Ghana and Benin to start biometric vehicle registration and licenses

Ghana and Benin are the most recent additions to the list of African countries utilizing biometric technology. Benin is introducing a biometric driver's license, and Ghana is using biometric identification for vehicle registration.

Biometric identification for drivers was introduced in Benin.

Implementation of the biometric driver's license has been a joint effort by the National Agency for Land Transport (ANaTT) and Anip since December 19th. Without increasing prices, the new format is more secure and long-lasting than the previous one. Totally different from any other license out there, this one. The existing three-part paper structure of a driver's license is being discussed as a potential transition to a biometric format that is more secure and long-lasting, like a bank card. The ANaTT's standard fees for a brand-new license, renewal, or replacement card will remain same despite the switch to the new format. On Friday, Mr. Alain Hinkati, the interim director general of ANaTT, and Cyrille Gougbedji, the representative manager of ANIP, held a news conference at ANaTT headquarters to explain the situation and confirm that the current prices will be maintained.

To obtain a biometric driver's license, one must first have their Social Security number confirmed. All blood grouping test results must be documented in addition to the required administrative papers. So as to slow down the decay of the attributes, they said that the card is good for ten (10) years instead of five (5). However, the Acting Director General of ANaTT emphasized that users' current licenses will remain valid notwithstanding the implementation of the new licensing type. All existing licenses are still in full force and effect. A sufficient transition period will be granted to allow everyone to receive the new driving license types before any decisions are made regarding whether or not to remain using the old licenses. They ask that those using the older format not rush to the ANaTT offices in search of the new one.

Those who were accepted to the 2022 licensing examinations and got certificates of achievement will be able to obtain their biometric driving licenses beginning on Monday, according to Alain Hinkati. This is especially true at the level of all Anatt annexes. The new license system has a number of safeguards, the presenters highlighted. This biometric driver's license can serve as proof of citizenship in place of a passport. The bearer of the national biometric identity card should not worry about getting a new one for the foreseeable future. Cyrille Gougbédji suggests that citizens might need a national biometric identity card (sometimes called an electronic smart card) for digital purposes that go beyond those of a regular driver's license. Learn more: https://www.m2sys.com/blog/e-governance/biometric-vehicle-registration-and-licenses/