Transferring vehicle ownership in Kenya is a fully online process handled through the NTSA Service Portal on eCitizen. Both the seller and the buyer need active, verified eCitizen accounts linked to their KRA PINs.
Under Section 9 of the Traffic Act, the registered owner (seller) must notify the Authority of the transfer within seven days. In addition, the vehicle may not be used on a public road for more than 14 days after the transfer unless the new owner has been registered.
What You Need Before Starting
Both parties must have:
- An active eCitizen account
- A valid National ID or Passport
- A KRA PIN linked to the eCitizen profile
- Access to the original vehicle logbook (for the seller)
A signed sale agreement is recommended for your own records.
Step 1: Seller Initiates the Transfer
- Log in to ecitizen.go.ke and select the NTSA Service Portal (New).
- Locate the vehicle under your Motor Vehicle list and click View.
- Go to Motor Vehicle Services → Vehicle Transfer → Apply.
- Upload a clear, coloured PDF scan of the original logbook. Black-and-white or photocopies are usually rejected.
- Select the ownership type (Individual, Joint, Company, etc.) and carefully enter the buyer’s National ID number and KRA PIN. The system will pull the buyer’s registered details.
- Submit the application and pay the transfer fee through eCitizen (M-Pesa or other available options). The exact amount is generated by the portal.
- Return to the homepage and accept the Consent Notification to authorise the transfer from your side.
Once the seller completes these steps, the system notifies the buyer.
Step 2: Buyer Accepts the Transfer
The buyer receives a notification to review and respond to the transfer request.
- Log in to your own eCitizen account and open the NTSA Service Portal.
- Check the Notifications or pending requests section for the transfer application.
- Carefully verify the registration number, chassis number, engine number and other vehicle details.
- Accept the transfer and enter the one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the acceptance.
Transfer Fees
The transfer fee is calculated automatically by the NTSA system according to the vehicle’s particulars. Always check the exact amount generated on the portal at the time of application before making payment. Do not rely on older published tables, as charges can be updated.
Processing Time and the Logbook
According to NTSA, processing normally takes about three working days once both parties have completed their steps and payment is confirmed.
Since the rollout of the electronic motor vehicle registration certificate (e-Logbook), successful transfers generate a digital logbook that becomes available on the buyer’s eCitizen account. Owners can view, download and share the digital version through the portal.
Where a physical logbook is still required for a particular transaction, the system or NTSA will provide the relevant collection instructions. Do not assume every transfer requires a visit to an NTSA office or Huduma Centre.
Important Notes
- The seller has a seven-day duty under the Traffic Act to notify the Authority of the transfer.
- The vehicle should not be used on a public road for more than 14 days after the transfer unless the new owner has been registered.
- Use only the official eCitizen / NTSA portal. Avoid agents who claim they can process the transfer outside the system.
- Keep copies of the sale agreement, payment receipt and Application ID for your records.
- If the application is rejected, the system usually sends an SMS with the reason. Corrections and resubmission are normally free.
Read also:How to Check Vehicle Ownership in Kenya 2026 (NTSA Copy of Records)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Traffic Act say about the 14-day period?
Section 9(1) states that a vehicle whose ownership has been transferred shall not be used on a road for more than 14 days after the transfer unless the new owner is registered. Section 9(2) requires the seller to notify the Authority within seven days.
Who starts the vehicle transfer process?
The seller initiates the application on the NTSA Service Portal. The buyer then reviews and accepts it.
How much does the transfer cost?
The fee is calculated by the NTSA system. Check the exact amount shown on the portal when you apply.
How long does the transfer take?
NTSA indicates about three working days after both parties complete their parts and payment is made.
Do I still get a physical logbook?
New transfers generate a digital e-Logbook available on eCitizen. Follow any specific instructions provided by the system if a physical document is still required for your transaction.
What happens if the transfer is not completed?
The registered owner remains listed as the owner. Using the vehicle beyond the 14-day period without registration of the new owner is an offence under the Traffic Act.
Bottom Line
Vehicle ownership transfer in Kenya is completed online through the NTSA Service Portal on eCitizen. The seller starts the process and notifies the Authority; the buyer accepts the request. The system generates a digital e-Logbook after approval. Complete the process promptly to comply with the seven-day notification duty and the 14-day road-use restriction under Section 9 of the Traffic Act.
Sources:
NTSA – Application for Transfer of Motor Vehicle Ownership;
Traffic Act Cap 403, Section 9;
eCitizen Portal;
NTSA notices on e-Logbook rollout.
Always verify current portal steps and the exact fee generated at the time of application. This guide is for general information only.