The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced new efficiencies in the motor vehicle transfer of ownership process, shifting the service fully to a digital platform.
In an announcement made on Monday, the Authority revealed that buyers and sellers can now complete the process online through the NTSA service portal on eCitizen, eliminating the need for physical forms or multiple visits to NTSA offices.
The seller is required to initiate the transfer by logging into their eCitizen account, selecting the vehicle to be transferred, uploading the logbook and entering the new owner’s details. Once submitted, the buyer receives a notification to either accept or decline the transfer digitally.
Seller Steps
- Log in to the eCitizen account
- Select NTSA service portal (New)
- Choose the vehicle to be transferred
- Upload the original logbook (PDF)
- Fill in the new owner's details
- Pay for the transfer of ownership
- Confirm submission via the notification tab
Buyer Steps
- Log in to the eCitizen account
- Select NTSA service portal (New)
- Accept or decline transfer notification
- Fill in the required details and tick the declaration box
- Submit for approval
The Authority noted that the simplified digital workflow has significantly cut down internal verification and approval steps, with applications now taking only a few minutes to process.
Upon completion, logbooks are issued within three working days, after which the buyer can collect the new document from their selected NTSA centre by presenting the old logbook and original identification.
To enhance transparency, every transfer application generates a unique Application ID, enabling both the buyer and seller to track progress in real time. In addition, the system creates digital audit trails to strengthen security and reduce fraud risks.
NTSA further stated that if an application is rejected, the seller is notified instantly via SMS, with reasons provided. The application can then be corrected and resubmitted at no extra cost.
The Authority urged Kenyans to avoid paying bribes, warning that all transactions should only be carried out through the official digital platforms.
NTSA also reminded motorists that operating a vehicle under the previous owner’s name without completing the transfer within 14 days, as required under the Traffic Act, is an offence. The public has been advised to always conduct a search through the NTSA service portal before purchasing a vehicle to confirm ownership details and avoid costly mistakes.
"If contacted by any person(s) or through an unofficial channel, advising that a transfer of ownership application can be fast-tracked or influenced in any way, please report the matter to the nearest NTSA office or the EACC for further action," NTSA stated.
By fully digitising the process, NTSA maintains that the reforms will not only save time for motorists but also improve transparency, security and compliance with the law.
