NTSA Inspection Status Check Online – Complete Guide (2025/2026)
Want to know if your car passed NTSA inspection? The fastest way is through the NTSA inspection status check online system. Whether you are renewing your inspection sticker, confirming a recent visit to an inspection centre, or checking before a roadblock, you can get your motor vehicle inspection status in Kenya in seconds — no queues, no office visits.
This guide covers every method to check your NTSA inspection status, including the TIMS portal on eCitizen, the official NTSA mobile app, and SMS to 22846. We also cover how to check your driving licence (DL) status, logbook status, car details on the NTSA portal, and how to download your full inspection report as a PDF. And if you are wondering how much NTSA inspection costs, how long it takes, or how to book online — we have covered all of that below too.
Traffic police check inspection status in real time via the NTSA database during roadblocks. An expired inspection can lead to fines and impoundment. Check your status now using any of the methods below.
Three Ways to Check NTSA Inspection Status in Kenya
NTSA gives you three official methods to check your motor vehicle inspection status in Kenya. Each works for different situations — whether you have internet access, prefer mobile, or just need a fast SMS answer.
| Method | Best For | What You Need | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| eCitizen / TIMS Portal | Full details, downloading report, printing | Internet, eCitizen account | Free |
| NTSA Mobile App | Quick mobile check, real-time status | Smartphone, internet data | Free |
| SMS to 22846 | No internet, feature phones, fastest | Any phone with SMS | KSh 1.50 – 10 depending on carrier |
Method 1: Check NTSA Inspection Status via eCitizen / TIMS Portal
The NTSA TIMS portal on eCitizen gives you the most detailed view of your vehicle’s inspection status — including dates, inspection history, and the ability to download your full report. This is the recommended method if you need to print or save your inspection record.
eCitizen / TIMS Portal — Step by Step
Open your browser and go to the NTSA eCitizen portal. You can also go to ecitizen.go.ke and click on NTSA Services.
Enter your ID Number (or ID Serial Number) and your eCitizen password. If you have forgotten your password, click Forgot Password — an OTP will be sent to your registered phone number.
From your eCitizen dashboard, locate the NTSA service tile and click it. Then select “New NTSA Portal” to be redirected to the full NTSA TIMS services dashboard.
On the NTSA dashboard, click “Motor Vehicle” in the left side menu. Then click “View” and select “Motor Vehicle Services.” Your registered vehicles will appear here.
Select “Vehicle Inspection” from the services list. Enter your vehicle registration number exactly as it appears on the number plate — for example, KAA 123A.
Your current inspection status will display: Pending, Scheduled, Passed, or Failed — along with the inspection date and validity period.
Method 2: Check NTSA Inspection Status via the NTSA Mobile App
The official NTSA mobile app lets you check your vehicle inspection status quickly from your smartphone. It works on both Android and iPhone and requires an internet connection.
NTSA App — Step by Step
Search for “NTSA” on the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iPhone). Download and install the official app from the National Transport and Safety Authority.
Open the app and register using your Kenyan phone number and National ID details. If you already have an account, log in directly.
From the app home screen, tap the Vehicle Inspection option in the services menu.
Type your vehicle’s number plate exactly as registered — for example KBZ 456B — and tap Search.
Your status — Pending, Scheduled, Passed, or Failed — will display alongside the inspection date and expiry.
Method 3: Check NTSA Inspection Status via SMS to 22846
The NTSA SMS service (22846) is the fastest way to check your vehicle inspection status when you do not have internet access. It works on any phone — smartphone, Android, iPhone, or basic feature phone. The reply arrives within seconds.
SMS Check — Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI)
Works on any phone — feature phone, Android, or iPhone.
Example: MVI KAA123A — no dashes, no extra spaces. Use your actual vehicle registration number.
You will receive an SMS reply with your vehicle’s current inspection status within a few seconds.
All NTSA SMS Codes to 22846 — MVI, DL, RLOG & More
The NTSA 22846 SMS service handles more than just inspection status. You can use it to check your driving licence status, logbook readiness, and more — all without internet access.
| What You Want to Check | SMS Format | Example | Send To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Inspection Status | MVI [space] RegNumber | MVI KAA123A | 22846 |
| Logbook / Vehicle Transfer Status | RLOG [space] RegNumber | RLOG KAA123A | 22846 |
| Driving Licence (DL) Status / Readiness | DL [space] IDNumber | DL 12345678 | 22846 |
| Provisional Driving Licence (PDL) Status | PDL [space] IDNumber | PDL 12345678 | 22846 |
| Driving Test Results | TEST [space] IDNumber | TEST 12345678 | 22846 |
💡 Pro tip: Save 22846 as a contact named “NTSA SMS” on your phone so you always have it ready at a roadblock or when you need a quick status check.
What Each NTSA Inspection Status Means
When you check your NTSA inspection status online or via SMS, you will see one of the following results. Here is what each one means and what to do next:
| Status | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Pending | You have not booked an inspection yet, or your booking has not been confirmed in the system. | Book your inspection online via eCitizen. Do not drive if your previous sticker has already expired. |
| Scheduled | You have a booking confirmed and payment made, but the physical inspection has not yet happened. | Show up to your booked inspection centre on time with your printed booking slip and logbook. |
| Passed | Your vehicle completed inspection and met all NTSA roadworthiness standards. Your inspection sticker is valid. | No action needed. Download and save your inspection certificate from the TIMS portal. |
| Failed | Your vehicle did not meet one or more NTSA inspection requirements. The specific issues are listed on your inspection report. | Fix the flagged issues and return for a FREE re-inspection within 13 days. Book the re-inspection online — no walk-ins. |
💡 If your status shows Failed: You have 13 days from the date of the failed inspection to fix the issues and return for a free re-inspection. Only the items that failed are re-checked — not the full vehicle. After 13 days, you must pay the full inspection fee again and start from scratch.
How to Download Your NTSA Inspection Report (PDF)
Your NTSA inspection certificate can be downloaded as a PDF directly from the TIMS portal. You may need it for insurance renewal, logbook transfer, or as a backup record.
Steps to Download Your Inspection Report
- Log in to the NTSA TIMS portal at ntsa.ecitizen.go.ke using your eCitizen credentials
- Click on “Motor Vehicle” in the left menu, then “Motor Vehicle Services”
- Select “Vehicle Inspection” from the list of services
- Click on your vehicle registration number to view the inspection record
- Click “Print Inspection Report” — the PDF will open in a new browser tab
- Save the PDF to your phone or PC, or print a hard copy for your records
Google Chrome works best with the NTSA portal. Disable popup blockers — the PDF opens in a new window. If the document still does not download, try a different browser or device. A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or strong data) is important for downloads.
How Much Do I Have to Pay for an NTSA Inspection? (2026 Fees)
The NTSA inspection fee in Kenya depends on your vehicle type and engine capacity. Fees are paid online through the eCitizen portal when booking — you cannot pay at the gate without a prior booking. Here are the current charges:
NTSA Inspection Fee — What to Expect
The standard NTSA motor vehicle inspection fee is KSh 1,050. However, the actual amount you pay may vary depending on your vehicle type, engine size, and category — for example, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and heavy trucks may be charged differently from private cars.
Rather than list fees that could be outdated or inaccurate, we recommend checking the exact current fee for your specific vehicle directly on the official NTSA portal when you are booking:
Check Current Fee on NTSA Portal →⚠️ Fees are confirmed and displayed at the point of booking on eCitizen — you will see the exact amount before you pay. If your vehicle fails and you return within 13 days, the re-inspection is completely free.
💡 Not sure what your vehicle category is? Check your logbook — it lists the engine capacity and vehicle type. These are the details NTSA uses to determine your inspection fee at the time of booking.
How Long Does NTSA Motor Vehicle Inspection Take?
This is one of the most common questions from vehicle owners planning their inspection day. The honest answer is: it depends on two things — the physical inspection itself, and how long you wait before it starts.
| Stage | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Physical inspection | 30 minutes – 1 hour | The actual check of your vehicle at the bay |
| Waiting time (queue) | Varies — 30 min to 3+ hours | Depends on how busy the centre is that day |
| Total time at centre | 1 – 4 hours | Plan your whole morning or afternoon |
💡 How to reduce your waiting time: Book your inspection slot online via eCitizen and choose an early morning time slot — centres are least busy between 7:30am and 9:00am. Arrive 15 minutes before your booked slot with all your documents ready: logbook, ID, and printed booking slip.
How to Book NTSA Inspection Online
All NTSA motor vehicle inspection bookings are done through the eCitizen portal. You cannot walk in without a booking. Here is the full process:
NTSA Inspection Booking — Step by Step
Go to ntsa.ecitizen.go.ke and sign in with your National ID and eCitizen password. If you do not have an account, register first — it takes about 5 minutes.
From your NTSA TIMS dashboard, click “Motor Vehicle” in the left menu, then select “Motor Vehicle Inspection.”
Select your vehicle from the list or enter your registration number. Choose the inspection type — Annual Inspection is the most common for existing vehicles.
Pay via M-Pesa, Airtel Money, debit/credit card, or KCB Bank. The fee depends on your vehicle type — see the fees section above.
Select your preferred NTSA inspection centre from the available options and pick a date and time slot that works for you.
Download and print both documents. You must present these at the inspection centre on the day along with your logbook and National ID.
Original logbook, National ID, printed booking slip, printed payment receipt, and valid insurance certificate. Make sure your vehicle lights, brakes, seatbelts, and tyres are in good condition before you go — these are the most common reasons vehicles fail.
How to Check Your Car Details on the NTSA Portal
Beyond inspection status, the NTSA TIMS portal lets you view your vehicle’s full registered details — make, model, chassis number, engine number, registered owner, and more. This is useful for verifying records before a logbook transfer, insurance renewal, or if you suspect your vehicle has been flagged.
How to View Vehicle Details on NTSA TIMS
Use your ID number and eCitizen password. The vehicle must be registered under your ID on TIMS.
In the NTSA dashboard, click “Motor Vehicle” in the left menu and select “View.” This shows all vehicles linked to your eCitizen/TIMS account.
Select the specific vehicle you want to check. You will see full details including owner name, chassis number, engine number, colour, make, model, year of manufacture, and current compliance status.
From this screen you can see inspection status, insurance status, logbook details, and any flags or alerts on the vehicle record. You can also initiate services like inspection booking or logbook transfer from here.
You can also check basic vehicle details for any vehicle using the NTSA Public Portal at ntsa.go.ke — enter the registration number and view publicly available vehicle information without needing to log in.
How to Check Driving Licence (DL) Status in Kenya
If you have applied for a new smart driving licence, renewed your DL, or are waiting to hear if your licence is ready for collection, there are two ways to check your driving licence status in Kenya — via the TIMS portal or by SMS.
Check DL Status via SMS (Fastest Method)
Replace IDNumber with your 8-digit National ID number. You will get an SMS reply showing whether your driving licence is: Ready for Collection, Processing, or details about your current licence status.
Check DL Status via NTSA TIMS Portal
Use your eCitizen credentials — ID number and password.
Navigate to Driving Licence Services in the NTSA TIMS dashboard.
Your current DL status, validity dates, licence class, and any pending applications will appear here. If your smart DL is ready for collection, the collection point (usually the Huduma Centre you applied at) will be shown.
💡 How long does a driving licence take to be processed in Kenya? After completing your driving test and making payment, a new smart driving licence (SDL) typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to be ready for collection. In some cases it can take up to 6 weeks depending on demand. Renewals and replacements follow a similar timeline. Use the SMS code or TIMS portal to check the current status rather than visiting the office.
NTSA Inspection Centres in Kenya
If your status check shows a failed inspection or you need to book, here are the main NTSA inspection centres across Kenya. You can select your preferred centre when booking on the eCitizen portal.
For the full and current list of available centres and open slots, check during the booking step on ntsa.ecitizen.go.ke.
Book Your NTSA Motor Vehicle Inspection — Ksh 250
Need help booking? WhatsApp us your details. We book the slot, download your documents, and send everything back to you within a few minutes. You just show up on inspection day.
💬 WhatsApp Us NowIndependent online cyber service. Not affiliated with NTSA or the government. Official NTSA inspection fee is paid separately by the client directly on the eCitizen portal.
Frequently Asked Questions — NTSA Inspection Status Check Kenya
How do I check the status of my vehicle inspection?
There are three ways: (1) Log in to the NTSA TIMS portal at ntsa.ecitizen.go.ke, go to Motor Vehicle Services, and click Vehicle Inspection. (2) Use the official NTSA mobile app — available on Play Store and App Store. (3) Send an SMS: type MVI [space] your plate number and send to 22846. Example: MVI KAA123A to 22846.
How can I check my NTSA inspection status by SMS?
Open your SMS app on any phone — Android, iPhone, or feature phone. Type MVI [space] your vehicle registration number and send to 22846. Example: MVI KBZ456B. You will receive a reply with your vehicle’s current inspection status within seconds. The SMS costs between KSh 1.50 and KSh 10 depending on your carrier.
How much do I have to pay for an NTSA inspection?
The standard NTSA inspection fee is KSh 1,050, though the exact amount can vary depending on your vehicle type, engine capacity, and category. Rather than guessing, the safest thing to do is check the exact fee for your specific vehicle on the official NTSA portal at the time of booking — the amount is displayed clearly before you confirm payment. If your vehicle fails inspection and you return within 13 days, the re-inspection is completely free. Visit ntsa.go.ke to confirm current charges.
How long does NTSA motor vehicle inspection take?
The physical inspection at the bay typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, the total time you spend at the inspection centre depends on the queue on that day — it can range from 1 hour to over 3 hours. To reduce your wait, book an early morning slot online via eCitizen and arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time with all documents ready.
How to book NTSA inspection online?
Log in to ntsa.ecitizen.go.ke with your eCitizen credentials. Click “Motor Vehicle” → “Motor Vehicle Inspection.” Enter your vehicle details, select the inspection type (Annual Inspection for most vehicles), pay the required fee via M-Pesa or card, then choose your preferred inspection centre and time slot. Print both the payment receipt and booking slip — you must present these at the centre on inspection day.
How do I check if my logbook is ready?
Send an SMS to 22846 with the format: RLOG [space] your vehicle registration number. Example: RLOG KAA123A. You will receive a reply showing whether your logbook (vehicle registration certificate) is ready for collection or still being processed. You can also check via the NTSA TIMS portal under Motor Vehicle Services.
How do I know if I passed my NTSA inspection test?
Check via the NTSA TIMS portal (ntsa.ecitizen.go.ke) under Motor Vehicle Services → Vehicle Inspection, or send an SMS: MVI [plate number] to 22846. A status of Passed means your vehicle cleared inspection and your sticker is valid. A status of Failed means issues were found — your inspection report will list exactly what needs to be fixed. You have 13 days to fix and return for a free re-inspection.
What is NTSA TIMS?
TIMS stands for Transport Integrated Management System. It is NTSA’s national digital platform that manages all transport-related services in Kenya — including vehicle inspection, driving licences, logbook transfers, insurance verification, and more. You access TIMS through the eCitizen portal at ntsa.ecitizen.go.ke using your National ID and eCitizen account.
How do I log in to eCitizen NTSA?
Go to ntsa.ecitizen.go.ke or ecitizen.go.ke and click Sign In. Enter your National ID number and your eCitizen password. If you do not have an account yet, click Register and create one using your ID number, phone number, and email address. If you have forgotten your password, use the Forgot Password option — a reset OTP will be sent to your registered phone number.
How do I check my car details on the NTSA portal?
Log in to ntsa.ecitizen.go.ke with your eCitizen credentials. Click “Motor Vehicle” in the left menu, then select “View.” All vehicles registered under your ID will appear. Click on a vehicle registration number to see full details including make, model, chassis number, engine number, registered owner, inspection status, and insurance status. For vehicles not linked to your account, you can use the public search tool at ntsa.go.ke by entering the registration number.
How do I check if my DL (driving licence) is ready?
The fastest way is by SMS: send DL [space] your ID number to 22846. Example: DL 12345678. You will get a reply confirming if your smart driving licence is ready for collection or still being processed. You can also check via the NTSA TIMS portal — log in, click “Driving Licence” in the left menu, and view your application status and licence details.
How can I check my driving licence status by SMS?
Open your SMS app on any phone. Type DL [space] your National ID number and send to 22846. Example: DL 23456789. The reply will show your current driving licence status — whether it is valid, expired, suspended, or ready for collection if you applied for a new or renewed licence. The SMS costs between KSh 1.50 and KSh 10 depending on your carrier.
How long does a driving licence take to be processed in Kenya?
After completing your driving test and making the required payment on eCitizen, a new smart driving licence (SDL) in Kenya typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to be printed and ready for collection. In high-demand periods it can take up to 6 weeks. Renewals and replacements follow a similar timeline. You will be notified via SMS when it is ready. Use the DL SMS check (DL [ID] to 22846) or the TIMS portal to monitor progress without visiting the office.
What happens if my vehicle fails NTSA inspection?
A failed inspection is not the end. NTSA gives you 13 days from the date of failure to fix the flagged issues and return for a free re-inspection. Only the items that failed are re-checked — not the full vehicle. Your inspection report will list exactly what needs to be corrected. Take it to a reputable garage, fix those specific items, and book your re-inspection online via eCitizen within the 13-day window. If you miss the 13-day window, you must pay the full inspection fee again.
Can I check another person’s vehicle inspection status?
Yes. The SMS method works for any vehicle — you only need the registration number. Send MVI [plate number] to 22846. You do not need to be the registered owner to check the status. The NTSA public portal at ntsa.go.ke also allows you to search any vehicle by registration number for publicly available compliance details.
Final tips for managing your NTSA inspection status
Always confirm your inspection status before applying for a new sticker or renewing your insurance. Save your SMS confirmations or download your inspection report from the TIMS portal. Use the NTSA app for real-time status checks. Do not drive with an expired inspection sticker — it is a chargeable offence, and traffic police check TIMS status in real time at roadblocks. Book your next inspection at least 2 weeks before your current one expires to avoid losing your slot to full centres.
Disclaimer: This is an independent online cyber service guide. We are not affiliated with NTSA, eCitizen, or any government body. Information is provided for educational purposes and is updated regularly, but always verify fees and procedures on the official NTSA portal at ntsa.go.ke. For official NTSA support, call 0709 932 300, email info@ntsa.go.ke, or call the main line +254 (020) 6632000.
