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How to Apply for a New Number Plate in Kenya Online| Full Guide
The process of how to apply for a new number plate in Kenya online is straightforward. You simply log into your eCitizen account, go to NTSA services, and apply. Once approved, you will receive the new reflective number plate the government introduced to improve security and give all vehicles a uniform, modern look on the roads.
These plates are not frills. They are accompanied by serious features such as a scanable hologram, an individual serial number on your car’s chassis, and the Kenyan flag in strong with a new font. If you own a private car, a government car, a motorbike, or even a tuktuk, the NTSA new number plate application is for you.
The most amazing part is that the whole process has been done online. By utilizing the eCitizen new number plate portal, you can avoid long queues at NTSA offices and arrange everything from the comfort of your laptop or phone. The majority of Kenyans are now eager to know how to obtain a new Kenyan number plate with ease, and the process is easier than you might think.
Here, I will walk you through the step-by-step guide on how to apply, the cost, the requirements, and even how to apply for a reflective number plate in a simple way.
Why Kenya Introduced the New Digital Number Plates
In August 2022, the government rolled out new electronic plates with the promise of making our roads safer and securing them. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i made it very clear that the aim was not just for beauty but for safety.
They contain an embedded scannable hologram, a serial number that is associated with the chassis of your vehicle, and other hidden features that police officers can employ to track vehicles.
On top of that, the plates carry the Kenyan flag and a fresh font that looks modern and official. So whether you’re cruising around Nairobi in a personal car, pushing a tuktuk in Mombasa, or riding a boda in Kisumu, these plates are now the new standard.
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How to Apply for a New Number Plate in Kenya Online
How to apply for a new number plate in Kenya online is done through the eCitizen online platform.
In order to proceed with the application, have the current number plate(s) taken a photo of and a color photocopy of your logbook. All the documents should be scanned into one PDF document.
The 4-step easy application process and should not take more than 5 minutes.
Step 1: Log in to Your eCitizen Account
Access the eCitizen portal at https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/ and log in with your details.
Once logged in, your details will be displayed at the top of the page, confirming that you’re in the correct account. Scroll down to the ‘Agencies’ section and click on ‘National Transport And Safety Authority (NTSA) (New)’.
Follow the prompts until you’re logged into the NTSA portal, where your details will also be displayed.
Scroll down to find the vehicles or motorcycles registered in your name and click ‘View’ against the relevant vehicle or motorcycle.
Then click on the ‘Motor Vehicle Service’ button.
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Step 2: Apply for the Reflective Plate
Click ‘Apply’ against the ‘Reflective Plate’ option.
Confirm the vehicle details and click ‘Next’.
Step 3: Enter the Vehicle Particulars
Select ‘New Generation’ for ‘Reason For Reflective Plate’ and upload the PDF file containing photos of both number plates and the logbook.
To create this PDF, take a photo of the front and back of your car with the number plates and a photo of the logbook. Combine these images in a Word document and save it as a PDF.
Scroll down and choose the required ‘Reflective Plate’ (for cars, choose front and rear; for motorbikes, choose rear plate only).
Choose the ‘Type of Number Plate’ (Oblong signifies rectangle).
Then select a ‘Notification Method’ (you may choose both SMS and Email).
Fill in the ‘Authorized Person to Collect Plate’ information. In ‘ID Lookup,’ select ‘National Identification’ in the event of Kenyan nationals or a different option according to circumstances. Enter your ID number and first name, and click ‘Search.’
The rest of your details will display if it’s accurate. Insert your phone number and email address, check the declaration box to confirm the accuracy of your application details, and click on ‘Preview.’.
If everything is okay, click ‘Complete’.
Step 4: Make Payment
Select a preferred paying partner and pay as shown. Pay the stated amount exactly. After making payment, click ‘Complete’.
You will be displayed a success message stating that the payment has been processed successfully.
You will wait for 7 working days for NTSA to call you once the number plate is ready for collection. While collecting the new number plates, ensure you have your original ID along with you, and also the old plates.
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What are the Features of the New Number Plates?
The new generation number plates will have the following features;
- QR code
- A unique NTSA serial number (for both the front and rear plates)
- The Kenyan flag
- A hologram of the Big Five animals
- A microchip
- A watermark
From just the plates, police will be able to get key motor vehicle information such as:
- The year of manufacture
- Type of vehicle
- Colour of vehicle
- Engine number
- Transmission type
- Date of manufacture
- Place of manufacture
- Insurance details
How to Apply for Reflective Number Plate in Kenya
When one asks how to apply for reflective number plate, they mean the same. New plates issued by NTSA are reflective in nature. So whether you are registering a new vehicle or renewing worn-out plates, you’ll automatically be given reflective plates.
Reflective plates are lighted and can be viewed even during night time, reducing accidents and it is also easier for police to find cars.
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How Much Does the New Number Plate Cost?
It will take you KSh 3,050 to submit an application for new plates on a motor vehicle and KSh 1,550 on a motorcycle. Above this, you will also need to pay another KSh 50 as the service charge. The entire application process is done via the eCitizen website.
How Long Does the New Number Plate Take?
From the payment point, you will wait for seven working days. After that, the NTSA will contact you to collect the number plate once it has been prepared. While collecting the new number plates, ensure you have the following:
- Your original ID
- Old plates
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Deadline for New Number Plates in Kenya
The new reflective number plates were introduced in August 2022, and the Kenyans had 18 months to switch from the previous plates. The initial deadline was thus February 2024. The government later adjusted the timeline due to the delays and the huge backlog of pending applications to provide motorists with extra time.
NTSA has indicated that the plates are not voluntary but are a must-have. Anyone still using the old plates after the last deadline risks being slapped with penalties, fines, or even a flag in your car. Since NTSA systems usually jam close to deadlines, it is wise to apply early via eCitizen and spare yourself the stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I collect my approved new number plate?
After completing your NTSA new number plate application, you will receive a notification by SMS or email. The plates are collected at your nearest NTSA office or at the one that you selected when applying.
Do you need to change to the new reflective number plates?
Yes. The government demanded that all Kenyan vehicles, including private vehicles, government cars, motorbikes, and tuk-tuks, shift to the new plates during the transition period.
Can I transfer my old number plate to a new vehicle?
No. Each number plate is associated with the chassis number of the car and cannot be transferred. You must apply for a new Kenyan number plate for each vehicle.
Do I need to give my old number plate immediately?
Yes. When you proceed to pick up your new plate, you will be required to hand over your old one. NTSA does not allow both to exist together.
Final Thoughts
By now, you already know how to apply for a new number plate in Kenya online, the fees, the required documents, and why it matters.
The whole process has been made easy through the eCitizen new number plate platform, where you can also undertake other activities like checking the validity of your driving licence in Kenya.
So don’t wait until the last-minute rush. If you wish to renew worn-out plates, get a reflective number plate, or register an import, do it early. It is quick, easy, and trouble-free.
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References
- How to Apply For The New Number Plate in Kenya [Digital Number Plate]
- How to Apply for New Generation Number Plates
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