How to Re-Register a Vehicle in Kenya

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) mandates vehicle re-registration primarily to formalize ownership changes for vehicles transitioning from “exempted” categories (like Government, Diplomatic, or Parastatal) to civilian use. In this article we will cover how to re-register a vehicle in Kenya.

Here is the background on why this process to re-register a vehicle in Kenya exists and how it has evolved:

1. Legal Necessity & Risk Mitigation

• Ownership Gaps: Buying an Ex-GK or Ex-Diplomatic vehicle at an auction doesn’t automatically make you the legal owner. Re-registration is the only way to officially “extinguish” the previous institution’s name and issue a civilian logbook in yours.
• Liability Protection: Without re-registration, the vehicle remains legally tied to the government or mission. This can lead to complications with insurance claims, traffic offences, or even criminal investigations involving the vehicle. This makes it mandatory to re-register a vehicle in Kenya.
• Fraud Prevention: By requiring DCI reports and tape lifts (physical engine/chassis number verification), NTSA aims to combat vehicle theft and ensure that cloned or illegally disposed units are not integrated into the civilian fleet.

2. Digital Transformation (TIMS to eCitizen)

• Unified Access: Since January 2024, NTSA migrated all services from the legacy TIMS portal to the centralized eCitizen platform. This was part of a government-wide directive to consolidate 16,000+ services under a single sign-on.
• Audit Trails: The current online system creates a digital audit trail for every stage of the re-registration, reducing the need for unofficial “facilitators” and increasing transparency.

3. Evolution of Registration Series

• New Generation Plates: Re-registration often triggers the move to new generation number plates (launched in August 2022). These plates feature microchips, holograms, and serial numbers linked directly to the vehicle’s chassis to prevent counterfeiting.
• Plate Generations: Kenya is currently in its fifth generation of number plates (the KDA 001A series), which began in late 2020.

4. When Re-registration is Required

Beyond ex-government sales, re-registration may be triggered by:

• Significant Modifications: Major alterations to the vehicle’s structure or function.
• Change of Use: For example, converting a vehicle from private to commercial use.
• Correction of Records: Fixing errors in the original registration or reclaiming stolen vehicles.

To re-register a vehicle in Kenya, you must use the NTSA Service Portal via eCitizen. This process is mandatory for transfers of ownership, especially for ex-government (GK), parastatal, or diplomatic vehicles.

Mandatory Documents

• Request Letter: A formal letter explaining the reason for re-registration.
• DCI Reports: A report from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and a tape lift of the chassis and engine numbers.
• Ownership Proof: Original vehicle logbook (or a Form C signed by the disposing institution for ex-GK units).
• Identification: KRA PIN certificates and National IDs for both buyer and seller.
• Auction Documents: If applicable, include the auctioneer’s license and certificate of sale.

Re-registration Steps

1. Login: Access the NTSA Service Portal using your eCitizen credentials to re-register a vehicle in Kenya.
2. Select Service: Choose Motor Vehicle Services, then click on Vehicle Re-registration.
3. Enter Details: Input the vehicle’s registration and KRA PIN to retrieve its records.
4. Upload Documents: Scan and attach all required PDFs (Tape lift, ID, KRA PIN, etc.).
5. Plate Selection: Choose your preferred type of new generation number plate.
6. Payment: Pay the re-registration and inspection fees directly through the portal.
7. Consent: If a sale is involved, the buyer must log in to their account to accept the transfer consent.
8. Inspection: The seller or applicant books a physical vehicle inspection at a chosen NTSA centre.
9. Verification: Present original physical documents at the NTSA office for final approval and allocation of new plates.

Estimated Costs