Convert a foreign or international driving licence to a Kenyan one
National Transport and Safety Authority · sources read 1 Oct 2026
Foreign nationals living in Kenya must convert their foreign or international driving licence on the NTSA portal in eCitizen: upload your documents, pay, wait for approval by SMS, then apply for a smart DL. An international driving licence can be used in Kenya for only three months.
- Fee
- KSh 3,050Smart driving licence application (after conversion is approved)
- How long
- About 5 working days
- Deadline
- An international driving licence is valid for driving in Kenya for three months only.
- Where
- Online on the NTSA service portal through eCitizen, then biometrics at an NTSA centre or Huduma Centre
What you need
- A valid Alien ID
- Your work permit or dependant pass, your foreign or international driving licence, and a passport copy
- A letter confirming your licence, from your embassy or the licensing agency in your home country
Steps
- Log in to eCitizen, open the NTSA service portal (New) and click foreign driving licence conversion.
- Upload all the required documents, pay the conversion fee and submit.
- Wait for NTSA approval. You'll get an SMS.
- After approval, apply and pay for a smart driving licence on eCitizen.
- Visit your preferred NTSA centre or Huduma Centre for biometrics.
Watch out
- Don't wait: an international driving licence only covers you in Kenya for three months.
- Get the confirmation letter from your embassy or home licensing agency early. You can't apply without it.
Who can apply
- Foreign nationals in Kenya (Alien card holders) with a licence from their home country or an international driving licence.
Official sources (2)
- Application for Foreign Conversion (Foreign and international DL) Alien card holder ntsa.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- NTSA Service Portal serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026