DVLA prints 440,000 licences to clear backlog dating to 2023

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has printed over 440,000 driver's licences by the end of 2025 in an effort to resolve a backlog that dates back to 2023. Julius Neequaye Kotey, the Chief Executive Officer, revealed this information at a Government Accountability Series event held at the Jubilee House on Monday, October 12, 2026. Mr. Kotey emphasized that clearing the backlog was one of the major challenges his management team faced upon taking office.

In response to the backlog, the DVLA implemented a 24-hour printing scheme at its Print Farm to expedite production and process the outstanding applications. This initiative was introduced as one of the immediate actions taken when Kotey assumed his position. By the end of 2025, the Authority had successfully printed more than 440,000 licence applications.

To address the issue of replacement licences for applicants whose records had been with the Authority for at least six years, the DVLA also secured instant licence-printing machines. Kotey explained that this intervention aimed to reduce delays in replacing licences and prevent similar backlogs from occurring in the future. He stressed that while applicants seeking new driver's licences would still need to complete the entire licensing process before their documents could be printed, these measures were being taken to improve the efficiency of the system.