Get a new-vehicle dealer licence and register new vehicles for sale (NTSA)
National Transport and Safety Authority · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Apply for the dealer licence on the NTSA service portal; after NTSA vets you, pay KSh 9,650 and download it. Then register each new vehicle under your organisation's account through Registration Sales.
- Fee
- KSh 9,650New dealer licenceKSh 9,650Dealer licence renewalKSh 1,750Per new vehicle: inspection and e-stickerKSh 30,000Optional special/preferred number platesKSh 1,000,000Optional customised number plates
- How long
- Per vehicle: logbook in 3 working days, number plates in 7 working days
- Where
- Online on the NTSA service portal (eCitizen login); logbooks and plates are collected at the NTSA counter you choose
What you need
- Valid business permit or trade licence
- Copies of directors' IDs and a certificate of good conduct for each director
- KRA PIN certificate and valid tax compliance certificate
- Current CR12 listing the directors
- Valid SHA and NSSF compliance certificates, workplace health and safety certificate, and work injury benefits certificate
- For each vehicle: the KRA customs entry, uploaded as a PDF
Steps
- Log in through eCitizen, open the NTSA service portal and choose the dealer's revalidation portal. Fill in the form and attach your documents.
- NTSA checks your papers and visits your premises. Once approved, pay the KSh 9,650 invoice and download the licence.
- To register a vehicle you sell, switch to your organisation's account, click Registration Sales and enter the buyer's KRA PIN and owner details (add a financier for joint ownership).
- Choose the number plate type and collection counter, add the person who will collect, upload the entry as a PDF, and pay KSh 1,750 for inspection and e-sticker.
Watch out
- Special-purpose vehicles need more papers: KRA entry, import declaration form, KEBS certificate, bill of lading and the registration certificate from the country of origin.
- The dealer licence doesn't include dealer (KD) plates. New KD plates cost KSh 18,550 extra.
- NTSA lists the dealer licence at 3 working days, but its 2026 charter says 1 working day. Plan for 3.
Who can apply
- Companies that sell new motor vehicles, including special-purpose vehicles
Official sources (3)
- NTSA services catalogue ntsa.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- NTSA Service Charter (English) 2026 ntsa.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- NTSA service portal serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026