An infographic visually explaining the five-step process of transferring car ownership in Kenya,

How to Transfer Car Ownership in Kenya

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How to Transfer Car Ownership in Kenya involves a straightforward and largely digital process.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) actively manages car ownership transfers through its Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS).

The seller transfers vehicle ownership to the buyer, ensuring compliance with all legal and financial obligations.

Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to navigating the vehicle transfer process in Kenya.

An infographic visually explaining the five-step process of transferring car ownership in Kenya,
Learn the simple 5-step process to transfer car ownership in Kenya seamlessly using the NTSA TIMS platform. From inspection to logbook confirmation, here’s everything you need to know!

 

Transferring car ownership in Kenya

Transferring car ownership in Kenya involves a series of administrative steps managed through the NTSA’s TIMS platform.

In addition, this process is not only about transferring the physical possession of the vehicle but also involves transferring legal ownership.

And ensuring that all necessary documentation is updated.

This is a significant process because it confirms that the buyer has legal ownership of the vehicle.

Additionally, it involves various fees and legal checks to ensure transparency and protect all parties involved.

The introduction of TIMS has made this process more accessible and streamlined, minimizing bureaucratic delays and reducing the paperwork traditionally associated with vehicle transfers.

Prerequisites

Before initiating the transfer, both the buyer and the seller must meet certain conditions:

Active TIMS Accounts

Both parties must have registered accounts on the NTSA TIMS portal.

This registration involves using their Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PINs and creating an account on TIMS.

Financial and Legal Obligations

The vehicle must be free from any financial encumbrances such as unpaid taxes, loan obligations, or any legal disputes like caveats or theft reports.

Additionally, the seller must clear all debts associated with the vehicle to ensure a smooth transfer.

Valid Documentation

Both the seller and buyer must have valid IDs and KRA PINs.

The vehicle should also have a current insurance policy and road license​

Steps for Vehicle Transfer

Step 1: The seller initiates the Transfer

  1. Log in to TIMS: The seller logs into their TIMS account using their KRA PIN or ID and password.
  2. Select Transfer Option: Navigate to the “Vehicle Registration” section and select the “Apply for Transfer of Ownership” option.
  3. Enter Buyer’s Details: Input the buyer’s KRA PIN or ID number.
  4. Submit Request: Review and submit the transfer request. At this stage, the seller must also pay any outstanding fees or fines associated with the vehicle.

Step 2: Buyer Approves the Transfer

  1. Notification: The buyer receives a notification of the transfer request on their TIMS account.
  2. Log in to TIMS: The buyer logs into their TIMS account and navigates to the “Vehicle Registration” section to approve the transfer.
  3. Pay Transfer Fee: The buyer is required to pay the applicable transfer fee. These fees vary based on the engine capacity of the vehicle—ranging from KES 2,210 for vehicles under 1000 cc to KES 6,465 for vehicles above 3000 cc, with an e-sticker fee of KES 750 for all vehicles.
  4. Insurance Verification: The buyer must verify that the vehicle is adequately insured as per NTSA regulations

Processing Time

The vehicle transfer process typically takes three working days, as long as all prerequisites are met and there are no complications.

Also, this duration includes the time taken for payment processing and NTSA’s internal verification steps.

The digital nature of the TIMS platform has significantly reduced the time involved compared to traditional methods that required manual processes at NTSA offices​

Scenarios Where Transfer is Restricted

Ownership transfer may not proceed if:

  • There are unpaid taxes on the vehicle (except for diplomatic vehicles).
  • The vehicle has a caveat
  • The vehicle is under financing or involved in any legal disputes such as marital, estate, or theft issues​
    .

Required Documents

Although most of the process is online, prepare the following documents beforehand:

  • Original logbook (for reference).
  • Valid ID and KRA PIN of both the buyer and seller.
  • Sale agreement (optional but recommended for proof of purchase).

Completion

After the buyer approves the transfer, NTSA updates the ownership details and issues a new logbook in the buyer’s name.

The buyer can download the e-logbook from the TIMS portal upon completion.

This e-logbook serves as valid proof of ownership and is recognized for various official purposes​

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