Transfer vehicle ownership (logbook transfer)
National Transport and Safety Authority · sources read 30 Sep 2026
The seller starts the transfer on the NTSA service portal and the buyer accepts it on their own account. Get it done within 14 days of the sale.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- How long
- About 1 working day once both seller and buyer have done their part
- Deadline
- The buyer may only use the vehicle on the road for 14 days after the sale unless it is registered in their name
- Where
- Online on the NTSA service portal, using your eCitizen login
What you need
- The original logbook, scanned and uploaded as a PDF
Steps
- Seller: log in to the NTSA service portal with eCitizen and start the transfer to the buyer.
- Buyer: log in to your own account and accept the transfer.
- If the seller can't be traced, the buyer can apply for an alternative transfer: take the documents to NTSA headquarters, counter 8. The fee depends on the vehicle's capacity and it takes about 14 working days.
Watch out
- Driving the car after 14 days without completing the transfer is an offence for the buyer.
- Sold a car but the buyer never transferred it? You are still the legal owner. Write to NTSA with the sale agreement, the buyer's KRA PIN and ID copy, and ask for a caveat.
- Check the logbook matches the actual car (colour, engine number, model). Insurers won't cover a car whose details don't match.
Who can apply
- The registered owner (seller) and the buyer of a vehicle or motorcycle
Official sources (4)
- Important Public Notice for Motor Vehicle/Motorcycle Owners (NTSA) gaa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- NTSA Citizen Service Delivery Charter (2026) ntsa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- NTSA FAQs (How do I transfer motor vehicle ownership?) ntsa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- NTSA service portal serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026