Apply for a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge

From: Government of Kenya (public information)

Published 2 June 2026 · Last updated 31 August 2026

Find out how to apply for or renew a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) badge for drivers and conductors in Kenya. This guide outlines the mandatory vetting steps, required documents, and associated fees on eCitizen.

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Quick facts

Processing time
3 to 5 working days for security vetting and approval.
Base cost
Ksh 1,050 flat fee
How to apply
Online (Digital submission)

Fees and times can change. Confirm on the official site before you pay.

Before you start

  • Must be at least 24 years of age for a driver's badge (or 18 years for a conductor's badge).
  • Drivers must hold a valid, active Kenyan driving licence with appropriate class endorsements for commercial categories.
  • Must be a member of a registered public transport SACCO or commercial company.
  • You must hold a valid Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct) issued within the last 6 months.

Documents you need

  • A valid Certificate of Good Conduct (Police Clearance Certificate) issued by the DCI within the last 12 months.
  • A scanned medical examination report from a registered medical practitioner confirming fitness.
  • A letter of recommendation from your registered public transport SACCO or employer.

Step by step

  1. Log into the NTSA service portal

    Access your personalized eCitizen platform account and select the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) dashboard link.

  2. Select the PSV Badge Application

    Go to the "Driving License Services" menu tab, click on the "Application for PSV Badge" link path, and choose your role type (Driver or Conductor).

  3. Upload certificates and fill details

    Input your driving licence reference, specify your transport SACCO affiliation, and upload your active Certificate of Good Conduct and medical clearance files.

  4. Pay the processing fees

    Select your preferred eCitizen electronic payment tool (such as M-Pesa or a bank card) and clear the total required transactional fee.

  5. Download and print your badge

    Monitor your application history tab panel; once approved, download your digital PSV badge receipt slip and print the physical license authorization.

Fees and charges

ItemCost
NTSA PSV Badge Issuance FeeKsh 1,000
eCitizen Administrative Fee (Band Over 1,000)Ksh 50

Questions

For how long is a Kenyan PSV badge valid?
An NTSA PSV badge is strictly valid for exactly 12 months (1 year) from the date of issuance. You must pay the annual renewal fee through your portal to keep your license profile active.
Can I use my driver's PSV badge to work as a conductor?
Yes, a valid PSV driver's badge covers conductor duties under NTSA rules. However, a conductor's badge cannot be used to drive a public vehicle; driving without a formal driver's endorsement carries heavy fines.
Can I apply for a PSV badge if I have traffic infractions on my smart card chip?
Severe or unresolved traffic violations may lead to a temporary block during the DCI background vetting stage or NTSA compliance review.
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