If you hold a valid foreign driving licence and are staying in Ghana for the long term, you convert it at DVLA by submitting the original and a copy, proof that the issuing authority has authenticated it, English translations from an approved body where needed, and your residence documents, then paying the conversion fee. DVLA says a road signs and markings test may be required, and the conversion is offered as an instant service, with the actual card collected on a later date. Visitors who are only passing through can usually drive on their home licence with an International Driving Permit for a limited time, but the limit is quoted differently by different sources.
Visiting or living here?
The difference decides everything else. A tourist or short-term visitor generally does not need a Ghanaian licence. A resident, such as someone on a work permit or a returning citizen, will be expected to convert. Diplomatic staff and their families should ask their mission about separate arrangements. A Citi Newsroom explainer in April 2026 said visitors can drive for up to 90 days on a home licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit, usually the 1949 Geneva version, and that residents staying beyond that should convert. Guidance from the Australian High Commission in Accra, on the other hand, says an international licence or permit is accepted for visits of up to 12 months. With two figures in circulation, work to the shorter one and ask DVLA if you are close to the line. Check with your insurer too, since insurers set their own conditions for drivers on foreign licences.
Documents DVLA lists for conversion
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid foreign driving licence | Original and a copy |
| Authentication letter or driving record | From the issuing authority, or through its embassy or high commission |
| English translation | For any document not in English; from the Ghana Institute of Languages, the licence holder's consulate, a state university or Alliance Française d'Accra |
| Residence permit | For foreign nationals, showing a stay of at least one year |
| Non-citizen identity card | For foreign nationals |
| Sponsor or employer letter | For foreign nationals |
The Citi Newsroom explainer added that the non-citizen Ghana Card from the National Identification Authority costs $120. That figure comes from the article rather than DVLA's services page, so confirm it before spending money.
The process step by step
- Gather the home-country documents first. Authentication is usually the slowest part, because it depends on a licensing authority overseas. The Australian High Commission notes that DVLA will accept the authentication in any format, including an emailed or printed statement, though how easy it is to obtain varies by country.
- Get translations if needed. Anything not in English must be translated by an approved body.
- Apply through DVLA. Start on the online portal, generate the invoice and pay.
- Attend DVLA in person with the originals, copies, identity documents and receipt.
- Take the road signs and markings test if asked. DVLA says it is required in some cases, not all.
- Receive a temporary or actual licence, then collect the actual card on the date given.
Foreign licence holders do not repeat the full learner route. The April 2026 explainer stated that the 48-hour driving school requirement does not apply to conversions, which is the main saving compared with a first application. If you want to see what the full route involves for comparison, read how first-time applicants get licensed.
Cost
DVLA's online fee list, checked in October 2026, showed the following for conversion of a foreign licence:
| Service class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular | GHS 636.25 |
| Premium | GHS 866.25 |
| Prestige | GHS 1,031.25 |
Other pre-conversion costs, such as authentication fees abroad, translation and the non-citizen card, are separate. The fees page lists related DVLA charges and explains the service classes.
Ghanaians returning with a foreign licence
DVLA's residence permit and non-citizen identity requirements apply to foreign nationals, which implies that Ghanaian citizens use their Ghana Card instead. Authentication of the foreign licence still applies. Dual citizens are treated as citizens in the Citi explainer, citing a 2012 Supreme Court ruling, but anyone relying only on a foreign passport and identity was described as falling under the foreigner rules. If your status is mixed, ask DVLA which route it will apply before you gather documents.
Going the other way: the International Driving Permit
People with a Ghanaian licence who plan to drive abroad can get an International Driving Permit from DVLA. It requires you to attend in person with a valid temporary or actual licence and two passport photographs, and the permit is valid for one year. The Regular fee listed in October 2026 was GHS 414.25. Check what the country you are visiting actually requires, since rules differ.
Common snags
- Authentication that arrives after your residence paperwork has lapsed.
- A translation from a body DVLA does not accept.
- Expired foreign licences, which are unlikely to be accepted because DVLA asks for a valid one.
- Assuming an old rule about the visitor period still applies without checking.
DVLA's services page carries the current list of conversion requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I drive in Ghana on a foreign licence?
Sources differ: a 2026 Citi Newsroom explainer says 90 days with an International Driving Permit, while Australian High Commission guidance says up to 12 months. Treat the shorter limit as the safe one and confirm with DVLA.
Do I have to take a driving test to convert my licence?
DVLA says a road signs and markings test may be required. A full driving school course is not part of conversion, according to a 2026 explainer.
What does conversion cost?
DVLA's October 2026 list showed GHS 636.25 on Regular service and GHS 866.25 on Premium, plus the costs of authentication and translation.
Can I convert an expired foreign licence?
DVLA lists a valid foreign licence as a requirement, so an expired one is unlikely to be accepted. Renew it with the issuing country first, if possible.
Is the conversion done instantly?
DVLA calls it an instant service in the sense that a temporary or actual licence is issued, with the actual card collected on a scheduled date.