
He said management introduced a 24-hour printing scheme at the Authority’s printing facility shortly after assuming office to address the delays that had affected applicants.
According to him, the Authority has also secured instant licence-printing machines to improve services for people seeking replacement licences.
Mr Kotey explained that the instant-printing arrangement would initially serve applicants whose records had been with the Authority for at least six years and who required replacement licences.
He stressed that the reform would not compromise the established licensing procedures for new applicants, who would still be required to complete the full process before their licences could be issued.
“There is no reason why we cannot provide such applicants with instant services,” he said.
The DVLA CEO said the reforms were intended to improve turnaround times, prevent a recurrence of backlogs and make licence replacement more convenient.
The Authority has also introduced SMS notifications to remind licence holders of their renewal and replacement dates, with messages sent one month and two weeks before expiry.
