Having to produce a driver’s licence – a Business Perspective
On 10 March 2026, it was reported in the press that Inspector Khanoo of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) made a statement about the need to produce a physical licence when required to by a police officer. He went on to state that it’s at the officer’s discretion if they choose to accept a digital copy of the licence.
From public comments, production of a physical licence is viewed as an unnecessary hassle for drivers to go through if they have forgotten their licence or misplaced it.
The way is open for GPF officers to accept digital copies of driver’s licences. It really boils down to two issues. First the reasonable interpretation of the word “produce”. Second, does a digital version that the GPF can be sure is valid exist?
On the first point, section 23(2) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act requires a driver “produce” a driver’s licence. The point of the production is for the officer to ascertain that the licence is valid. Once a driver can satisfy the officer of the document’s validity it shouldn’t matter the form it takes.
On the second point, a trustworthy digital version exists. The Revenue Authority, the Agency that issues the licence has a digital version that resides in the Padna App. One has to wonder what good reason a GPF Officer could have, not to accept an electronic version of the licence.
Finally, let’s take a look at this issue from a business perspective. Most Guyanese don’t use their vehicle for leisure but rather to do some form of work or to transit from or to work. The one resource every person has that is not renewable – is time. This policy position wastes motorist’s time, which they could spend doing more productive things.
