In Kenya, the process of transferring vehicle ownership is governed by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Through its Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS), the NTSA has streamlined the process, making it more accessible and efficient for both sellers and buyers. This digital platform enables users to handle everything online, including the critical task of transferring a vehicle’s logbook.
In this article, we will explore the NTSA logbook transfer requirements and the associated charges.
Logbook Transfer Requirements in Kenya
To transfer a vehicle’s ownership in Kenya, both the seller and the buyer must create accounts on the NTSA TIMS platform. If you already have an eCitizen account, you can use the same login credentials to access TIMS. Additionally, SMS code notifications must be enabled for security purposes during the verification process.
Seller’s Requirements
The seller initiates the logbook transfer process by:
- Visiting www.ntsa.go.ke and logging into their TIMS account.
- Selecting the “Vehicle Registration” option, then navigating to “Transfer Vehicle.”
- Choosing the vehicle they wish to transfer and clicking “Next.”
- Entering the buyer’s details, including whether it’s a single or joint ownership, and ensuring that the buyer has an active TIMS account.
- Choosing the ownership type (Individual, Financier, Diplomatic Mission).
- Submitting the new owner’s details along with a clear, colored scanned copy of the logbook in PDF format.
- Requesting a verification code via SMS, entering the code, and ticking the declaration box.
- Making the required payment and submitting the application.
After completing these steps, the seller receives a notification confirming that the transfer has been initiated. The buyer must then accept the transfer to finalize the process.
Buyer’s Requirements
Once the seller has submitted the transfer, the buyer completes the process by:
- Visiting www.ntsa.go.ke and logging into their TIMS account.
- Selecting the “Vehicle Transfer” option and clicking “Accept Ownership.”
- Reviewing the vehicle details and clicking “Next.”
- Ticking the declaration box and approving the transfer.
- Providing the collection point details and the ID of the person authorized to collect the logbook.
- Submitting the application and awaiting an approval notification from NTSA.
The logbook transfer process is usually completed within three working days, and both the seller and the buyer will receive confirmation once the transfer has been processed.
NTSA Logbook Transfer Charges
The cost of transferring a logbook in Kenya is determined by the vehicle’s engine capacity. The NTSA provides a detailed fee structure based on engine size:
| Vehicle Rating Capacity | Fee (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| 1000cc & below | 2,210 |
| 1001-1200cc | 2,440 |
| 1201-1500cc | 2,615 |
| 1501-1700cc | 2,960 |
| 1701-2000cc | 3,245 |
| 2001-2500cc | 4,395 |
| 2501-3000cc | 5,505 |
| 3001 and above | 6,465 |
| Trailer (less than 4 wheels) | 1,580 |
| Trailer (4 wheels or more) | 2,240 |
| Tractor | 1,580 |
The NTSA also charges a one-time fee of Ksh 750 for an Esticker, regardless of the vehicle’s engine capacity.
Conclusion
Transferring a logbook through NTSA’s TIMS platform is now a straightforward process. By following the outlined steps and paying the necessary fees, both sellers and buyers can ensure that the vehicle ownership transfer is completed quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re dealing with a small car or a larger vehicle, NTSA has standardized the process to ensure smooth transactions for all.
