How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Kenya Online

Ownership of vehicle in Kenya comes with a lot of online documentation which is for verification purposes. One of these documentation happens when there is transfer of vehicle ownership in Kenya online.

Transferring vehicle ownership (changing logbook) in Kenya is now largely done online via the NTSA’s TIMS platform. When selling or buying a car, clearing the logbook transfer is a crucial step to avoid legal issues.

In this writing, we will walks you through how to transfer Vehicle Ownership in Kenya online; which agency handles registration, how to verify owners, who pays fees, and required costs.

1Which Agency Is Responsible for Car Registration in Kenya?

2How to Check the Owner of a Car in Kenya?

3Who Pays Car Transfer Fees in Kenya, Buyer or Seller?

4How Much to Change a Logbook in Kenya?

5How Long Does It Take to Transfer a Logbook in Kenya?

6How to Apply for a Logbook Online in Kenya?

7How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Kenya Online

Which Agency Is Responsible for Car Registration in Kenya?

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) oversees all motor vehicle registration and licensing in Kenya. In fact, NTSA is explicitly mandated to register and license cars and issue logbooks.

Any change of ownership must be recorded with NTSA to be valid. The NTSA created the Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) for this purpose. Through NTSA/TIMS, you can register vehicles, transfer ownership, and obtain official records. Essentially, think of NTSA as Kenya’s central car registry – they maintain the national logbook database.

All road vehicles must be registered through NTSA, and it enforces compliance (registration, insurance, roadworthiness, etc.) via this platform.

How to Check the Owner of a Car in Kenya?

To check a vehicle’s registered owner (or other details),

Use the NTSA/TIMS Vehicle Search service on eCitizen.
Log into the eCitizen portal and navigate to NTSA services.
Choose “Copy of Vehicle Register Record” under Online Services. You will need to provide either the vehicle’s registration number or chassis/VIN number.
After paying a small fee (via M-Pesa or card), the system will display the current owner’s name, ID, and vehicle particulars.
You can then download or print the vehicle record. This official record lets you verify who the legitimate owner before any sale is.

Who Pays Car Transfer Fees in Kenya, Buyer or Seller?

According to NTSA guidelines, the buyer normally pays the logbook transfer fees. The buyer is acquiring ownership, so they cover the mandatory transfer charges. Practically, this means when you complete the TIMS application, the fee paid is by the new owner.

Note, however, that in private agreements a seller might offer to pay as a sales incentive or include it in the price. But by default, budget the transfer fee on the buyer’s side. This allocation can be negotiated; dealerships often advertise “price inclusive of transfer,” but among private parties, clarify in writing who pays.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the buyer, unless otherwise agreed.

How Much to Change a Logbook in Kenya?

NTSA sets transfer fees based on engine size. The logbook transfer fee ranges roughly from KSh 1,660 up to KSh 5,915, depending on cc. As of the latest schedule, fees are as follows:

Up to 1000cc: KSh 1,660
1001–1200cc: KSh 1,890
1201–1500cc: KSh 2,065
1501–1700cc: KSh 2,410
1701–2000cc: KSh 2,695
2001–2500cc: KSh 3,845
2501–3000cc: KSh 5,055
Above 3000cc: KSh 5,915

These rates are payable online via the TIMS payment portal (M-Pesa Paybill is available, as well as credit card or bank). Besides the NTSA fee, you also pay for a duplicate logbook printing. Some additional charges may include a small regulatory fee (if any) and the M-Pesa transaction fee.

The fees above are for the logbook transfer itself. You also might incur other costs like a roadworthiness certificate (if due) and insurance.

How Long Does It Take to Transfer a Logbook in Kenya?

The online transfer process through TIMS is relatively quick compared to the old manual system. Once you submit the transfer application, the new logbook is typically ready within about 7 working days. This was confirmed by NTSA, which states that after the buyer accepts the transfer online, “your logbook will be ready within seven working days”.

It may sometimes be a bit longer during peak times or public holidays, but generally, you can expect under two weeks for completion.

When the new logbook is printed, you (the buyer) pick it up at the chosen NTSA station or arrange to have it posted (if postal service is offered).

Make sure both parties have satisfied all requirements on time to avoid delays – for example, ensure any roadworthiness test or insurance payments are up to date before applying for transfer.

How to Apply for a Logbook Online in Kenya?

These online steps replace the old paper-heavy process. The key documents needed are the original logbook, IDs of seller and buyer, KRA PINs, and proof of insurance (if requested).

Both seller and buyer should also fill and sign Form C (transfer form), which can be downloaded within TIMS if needed. But essentially, the TIMS portal handles the application digitally.

To apply online for a new logbook (transfer ownership) in Kenya, follow these steps via the NTSA TIMS portal:

Register on TIMS (for both parties): Each of you (seller and buyer) must have an account on the NTSA Transport Integrated Management System. Go to tims.ntsa.go.ke and click “Register an Account.” Choose the “Individual” option if you’re not a company or dealer. Provide your details (ID, PIN, email) and confirm. Both parties (buyer and seller) have to create individual accounts. Also subscribe to SMS alerts so you receive confirmation codes.
Log In and Start Transfer Application: The seller logs into TIMS and goes to “Vehicle Registration” in the menu. Then click “Apply for Transfer of Ownership.” Here you click “Create New” and enter the vehicle’s registration number. Click “Inquire” – the system will retrieve the vehicle details.
Fill Transfer Details: In the form, upload a scanned copy of the existing logbook (front and back). Enter your personal details:
- If you are an individual seller, indicate that and enter your ID number.
- The seller should also enter the buyer’s KRA PIN (tax PIN) and name in the buyer fields.
- Tick any required declarations (e.g., acknowledging terms).
Security Verification (Seller): The seller proceeds to security verification by selecting “Mobile” and requesting an SMS code. Enter the code received on the seller’s phone. Then apply. Once the seller submits, the system automatically notifies the buyer to take action.
Buyer Accepts Transfer: The buyer logs into TIMS and goes to “Pending Transfers” or the notification. The buyer clicks “Accept Transfer”, which brings up the same vehicle details. The buyer also completes a security verification (enters the received SMS code) and then confirms (accepts) the transfer.
NTSA Processing: After both parties have completed their parts, NTSA will process the application. You will pay the transfer fee (via M-Pesa, credit card, or KCB pay option) as prompted by the system. Once payment clears, NTSA prints the new logbook. An NTSA agent notes that the new logbook is issued within the 7 working-day timeframe.

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How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Kenya Online

The process of transferring Vehicle Ownership in Kenya Online is not a difficult one; you just need to follow these listed steps carefully. With it, the individual car sellers and buyers can transfer ownership securely through NTSA’s online platform. This avoids brokers and ensures the transaction is properly recorded.

Let’s look at the step-by-step summary of the online transfer of vehicle ownership via NTSA TIMS:

Create TIMS Accounts: Ensure both seller and buyer register individual accounts on TIMS (via the eCitizen portal).
Seller Initiates Transfer: Seller logs into TIMS → Vehicle Registration → Apply for Transfer of Ownership.
Enter Vehicle Details: Click “Create New,” enter the vehicle’s registration number, then click “Inquire” to fetch data.
Upload Logbook and Personal Info: Seller uploads scanned copy of the current logbook. Enter buyer’s and seller’s ID/PIN details (select appropriate categories).
Verify and Submit (Seller): Seller requests SMS verification code, enters it, and submits the transfer request. The buyer is automatically notified.
Buyer Approves Transfer: Buyer logs in, goes to Pending Transfers, reviews details, and clicks “Accept Transfer.” Buyer enters their SMS verification code and submits.
Payment of Fees: The buyer then completes payment of the NTSA transfer fee based on engine capacity (see rates above) and any printing or admin fees via the portal.
NTSA Issues New Logbook: NTSA processes the application. Once processed, the buyer is informed that the new logbook is ready (usually within 7 working days). The buyer collects the logbook from the chosen NTSA station.
Complete Transaction: Hand over the old logbook to NTSA as required and ensure all copies of transfer forms (Form C) are stored. The buyer is now the legal owner as per NTSA records.

FAQs

How much to change a logbook in Kenya?

between Sh2,210 to Sh6,465

How long does it take to transfer a logbook in Kenya?

7 working days

How to check the owner of a car in Kenya?

NTSA eCITIZEN platform

Conclusion

Transferring a vehicle in Kenya is straightforward if you use the NTSA TIMS system correctly. With a careful application of the above-listed, individual sellers can efficiently change ownership of their cars.

Always double-check the details (car reg number, ID numbers, PINs) when applying. With the new digital process, Kenyan car sales are much more transparent – once the transfer is complete, the buyer’s name is on the logbook and in NTSA’s records. This secures both parties and completes the sale responsibly.