No TIN, No Vehicle Registration – DVLA

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced to the general public that, effective January 2, a Tax Identification Number (TIN) would be required for the registration of vehicles.

The directive forms part of a decision to shift to an electronic platform for vehicle registration in the country.

A statement signed and issued by the Public Relations Manager, Francis Asamoah Tuffuor, read “Customers are advised to provide their Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) which is a pre-requisite for the registration process.”

The electronic platform, according to DVLA, will ensure that time spent for registration processes is reduced to prevent overcrowding.

Vehicle owners who wish to have their vehicles registered in 2019, have therefore been directed to begin the process on the e-platform between Monday, December 3 and 31.

The TIN policy, which began on April 1, 2018, is an eleven-digit number that ensures tax compliance, and helps to properly monitor and broaden the tax net.

It is tied to accessing public services like Drivers’ License, Passport, the opening of a bank account and even filing cases in courts.

However, the introduction of the policy was met with mixed reactions from the public.

While some economists have described it as a good step aimed at firming up the country’s tax base, others say the implementation process is grossly discouraging.

Notwithstanding, DVLA has gone ahead to make it a mandatory requirement.

The Authority has urged vehicle owners to make payment and undergo bio-metric capture at the office from January 2.

“A new registration document (certificate of title, vehicle smart card), number plate and other documents would be issued,” the statement mentioned.

The Authority further urged vehicle owners to desist from seeking help from middlemen, popularly known as ‘Goro boys’, to avoid being swindled.

By: Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum