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The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has fully moved all its services — including motor vehicle logbook transfers — from the old TIMS portal to the eCitizen platform. This shift, effective from January 2024, has simplified ownership transfers, making them faster, safer, and fully digital.
Here’s how you can transfer a motor vehicle logbook after buying a car in Kenya through the new eCitizen system:
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Step 1: Create or Verify Your eCitizen Account
Both the buyer and the seller must have active eCitizen accounts.
- Visit https://www.ecitizen.go.ke.
- Log in using your ID number and password.
- If you don’t have an account, click “Create Account” and follow the steps.
- Verify your details under “NTSA Services” — individuals use ID numbers while companies or institutions must add their KRA PIN to transact.
💡 Tip: NTSA has closed the old TIMS portal. All new vehicle transactions must now be done through eCitizen.
Step 2: Seller Initiates the Transfer
The current owner (seller) begins the process:
- Log in to eCitizen and go to NTSA → Motor Vehicle Services → Transfer of Ownership.
- Select the vehicle to transfer.
- Enter the buyer’s ID number (or company PIN).
- Upload the necessary documents, including:
- Copy of buyer’s National ID and KRA PIN
- Copy of sales agreement
- Scan of the current logbook
- Submit the application.
Once submitted, the buyer will receive a notification to approve or reject the transfer.
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Step 3: Buyer Accepts the Transfer
The buyer must then:
- Log in to their eCitizen account.
- Click “NTSA Services” → “Pending Transfers.”
- Review the vehicle details and click “Accept Transfer.”
- Upload their ID, KRA PIN, and other required documents.
This step confirms the change of ownership and moves the process forward for payment.
Step 4: Pay the Logbook Transfer Fee
The transfer fee depends on the vehicle’s engine capacity and is paid online through M-Pesa, debit/credit card, or bank transfer within the eCitizen system.
Approximate charges:
- Up to 1000cc – KSh 1,660
- 1001cc–1200cc – KSh 2,210
- 1201cc–1500cc – KSh 2,570
- 1501cc–1700cc – KSh 2,930
- 1701cc–2000cc – KSh 3,290
- Above 2000cc – KSh 3,650
Once payment is confirmed, NTSA begins processing the new logbook.
Step 5: NTSA Processing and Logbook Issuance
NTSA reviews and validates the application. If all documents are in order, the new logbook is processed within 3 working days.
You’ll receive an SMS or email notification once it’s ready. The logbook can be:
- Collected at your selected NTSA service centre, or
- Accessed digitally through your eCitizen account.
Step 6: Confirm Ownership
After completion, log back into eCitizen → NTSA → “My Vehicles” to confirm that the car is now officially registered under your name.
Required Documents
To complete the process, ensure you have:
- Buyer’s and Seller’s National ID cards
- Buyer’s and Seller’s KRA PINs
- Sales Agreement
- Copy of the current logbook
- Vehicle inspection report (for imported or reconditioned vehicles)
Important Reminders
✅ Always perform a vehicle search on eCitizen before buying to verify ownership.
✅ Avoid cash payments; use traceable methods like bank or mobile transfers.
✅ Check for outstanding loans or police cases before purchase.
✅ Complete the transfer immediately after buying to avoid future disputes.
✅ Only use the official eCitizen platform to prevent fraud.
