The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a step-by-step guide for applying for the new generation number plates amid a surge in applications, with less than three months to the deadline.
In a circular dated May 21, all ministries were directed to comply with a directive which required official vehicles to be fitted with the second-generation plates.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei warned that failure to comply with the August 29 deadline will ultimately lead to the impoundment of the vehicle with an infringement.
So, what is the exact process of applying for the new generation plates? The first step involves logging in to the NTSA TIMS portal using one's eCitizen credentials. One can also use their personal NTSA profile.
Once logged in, the user should select the "Vehicle Registration" option from the dashboard and select “Apply for Reflective Plate”. At this point, the user will be prompted to select the type of vehicle they are applying for before clicking "Next" to proceed.
The next step involves applicants selecting the reason for the application. In this case, one should select "New Generation Plate" as the preferred option. At this stage, one will be required to upload the relevant documents in PDF format, including the vehicle logbook and images of the front and rear plates.
One crucial step after this is to choose the shape one wishes to have for the new generation plates. It could be either square or oblong, depending on the vehicle's design.
Afterwards, the applicant will be prompted to select the preferred method to receive a notification about the application status. For most applicants, SMS is the preferred method. Applicants will then be required to choose a preferred collection location from a list of NTSA-approved centres and submit the ID number of the individual who will come to collect the new plates.
The final step involves a payment of Ksh 3,050 through the NTSA portal's integrated payment system. Once payment is complete, the applicant should expect an SMS notification detailing when and where the new plates can be collected.
As the rush to beat the deadline intensifies, NTSA Director in Charge of Road Safety, Andrew Kiplagat, confirmed that the agency has put in place several measures to help fast-track the application and approval process.
“There are enough measures in place to ensure seamless application and approval in the wake of the high numbers being witnessed,” he said while leading a tree-planting exercise in Nyandarua County on Tuesday, May 3, 2025.
