DVLA to decentralise driver’s licence printing to reduce delays

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) plans to decentralise the printing of driver’s licences across its nationwide offices to alleviate long waiting periods for applicants. This initiative aims to reduce the delays currently affecting motorists, with some waiting up to a year for their licence cards. Currently, only two machines at the DVLA headquarters handle printing, which has contributed to the long wait times.

The DVLA Chief Executive, Julius Neequaye Kotey, announced the plan during the inauguration of a new DVLA office in Amrahia, Adenta Municipality. Kotey explained that the decentralised printing would enable individual offices to serve applicants more swiftly, initially focusing on replacement licences. While motorists renewing expired six-year licences will receive their replacement cards instantly under the new system, first-time licence applicants will still need to undergo a mandatory three-month process, in line with international licensing standards.

The DVLA intends to progressively implement the new printing arrangement across its offices to enhance service delivery and decrease waiting times.