How do I transfer vehicle ownership using eLogbook in Kenya?

The seller logs into eCitizen, opens the NTSA service portal, selects the vehicle, goes to Motor Vehicles Service, selects Vehicle Transfer and clicks Apply. The seller uploads the original logbook scan, enters the buyer's ID and KRA PIN details, and submits. The buyer then logs into their eCitizen account, checks the notification tab, verifies all vehicle details, enters the OTP sent to their phone, accepts the transfer, and pays the transfer fee via M-Pesa. NTSA processes within 3 working days and the new eLogbook appears automatically in the buyer's eCitizen account.

How long does eLogbook transfer of ownership take in Kenya?

NTSA processes the transfer within 3 working days once both seller and buyer have completed their steps on eCitizen and payment has been confirmed. The buyer's new eLogbook appears in their eCitizen account upon completion — no collection from any office is required.

What documents do I need for vehicle ownership transfer in Kenya 2026?

Both seller and buyer need active eCitizen accounts linked to their National IDs. The seller needs the original logbook as a clear coloured PDF scan, their National ID, and KRA PIN. The buyer needs their National ID and KRA PIN. Both parties must have SMS notifications enabled on their registered phone numbers for OTP verification.

What is the deadline for completing vehicle ownership transfer in Kenya?

Under Kenyan law, the buyer must complete the transfer of ownership within 14 days of purchasing the vehicle. Missing this deadline can result in late penalties. The seller must also initiate the transfer immediately upon sale.

Can I transfer vehicle ownership if the car has an outstanding loan or caveat?

No. If the vehicle has an active bank lien, SACCO charge, or caveat registered on NTSA TIMS, the transfer cannot proceed until the encumbrance is discharged. The buyer should check the vehicle's status on NTSA TIMS before purchasing to confirm there are no outstanding charges or caveats on the logbook.

June 10, 2026
by MyCyber
NTSA Services

How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership Using eLogbook Kenya 2026 — NTSA TIMS Guide

How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership Using eLogbook Kenya 2026 — NTSA TIMS Step-by-Step Guide

Q: Does the buyer need a physical logbook for eLogbook transfer in Kenya?

As of June 10 2026, NTSA no longer issues physical logbooks for any transaction including transfers. After the transfer is approved, the buyer receives a digital eLogbook in their eCitizen account. The eLogbook is the official Certificate of Registration and is legally valid. No physical booklet is dispatched.

Q: How much does eLogbook transfer of ownership cost in Kenya?

Transfer fees are based on the vehicle's engine capacity (CC). For engines up to 1000cc the fee is approximately KES 2,210. For 1001–1200cc approximately KES 1,890. For 1201–1500cc approximately KES 2,065. For engines above 1500cc fees increase accordingly. An additional e-sticker fee of KES 750 applies to all transfers. The exact fee is calculated automatically when you submit on the NTSA TIMS portal.

How to transfer vehicle ownership using eLogbook Kenya is one of the most searched questions today — June 10, 2026, the day NTSA officially launched the eLogbook system. This page covers the exact NTSA TIMS steps for both seller and buyer, the documents required, the transfer fees by engine capacity, and what is different now that physical logbooks are no longer issued.

Quick Answers

How do I transfer vehicle ownership using eLogbook Kenya?

The seller initiates the transfer on eCitizen NTSA TIMS, uploads the logbook scan, and enters buyer details. The buyer logs into their own eCitizen account, checks the notification tab, verifies vehicle details, enters an OTP, accepts the transfer, and pays the fee via M-Pesa. NTSA processes within 3 working days and the new eLogbook appears in the buyer’s eCitizen account automatically.

Do I still need a physical logbook for the transfer?

From June 10, 2026, NTSA no longer issues physical logbooks for any transaction. The seller needs a scan of the existing logbook to upload during the application. After the transfer is approved, the buyer receives a digital eLogbook in their eCitizen account — no physical booklet is dispatched.

How long does the eLogbook transfer take?

3 working days from the point both parties complete their steps and payment is confirmed on NTSA TIMS.

What is the deadline for completing the transfer?

14 days from the date of purchase. Under Kenyan law, the buyer must complete the transfer within 14 days. Missing this deadline attracts late penalties.

How much does eLogbook transfer of ownership cost in Kenya?

Fees depend on engine capacity (CC) — starting from approximately KES 2,210 for engines up to 1000cc. An additional e-sticker fee of KES 750 applies to all transfers. The exact amount is calculated automatically on the NTSA TIMS portal at the time of submission.

1. What Changed With eLogbook Transfer of Ownership

On June 10, 2026, NTSA officially launched the eLogbook system across all motor vehicle registration services in Kenya. Transfer of ownership is one of the nine services directly affected. Here is what is different from how the process worked before:

No more physical logbook issued to the buyer From June 10, 2026, NTSA no longer prints or dispatches physical logbooks for any transaction. After a transfer is approved, the buyer’s new Certificate of Registration is issued as a digital eLogbook — accessible, downloadable, and verifiable through their eCitizen account. No collection from any NTSA office or Huduma Centre is required.

Instant digital issuance after approval Previously, buyers waited days or weeks for a physical logbook to be processed and dispatched. With the eLogbook, the new certificate appears in the buyer’s eCitizen account as soon as NTSA approves the transfer — within 3 working days of both parties completing their steps.

QR code verification replaces physical document checks The buyer’s eLogbook carries a QR code. Banks, insurers, police, and any third party can instantly verify the vehicle’s ownership and status by scanning the QR code — without needing a printed document. This is the same verification process that NTSA, banks, and SACCOs now use for vehicle financing.

The transfer process on NTSA TIMS remains the same The underlying eCitizen TIMS steps — seller initiates, buyer accepts, NTSA approves — have not changed with the eLogbook launch. What changed is the output: instead of a physical logbook, the result is a digital eLogbook in the buyer’s eCitizen account.

Official NTSA statement: The eLogbook will be fully integrated into all motor vehicle registration processes from June 10, 2026, including transfer of ownership. All vehicle owners are required to access, view, download, and verify their digital logbooks through the eCitizen platform upon completion of any transaction.

2. Documents Required From Seller and Buyer

Before starting the transfer on NTSA TIMS, both the seller and the buyer must have their documents ready. Incomplete documents are the most common cause of transfer delays and rejections.

Seller Needs

Active eCitizen account linked to National ID
Original logbook — clear, coloured scan in PDF format
National ID number
KRA PIN certificate
Phone number registered on eCitizen (for OTP)
SMS notifications enabled on NTSA TIMS

Buyer Needs

Active eCitizen account linked to National ID
National ID number
KRA PIN certificate
Phone number registered on eCitizen (for OTP)
SMS notifications enabled on NTSA TIMS
M-Pesa on registered number for payment

Check for caveats and outstanding loans before transferring

Before the buyer pays for the vehicle, they should search the vehicle on NTSA TIMS to confirm there are no active bank liens, SACCO charges, or caveats registered against the logbook. A vehicle under an active charge cannot be transferred until the encumbrance is discharged. With the eLogbook system, banks and SACCOs can now verify lien status in real time — do not skip this step.

3. Seller Steps — How to Initiate the Transfer on NTSA TIMS

The seller must start the transfer process. The buyer cannot initiate — they can only respond to the seller’s application. Here are the exact steps for the seller:

Seller — Initiate Transfer on eCitizen NTSA TIMS

1
Log into your eCitizen account at ecitizen.go.ke using your National ID and password
2
Select the NTSA service portal (New) from the services list
3
On the TIMS homepage, select the vehicle you want to transfer from your registered vehicles list
4
Go to Motor Vehicles Service tab → select Vehicle Transfer → click Apply
5
Click Create New, enter the vehicle registration plate number, click Inquire to pull vehicle details, then click View to confirm the vehicle information is correct
6
Upload the original logbook — must be a clear, coloured PDF scan. Blurry or black-and-white scans are rejected
7
Under New Car Owner details, enter the buyer’s KRA PIN and National ID number. The system will auto-populate the buyer’s name from the KRA database
8
Preview the application, confirm all details are accurate, and click Submit
9
You will receive a reference number and the buyer will receive an SMS notification on their registered phone number to complete their part

The buyer must respond within 7 days

Once the seller submits the transfer application, the buyer has 7 days to log in and accept. If the buyer does not respond within 7 days, the application expires and the seller must restart the process. Inform the buyer immediately after you submit so they check their eCitizen notifications promptly.

4. Buyer Steps — How to Accept and Complete the Transfer

Once the seller submits, the buyer receives an SMS notification on their registered phone number. The buyer must then log into their eCitizen account and complete their part of the transfer.

Buyer — Accept Transfer and Pay on eCitizen NTSA TIMS

1
Log into your eCitizen account at ecitizen.go.ke using your National ID and password
2
Select the NTSA service portal (New) from the services list
3
On the TIMS homepage, click the Notifications tab to find the pending transfer request from the seller
4
Verify all vehicle details carefully — registration number, chassis number, engine number, and seller’s details. These must match the actual vehicle you are buying
5
Enter the OTP sent to your registered phone number to confirm your identity
6
Click Accept to consent to the transfer. Clicking Decline cancels the application entirely and the seller must restart
7
Fill in your collection details if prompted, preview the application, tick the declaration box, and click Submit for Approval
8
Pay the transfer fee via M-Pesa when prompted. The exact amount is calculated automatically based on your vehicle’s engine capacity. Payment is made directly through the eCitizen portal
9
You will receive a confirmation and a unique application ID to track the transfer status on TIMS

After both parties complete their steps: NTSA processes the transfer within 3 working days. You can track the status on NTSA TIMS using your application ID. Once approved, the new eLogbook appears automatically in your eCitizen account — no office visit or collection required.

5. Transfer Fees by Engine Capacity (CC) — 2026

NTSA transfer fees are based on the vehicle’s engine capacity measured in cubic centimetres (CC). The fee is calculated automatically when you submit on the NTSA TIMS portal — you do not need to calculate it manually. An additional e-sticker fee of KES 750 applies to all transfers.

Engine Capacity (CC)	Transfer Fee (KES)	E-Sticker Fee	Approximate Total
Up to 1,000cc	KES 2,210	KES 750	~KES 2,960
1,001 – 1,200cc	KES 1,890	KES 750	~KES 2,640
1,201 – 1,500cc	KES 2,065	KES 750	~KES 2,815
1,501 – 2,000cc	KES 2,400	KES 750	~KES 3,150
2,001 – 3,000cc	KES 3,800	KES 750	~KES 4,550
Above 3,000cc	KES 6,465	KES 750	~KES 7,215

These fees are for the NTSA transfer charge only

For high-value vehicles, KRA stamp duty at 4% of the vehicle’s value may also apply and must be paid via KRA iTax before or during the transfer process. M-Pesa transaction charges also apply. The NTSA TIMS portal will show the exact total due at the payment step — always confirm the amount on the portal before paying.

6. After Approval — How the Buyer Gets the eLogbook

Once NTSA approves the transfer — within 3 working days — the buyer’s new eLogbook is issued digitally. Here is what happens:

✓

eLogbook appears in the buyer’s eCitizen account The new digital Certificate of Registration is automatically generated and appears in the buyer’s eCitizen NTSA TIMS account. No office visit, no collection, no waiting for a courier.

✓

Download or view the eLogbook from eCitizen Log into eCitizen → NTSA service portal (New) → select the vehicle → click Download eLogbook or Print Certificate. The eLogbook can be saved as a PDF, shared digitally, or shown on a phone screen. It is legally valid in this form.

✓

QR code for instant verification The eLogbook carries a QR code. Police can scan it at a roadblock to verify ownership in real time. Banks and SACCOs use the same QR code to verify ownership and lien status for logbook loans. No printed document is required.

✓

Track your transfer status while waiting Use the unique application ID received after submission to check the transfer status on NTSA TIMS at any time. If 3 working days pass without approval, contact NTSA on 0709 932 300 or email info@ntsa.go.ke with your application ID.

7. Common Problems During eLogbook Transfer and How to Fix Them

Vehicle not showing on seller’s NTSA TIMS account

This happens when the vehicle was registered before eCitizen existed or the seller’s eCitizen account is not properly linked to their NTSA TIMS profile. The seller needs to ensure their eCitizen account is active and linked to the same National ID used for vehicle registration.

Log into eCitizen and confirm your National ID on the account matches the one on the logbook
Go to NTSA service portal (New) and check if the vehicle appears under Motor Vehicles
If the vehicle does not appear, contact NTSA on 0709 932 300 or visit the nearest NTSA office with the original logbook to request your vehicle records be migrated to the digital system

Buyer not receiving the SMS notification or OTP

The OTP is sent to the phone number registered on the buyer’s eCitizen account. If the buyer’s registered number differs from the number they are using, the OTP will not arrive on the right phone.

Confirm the phone number on your eCitizen account — log in and check profile settings
If the number is wrong, update it on eCitizen before the seller resubmits
Ensure the registered number has SMS enabled and is not on Do Not Disturb
If OTP still does not arrive after 5 minutes, ask the seller to resend or contact NTSA support on 0709 932 300

Transfer blocked due to outstanding fines or caveat

NTSA TIMS will block the transfer if the vehicle has unpaid traffic fines, an active bank or SACCO charge, or a court caveat on the logbook. The seller must resolve these before the transfer can proceed.

The seller checks the vehicle status on NTSA TIMS under Motor Vehicles → View to see any outstanding issues
Pay any outstanding traffic fines via eCitizen
For bank or SACCO charges, the loan must be fully paid and the financial institution must file a discharge on NTSA TIMS before the transfer can proceed
For court caveats, a court order lifting the caveat must be presented to NTSA

eLogbook not appearing in buyer’s account after approval

If 3 working days have passed since NTSA approval and the eLogbook has not appeared in the buyer’s eCitizen account, the most common cause is a mismatch in the buyer’s account details.

Confirm NTSA has actually approved the transfer — check the application status on TIMS using the application ID
Log out of eCitizen completely, clear the browser cache, and log back in
Check under NTSA service portal (New) → Motor Vehicles — the new vehicle should now be listed
If still not showing, contact NTSA on 0709 932 300 with your application ID and National ID number

Transfer not completed within 14 days attracts penalties

Under Kenyan law, the buyer is required to complete the transfer within 14 days of purchasing the vehicle. If either party delays and the 14-day window passes, late penalties apply. Do not wait — start the transfer the same day the vehicle changes hands.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer ownership of a motorcycle using eLogbook Kenya?

Yes. The eLogbook system covers motorcycles, private vehicles, PSVs, commercial vehicles, and trailers. The same eCitizen NTSA TIMS process applies. Transfer fees for motorcycles are lower and are calculated based on engine capacity just like for cars.

What happens to my physical logbook after the eLogbook transfer is approved?

The physical logbook becomes obsolete once the transfer is processed on the new eLogbook system. The buyer’s new Certificate of Registration is the digital eLogbook in their eCitizen account. NTSA no longer accepts the old physical logbook as the primary ownership document for any transaction completed under the new system.

Can the buyer drive the vehicle before the transfer is approved?

The vehicle legally belongs to the seller until NTSA approves the transfer and the eLogbook is issued in the buyer’s name. If police stop the buyer during this period, they should carry a printed copy of the sale agreement and the NTSA TIMS transfer confirmation reference number as proof that the transfer is in progress.

How do I transfer a vehicle belonging to a deceased person using eLogbook?

Vehicles belonging to deceased persons require an alternative transfer process — not the standard transfer of ownership. NTSA confirmed this process requires succession documents and has different requirements. Processing takes approximately 3 working days once all documentation is submitted without discrepancies. Fees vary based on the vehicle’s CC and applicable inspection fee. Contact NTSA directly on 0709 932 300 or visit the nearest NTSA office for the correct procedure.

I am a seller — what if the buyer refuses to accept the transfer on TIMS?

If the buyer declines the transfer notification on TIMS, the application is cancelled and you must restart. If the buyer simply does not respond within 7 days, the application expires automatically. In both cases, you need to contact the buyer to resolve the issue before resubmitting. If the buyer is refusing to complete the transfer after paying for the vehicle, this is a legal dispute — seek legal advice.

Can I track the status of my eLogbook transfer application?

Yes. Log into eCitizen → NTSA service portal (New) → use the unique application ID you received after submission to check the current status of your transfer application. You can see whether it is pending, under review, or approved. NTSA processes within 3 working days from the point both parties complete their steps.

Do I need an NTSA agent or cyber café to do the eLogbook transfer?

The NTSA TIMS process is designed to be done by the seller and buyer directly on eCitizen without needing an agent. However, many people find the eCitizen portal confusing, especially when OTPs do not arrive, vehicles do not show on TIMS, or fee payment fails. MyCyber assists with navigating the process on your behalf — same day via WhatsApp.

Disclaimer: MyCyber is an independent digital assistance service. We are not affiliated with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) or any government body. The steps on this page are based on NTSA’s official public statements and the eCitizen NTSA TIMS portal as of June 10, 2026 — the date of the eLogbook go-live. Portal processes and fees are subject to change. Always verify current fees and procedures on the official NTSA portal at ntsa.go.ke or by calling NTSA on 0709 932 300. For official eLogbook information visit ntsa.go.ke.