Policy

How to Transfer Motor Vehicle Ownership on NTSA (eCitizen)

Matatus and cars in Nairobi traffic – ntsa vehicle transfer
Matatus and cars in Nairobi traffic. Photo:

Vehicle transfers moved from the old TIMS system to NTSA services on eCitizen. Here is what NTSA says.

Haile Selassie Avenue traffic in Nairobi – illustrating ntsa vehicle transfer
Haile Selassie Avenue traffic in Nairobi. Photo: Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Updated and fact-checked on 14 October 2026 against official sources listed below.

It is online

NTSA confirms transfers are done online (NTSA on X (30 Jul 2025)): log in to eCitizen and start the transfer application (NTSA on X (10 Jun 2026)).

Buyer consent

The application waits until the buyer logs in and accepts the transfer (NTSA on X (22 Jun 2026)).

How long

NTSA has quoted 3 working days in some replies (NTSA on X (23 Sep 2025)) and 1 working day in a later one (NTSA on X (20 Jul 2026)).

Owner cannot be traced

Apply for a forced transfer (NTSA on X (20 Jan 2026)); NTSA says a court order may also be required (NTSA on X (21 Jan 2026)). Sold a car long ago and the buyer never transferred? You can ask NTSA to place a caveat (NTSA on X (21 Jan 2026)).

Physical logbook

NTSA says you will attach it during the transfer application (NTSA on X (14 Jul 2026)).

Frequently asked questions

Can I transfer a car on NTSA online?

Yes, via eCitizen, per NTSA.

How long does NTSA take to transfer a vehicle?

NTSA has quoted 1–3 working days in its replies.

Related: NTSA help hub

Sources

Norah Waceke

About Author

Norah Waceke is a business journalist and editor at Business Radar with more than eight years of experience covering Kenya's economy, companies and markets. She previously worked at Kenyans.co.ke, one of the country's leading digital news platforms, where she reported on business, finance and current affairs. A graduate of Multimedia University of Kenya, Norah focuses on clear, accurate reporting that helps readers understand the money stories shaping their lives and businesses.

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