DVLA Warns Motorists to Complete Vehicle Ownership Transfers

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has advised motorists to ensure the full transfer-of-ownership process is completed whenever a vehicle is bought or sold, warning that failure to do so could expose drivers to serious legal consequences.
The Authority says the directive forms part of broader vehicle registration reforms designed to resolve persistent challenges where individuals operate vehicles without being able to legally prove ownership because proper documentation was never completed.
Speaking in a media interview, the DVLA’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Stephen Attuh, explained that many motorists mistakenly believe they own a vehicle simply because it is in their possession or bears a number plate they use daily, even though the legal title may still be registered in another person’s name.
According to Mr. Attuh, this misconception becomes problematic when vehicles are linked to criminal activity, traffic offences, or ownership disputes, since law enforcement agencies rely on DVLA records to identify the legally registered owner.
He said recent reforms now ensure that vehicle titles are issued directly to individuals at the point of first registration, whether the vehicle is newly imported or being registered in Ghana for the first time, providing owners with clear proof of ownership.
However, Mr. Attuh stressed that buyers of second-hand vehicles must still complete the official transfer-of-ownership process with the DVLA to be recognised as the lawful owner. He cautioned that possession or the use of a number plate alone does not confer legal ownership.
The DVLA says the reforms are aimed at strengthening accountability, improving vehicle traceability, and ensuring ownership records remain accurate, transparent, and legally enforceable across the country nationwide system.