How to transfer a car logbook in Kenya
Ownership transfers are done online on the NTSA portal on eCitizen. The seller starts it, the buyer accepts and pays. Here's the full process, step by step.
- 1
Check the logbook firstBoth
Search the plate on the NTSA portal on eCitizen. Confirm the owner's name matches the seller's ID, and the chassis and engine numbers match the car. If a bank or lender is listed on the logbook, the loan must be cleared and the interest removed before transfer.
- 2
Sign a sale agreementBoth
Write down the price, plate, chassis number, both ID/KRA PIN numbers, the date and time of handover, and what's included. Both sign, ideally with a witness. Keep a copy each.
- 3
Start the transfer on eCitizenSeller
Log in to eCitizen, open the NTSA service, choose your vehicle and select Transfer of Ownership. Enter the buyer's ID number and KRA PIN and submit.
- 4
Accept and pay the transfer feeBuyer
Log in to your own eCitizen account, open the NTSA service, find the pending transfer and accept it. Pay the fee through eCitizen (M-PESA, card or bank).
- 5
Hand over the carBoth
Hand over keys, spare key, service records and the old logbook. Only hand over the car once the full payment has cleared.
- 6
Get your digital logbookBuyer
NTSA approves the transfer, usually within about three working days. Your new digital logbook appears in your eCitizen account. Change the insurance to your name straight away.
🛡️ Avoid transfer scams
- Pay NTSA fees only on eCitizen — not to an “agent” who offers to speed things up.
- Don't hand over the full price until the seller has started the transfer to your ID.
- Never share your eCitizen password or one-time codes with anyone.
Common questions
How much does a logbook transfer cost?
The NTSA transfer fee depends on the engine size, roughly KSh 2,000 to KSh 6,500 for most private cars. Fees change, so check the exact amount shown on eCitizen before you pay. Pay only through eCitizen — never to an agent's personal number.
Who pays the transfer fee?
Usually the buyer, but it's negotiable. Agree it in the sale agreement.
How long does it take?
The transfer is done online and is usually approved within about three working days, as long as both sides complete their steps.
Do I need to go to an NTSA office?
Not for a standard transfer between two individuals — it's done on eCitizen. Special cases like a deceased owner, a company vehicle or a forced transfer need extra documents.
The car has a loan on it. What now?
The lender's interest must be removed (the lender releases it once the loan is paid) before ownership can move to you. Don't pay the full price until that's done.
Process and fees are set by NTSA and may change. Always confirm on the official NTSA portal on eCitizen.