In October 2026, DVLA's online fee list showed a Regular-service price of GHS 642.25 for a new class B licence and GHS 162.25 for a licence renewal, with higher prices for Premium and Prestige service. Those figures cover DVLA's own charges only. They do not include driving school tuition, the eye test and physical examination at a clinic, transport to DVLA offices, or any fines. DVLA's charges changed during 2026, so treat every number below as a dated snapshot and confirm it on DVLA's fee portal before you pay.
Where these figures come from
DVLA publishes service charges on its payment portal, where the driver-services tab lists each service by class. The figures here are the ones it returned when we checked it in October 2026; the portal does not show when individual prices last changed. DVLA's main fees and charges page links to the same portal. We have not copied the vehicle-registration or commercial-vehicle charges, only those relevant to someone learning to drive or holding a licence.
The list uses "service classes", which is the main reason two people can pay different amounts for the same licence. Regular is the standard-priced option. Premium, Prestige, and the mobile or ultra-centre variants cost more and are meant to shorten waiting or to bring the service closer to you. A news explainer from April 2026 described premium and prestige services at ultra centres as the faster routes.
New licence fees by class
DVLA prices the learner application by class and shows the later licence stage at GHS 0.00, which suggests one payment covers both; confirm on your invoice. The letters refer to licence classes, explained in our page on licence classes.
| Class | Regular | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| A | GHS 594.25 | GHS 876.25 |
| B | GHS 642.25 | GHS 903.25 |
| E | GHS 715.25 | GHS 976.25 |
| AB | GHS 788.25 | GHS 999.25 |
| BE | GHS 788.25 | GHS 999.25 |
| AE | GHS 836.25 | GHS 1,047.25 |
| ABE | GHS 953.25 | GHS 1,189.25 |
Renewal, replacement and other services
| Service | Regular | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's licence renewal | GHS 162.25 | GHS 218.25 |
| Renewal (two stickers) | GHS 233.25 | GHS 289.25 |
| Replacement of an expired licence | GHS 241.25 | GHS 354.25 |
| Lost licence (listed as "Lost License") | GHS 394.25 | GHS 542.25 |
| Lost or damaged licence (listed as "Lost Damaged License Service") | GHS 348.00 | GHS 496.00 |
| Missing or damaged temporary licence | GHS 202.25 | GHS 292.25 |
| Learner's licence renewal | GHS 121.25 | GHS 202.25 |
| Conversion of foreign licence | GHS 636.25 | GHS 866.25 |
| International Driving Permit | GHS 414.25 | GHS 527.25 |
| Theory test (CBT) resit | GHS 150.35 | GHS 240.35 |
| In-traffic test (listed as "ITT") | GHS 109.25 | GHS 314.25 |
| Proficiency test | GHS 206.25 | GHS 262.25 |
| Upgrading a licence | GHS 610.25 | GHS 723.25 |
| Additional class | GHS 619.25 | GHS 710.25 |
Prestige and mobile prices exist for many of these services and are higher again. The theory row is labelled "CBT Resit", but the in-traffic row is labelled only "ITT", so confirm on your invoice whether that amount is the resit charge. For a damaged licence, the list has the "Lost Damaged License Service" row above and a separate "Damaged License" line priced only for Premium service, at GHS 496.00; your invoice shows which one applies to you. Whenever your invoice differs from the table, believe the invoice and ask DVLA why.
Late renewal charges
Letting a licence expire adds delinquency charges on top of the renewal fee. MyJoyOnline's report of a DVLA statement issued on 24 September 2026 listed amounts from GH¢52 to GH¢148, depending on how overdue the licence was. The statement cites the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519) and L.I. 2512 on fees and charges as the basis for these amounts; the policy group CUTS International had questioned them in August 2026. The simplest way to avoid them is to renew on time; our page on renewing a licence covers the timing and the tiers.
What else to budget for
- Driver training. Schools set their own prices, so ask for the total in writing and what it includes. See choosing a driving school for questions to put to them.
- Eye test and physical examination. These are paid to the clinic, not to DVLA.
- Passport photographs for some services, such as an International Driving Permit.
- Extra lessons before a resit, if you need them.
- Travel to DVLA offices, which can mean several trips.
Why earlier figures may not match
If you have seen different numbers in an article from earlier in 2026, you are not misreading. An April 2026 explainer from Citi Newsroom quoted GHS 565 for a new class B licence on standard service and GHS 487 for a foreign-licence conversion, both of which differ from the October list. Press figures age quickly, so the official portal is the one to rely on, and even its numbers should be checked again on the day you pay.
Avoiding overpayment
Pay only through the channels on your DVLA invoice, and pay the amount on that invoice. Anyone asking for a "processing fee" in cash outside the system, or promising to shorten testing for a price, is a risk to you and your licence. The step-by-step guide shows where payment actually belongs in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new licence cost?
In October 2026, DVLA's fee list showed GHS 642.25 for a new class B licence on Regular service and GHS 903.25 on Premium. Confirm the amount on your invoice before paying.
Is the driving school fee included?
No. DVLA's charges cover its own services. Driving school tuition is set by each school and is paid separately.
Why are there Regular, Premium and Prestige prices?
They are service classes. The higher classes cost more and are intended to be faster or more convenient, but the licence you receive is the same.
How much does a renewal cost?
DVLA listed GHS 162.25 for a standard-class renewal and GHS 233.25 for a two-sticker renewal in October 2026. Late renewal can add delinquency charges.
Where can I check the current fees myself?
On DVLA's payment portal, under the driver services tab, which is linked from the fees and charges page on DVLA's website. The invoice generated for your own application shows the final amount.