Gambia: New 3-Year Biometric Driving Licence Implemented

• The Gambian government is introducing a new biometric driving licence with a three-year validity period.
• The new licence will cost D2,550 and commenced its rollout on October 7, 2026, starting in Banjul and Kanifing.
• This change aligns administrative practice with Section 27(3) of the Motor Traffic Act, which mandates a three-year validity.
• The General Transport Union (GTU) has advocated for this change since September 2022, criticizing the previous one-year renewal system.
• GTU President Omar Ceesay welcomed the development as an important step for drivers and the road transport sector.

This change not only reduces the frequency of renewals for individuals but also signifies a crucial alignment of administrative procedures with existing legislation.

The Gambian government is set to implement a new biometric driving licence system, which will introduce a three-year validity period for motorists. This significant change means drivers will no longer be required to renew their licences annually, a practice that has been in place for some time. The new Gambian biometric driving licence will be available at a cost of D2,550.

The rollout of this updated system commenced on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, initially at processing centres located in Banjul and Kanifing. Following this initial phase, the system will be gradually expanded to other designated centres across the country. This development marks the culmination of extensive advocacy efforts by the General Transport Union (GTU), which has consistently pushed for reforms in the driving licence validity period.

The introduction of the new three-year driving licence validity period directly addresses a long-standing provision within the Motor Traffic Act. Specifically, Section 27(3) of the Motor Traffic Act stipulates that "A driver's licence other than a provisional driver's licence shall, unless previously revoked or surrendered, remain in force for a period of three years from the date on which it is issued." Despite this clear legal framework, the prevailing administrative practice had been to issue driving licences with a one-year validity, often expiring on December 31st regardless of the issuance date.

The General Transport Union (GTU) first publicly highlighted this discrepancy on 5 September 2022, criticizing the then-current one-year renewal cycle as inconsistent with the law. Omar Ceesay, president of the GTU, confirmed that the Union engaged the government through various channels, including meetings, correspondence, consultations, and public advocacy. In 2024, further discussions with the Government of The Gambia and relevant authorities led to a temporary arrangement where licences would be issued for a full year from their date of issuance, pending the full implementation of the three-year system. The GTU acknowledged this interim step while continuing its advocacy for complete adherence to Section 27(3) of the Motor Traffic Act.

The shift to a three-year Gambia driving licence validity period is a welcome development for the nation's motorists and the broader road transport sector. Omar Ceesay, President of the General Transport Union, lauded the move as an important step towards safeguarding the interests of drivers and transport workers. He emphasized that the Union's persistent efforts were aimed at ensuring the full implementation of the law, viewing the new system as a protective measure for those operating in the sector.

This change not only reduces the frequency of renewals for individuals but also signifies a crucial alignment of administrative procedures with existing legislation. The gradual implementation schedule, which includes Brikama on Monday, 12 October 2026; Soma and Farafenni on Monday, 19 October 2026; and Janjanbureh and Basse on Thursday, 22 October 2026, ensures a structured transition.

The GTU's consistent position, advocating for the respect and implementation of the law governing driver's licence validity, has ultimately led to this outcome, which holds significance beyond the immediate convenience for drivers.

Lawyers advising transport sector clients or individuals in Gambia should note the implementation of the new three-year driving licence validity, which aligns administrative practice with Section 27(3) of the Motor Traffic Act and reduces the frequency of licence renewals for their clients, impacting compliance procedures and operational costs.

Source: Original reporting via news agency.