Driver’s Licences to expire on holders’ birthdays — DVLA

Driver’s licences will now expire on the holder’s date of birth, alongside the introduction of an SMS notification system to alert motorists ahead of renewals, the Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has announced.

Addressing a press conference to mark his first year in office on Friday, January 23, 2026, Mr. Kotey explained that the new system will send SMS reminders to drivers when their licences and roadworthiness certificates are due for renewal, as part of broader efforts to improve compliance and enhance service delivery.

According to him, the reforms form part of measures to modernise DVLA operations, strengthen efficiency and boost revenue mobilisation.

“We also introduced the SMS notification, where now people are being informed when their license expiration is due. Mind you, this year [2026], we are starting a project where license expiration will be attached to your date of birth.

“So your date of birth will be the day your license will expire. That is the new initiative we are bringing on board. The public should know that. So we are about to roll out the Roadworthy to it. So when it’s time for you to go and renew your Roadworthy, we’ll give you an SMS to inform you of the set date,” he announced.

credit: Citinewsroom.com