Car ownership transfer in Kenya—once a time-consuming process of queuing at NTSA offices—has gone digital. By 2025, you can transfer vehicle ownership entirely through the NTSA TIMS portal. That’s faster, and a lot more efficient.
Whether you’re selling or buying a car, this step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to transfer car ownership online in Kenya.
What You’ll Need
For the Seller
- An NTSA TIMS account (obviously)
- The vehicle logbook (either digital or physical)
- Your National ID number (or Alien ID/Passport if you’re a foreigner)
For the Buyer
- An NTSA TIMS account
- Your KRA PIN
- Your National ID or company certificate (if you’re an organization)
Transferring Ownership: Step by Step
Step 1: Seller Initiates the Transfer
- Log in to NTSA TIMS and go to Vehicle Registration. From there, apply for the transfer of ownership.
- Pick the vehicle you want to transfer. Enter the buyer’s ID number or business registration number.
- Upload a scanned copy of the logbook—and submit. The system will notify the buyer of the pending transfer.
Step 2: Buyer Accepts the Transfer
- Log in to your NTSA TIMS account.
- Click Accept Ownership under Pending Transactions.
- Confirm the vehicle details, and upload any required documents.
- Pay the transfer fee (Ksh 1,000 for private cars, Ksh 500 for motorcycles) via mobile money or bank. Once you’re approved, NTSA issues a new digital logbook in your name.
How Long Does It Take?
If both parties complete the steps quickly, it can take 2-5 working days. Delays can happen if documents are unclear or incomplete.
What to Watch Out For
- Using the wrong ID or KRA PIN details
- Uploading low-quality or wrong documents
- Delays in accepting the transfer by the buyer
Pro Tips
- Use clear, well-lit scans of documents
- Ensure both parties have verified TIMS accounts
- Check TIMS notifications and SMS regularly to avoid delays
What Happens After Transfer?
Once you’re approved, you can:
- Download or request the digital logbook
- Apply for insurance under your new name
- Start using the car legally as the new owner
The transfer process in Kenya is now fully digitized. Using the NTSA TIMS portal makes it convenient, fast and paperless—whether you’re buying or selling a car.