The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced that it printed more than 440,000 driver’s licence applications by the close of 2025 in a major effort to eliminate a longstanding backlog, some of which dated back to 2023. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House on Monday, October 12, 2026, the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Julius Neequaye Kotey, said that addressing the backlog was among the key challenges management encountered upon taking office.
According to Mr. Kotey, the DVLA responded by implementing a 24-hour printing operation at its Print Farm, significantly increasing production capacity and enabling the processing of outstanding applications. “When I assumed office, one of the critical issues we had to address was the huge backlog of unprinted driver’s licence applications, some of which had been pending since 2023,” he said. “We immediately introduced a 24-hour printing scheme at the Print Farm, and by the end of 2025, we had printed more than 440,000 licences, substantially reducing the backlog.”
Instant printing for replacement licences
Mr. Kotey announced that the DVLA has acquired instant licence-printing machines to expedite the replacement of licences for applicants whose records have been with the Authority for at least six years. This measure aims to reduce delays in replacement services and prevent similar backlogs in the future.
However, he emphasised that applicants seeking new driver’s licenses must still complete the full licensing process before their documents can be printed. Additionally, Mr. Kotey mentioned that the Authority is progressing with plans to introduce simulator-based driving tests as part of its efforts to enhance licensing services.
