🚘 How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Kenya (2025 Step-by-Step Guide)
If you’re buying or selling a car in Kenya, it’s crucial to understand the legal steps required to transfer vehicle ownership through the NTSA’s Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS). This online portal streamlines the process, ensuring transparency and compliance with Kenyan traffic laws.
To initiate the transfer, the seller logs into their TIMS account and submits a request by entering the buyer’s ID number and confirming the vehicle details. The buyer then receives a prompt via their TIMS profile to accept the transfer and pay the applicable transfer fees through eCitizen or mobile money services.
Both parties must ensure the vehicle has a valid logbook, is not under financing (unless settled), and that any pending insurance or inspection requirements are up to date. For gifted or inherited vehicles, supporting legal documents such as an affidavit or will are also required.
Once completed, NTSA issues a new digital logbook under the buyer’s name.
Always verify ownership and vehicle history before committing to a sale.
📌 Why Vehicle Ownership Transfer Is Important
Failing to transfer vehicle ownership after a sale or gift can result in:
- 📉 Legal liability if the car is involved in crime or accident
- ❌ Penalties for insurance and inspection violations
- 🛑 Registration issues when reselling the vehicle
- 🚔 Arrest or fines if caught driving a car registered to someone else
Transferring ownership is a legal safeguard for both the buyer and the seller. click Car Logbook Loan Providers in Kenya
🚗 Types of Vehicle Ownership Transfers in Kenya
Types of Vehicle Ownership Transfers in Kenya (2025)
Understanding the different types of vehicle ownership transfers in Kenya is essential, especially as each comes with specific requirements and documentation. The NTSA mandates that all transfers be done through the TIMS portal, regardless of the reason for the change in ownership.
1. Sale Between Individuals
This is the most common type of vehicle transfer. It involves a private sale where the seller initiates the process on TIMS and the buyer accepts and completes the transfer. The buyer pays the NTSA transfer fee, and both parties must have active TIMS accounts and national ID numbers. A sales agreement and inspection certificate are often required.
2. Gift Transfers
When gifting a vehicle to a family member or friend, the process still follows the TIMS portal. However, a gift affidavit must be attached, and no monetary transaction is recorded. The recipient must accept the transfer and cover the standard NTSA fee.
3. Transfer of Deceased Estate
If a vehicle owner passes away, the car can be transferred to their heirs. This requires a death certificate, grant of probate or letters of administration, and confirmation of next of kin. The process is done via TIMS with the help of legal documentation to prove inheritance.
4. Company to Individual or Vice Versa
Commercial vehicle sales or transfers between a company and an individual must be accompanied by a company KRA PIN, CR12 document (for company verification), and board resolution authorizing the sale. Both parties must be registered on TIMS.
5. Court Order Transfers
In cases involving legal disputes or settlements, a court may issue an order directing the vehicle to be transferred. A certified court order must be uploaded to TIMS along with other standard documents to process the transfer.
Each type of transfer requires accuracy and timely processing to avoid legal or logistical issues.
🗂️ NTSA Requirements for Vehicle Transfer
Both the buyer and seller must meet these conditions:
📄 Required Documents:
- National ID or Alien ID
- KRA PIN Certificate
- Vehicle Logbook
- Original Sale Agreement (for proof of transaction)
- NTSA TIMS accounts (for both parties)
- Police Abstract or Affidavit (for deceased or gifted vehicles)
✅ Note: Company transfers require CR12 forms and official authorization letters.
🌐 How to Create a TIMS Account
If you’re new to NTSA’s TIMS portal, follow these steps:
- Visit https://ntsa.go.ke
- Click Register
- Select “Individual” or “Dealer/Company”
- Enter your ID Serial Number and follow prompts
- Add your phone number and create a password
- Verify using an OTP (One-Time Password)
You now have access to NTSA vehicle services online!
📥 Step-by-Step Guide to Transfer Ownership on TIMS
This process is done by the current owner (seller):
- Log into TIMS NTSA Portal
- Select “Vehicle Registration”
- Choose “Apply for Transfer of Ownership”
- Enter vehicle registration number
- Confirm vehicle details
- Input Buyer’s ID or Certificate of Incorporation
- Upload Sale Agreement (PDF format)
- Submit and pay transfer fee via MPESA Paybill 206206
- Download the Transfer Reference Slip
The system notifies the buyer to accept the transfer.
👨💻 How to Accept a Vehicle Transfer (Buyer)
- Log into your TIMS account
- Navigate to “Pending Ownership Requests”
- Review the vehicle details and click “Accept Transfer”
- Upload your KRA PIN
- Download your interim logbook
Your new logbook will be available in a few days.
💵 Ownership Transfer Fees (2025)
Transfer fees vary by vehicle type:
| Vehicle Category | Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | 500 |
| Small Cars (<1500cc) | 1,660 |
| Medium Cars (1500–3000cc) | 2,500 |
| Large Vehicles (>3000cc) | 3,300 |
| PSVs and Commercial Vehicles | 4,200 |
| Trucks and Trailers | 5,500 |
⚠️ Tip: Transfer fees must be paid via MPESA Paybill 206206, using the generated account number.
⏱️ How Long Does the Process Take?
The ownership transfer typically takes:
- ⌛ 1–3 working days if all documents are valid
- 📬 Logbook is mailed or can be picked at NTSA office
- 🛑 Delays may occur due to holidays, verification, or document issues
👨👩⚖️ Special Transfers: Deceased Estates, Gifts, and Companies
1. Inheritance Transfers
Required documents:
- Death Certificate
- Letter of Administration or Probate
- Court Order
- Heir’s ID and KRA PIN
2. Gift Transfers
- Gift deed or Sworn Affidavit
- IDs of both parties
- Logbook and TIMS access
3. Company Transfers
- CR12 Form, Certificate of Incorporation
- Board resolution authorizing transfer
- Director’s ID and KRA PIN
🧩 Common Problems and How to Solve Them
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Missing TIMS Account | Create one using ID and KRA PIN |
| Wrong Buyer ID | Edit request or cancel and redo |
| Vehicle Registered in Company Name | Submit additional documents like CR12 |
| Buyer Fails to Accept Transfer | Remind buyer; cancel and restart if needed |
| Logbook Delayed | Visit nearest NTSA office or call NTSA helpline |
❓ FAQs on Vehicle Ownership Transfer
Q1: Can I transfer a vehicle without a logbook?
❌ No. The logbook proves legal ownership and is mandatory.
Q2: Do both parties need a TIMS account?
✅ Yes. Both buyer and seller must be TIMS-registered.
Q3: What if I sold my car but didn’t transfer it?
🚫 You’re still legally responsible for any offense committed using the vehicle.
Q4: Is it possible to cancel a transfer request?
Yes, before the buyer accepts, the seller can cancel the request in TIMS.
Q5: Can I do the transfer at Huduma Centre?
No. Transfers are strictly done online through the NTSA TIMS portal.
🎯 Conclusion
Transferring vehicle ownership in Kenya is straightforward when you understand the process and have the right documents. Whether you’re selling, gifting, or inheriting a vehicle, use the NTSA TIMS portal to ensure the transfer is legal and complete.
Avoid legal headaches, protect yourself from liability, and drive with peace of mind by following this 2025 step-by-step guide. 🚗✅
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