Transfer motor vehicle ownership

From: Government of Kenya (public information)

Published 2 June 2026 · Last updated 31 August 2026

Find out how to legally transfer motor vehicle ownership from a seller to a buyer in Kenya. This guide outlines requirements, fees, e-logbook generation, and online approval steps via eCitizen.

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You will leave CitizenGuide.KE to complete the application on an official system.

Quick facts

Processing time
1 to 3 working days for system verification and digital logbook generation.
Base cost
Pro-rated fee based on engine capacity (cc) plus a Ksh 50 eCitizen fee.
How to apply
Online (Digital submission)

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

Before you start

  • The vehicle logbook must be registered inside the seller's active personal or corporate eCitizen NTSA account.
  • The vehicle must not have any active financial charges, court injunctions, or Caveats placed against it by banks or legal institutions.
  • Both the seller and the buyer must have fully verified and active personal eCitizen accounts.
  • Ensure all outstanding vehicle inspection fees or traffic fines are fully cleared.

Documents you need

  • Scanned clear copy of the original physical logbook (if transitioning to an e-logbook for the first time).\
  • Valid National Identity Cards (or passports) and KRA PIN certificates for both buyer and seller.
  • A signed motor vehicle sales agreement or transfer form.

Step by step

  1. Seller initiates the transfer request

    The seller logs into their eCitizen NTSA portal, navigates to "Vehicle Services", selects the vehicle to transfer, and clicks "Initiate Transfer".

  2. Enter buyer details accurately

    The seller inputs the buyer’s exact National ID number (for individuals) or Company Registration number, alongside their active KRA PIN profile details.

  3. Buyer reviews and accepts transfer

    The buyer logs into their own eCitizen account, locates the pending notification under "Vehicle Transfers", checks the vehicle specs, and clicks "Accept".

  4. Select duration and pay fees

    The buyer selects their preferred logbook collection format, picks an eCitizen payment channel (like M-Pesa), and clears the pro-rated statutory fees.

  5. Download your digital e-Logbook

    Once NTSA updates the registration records, the buyer will receive an SMS alert and can download the new digital e-logbook from their portal layout.

Fees and charges

ItemCost
NTSA Transfer Fee (Engine capacity below 1000cc)Ksh 1,660
NTSA Transfer Fee (Engine capacity 1001cc - 1200cc)Ksh 1,890
NTSA Transfer Fee (Engine capacity 1201cc - 1500cc)Ksh 2,125
NTSA Transfer Fee (Engine capacity 1501cc - 1700cc)Ksh 2,415
NTSA Transfer Fee (Engine capacity 1701cc - 2000cc)Ksh 2,695
NTSA Transfer Fee (Engine capacity 2001cc - 2500cc)Ksh 3,445
NTSA Transfer Fee (Engine capacity 2501cc - 3000cc)Ksh 5,910
NTSA Transfer Fee (Engine capacity over 3000cc)Ksh 7,330
eCitizen Administrative Fee (Band Over 1,000)Ksh 50

Questions

Who pays the ownership transfer fees on eCitizen?
By standard commercial custom in Kenya, the buyer pays the final transfer fees and purchase taxes because they are the party acquiring the asset. However, the online process cannot start until the seller initiates it from their portal dashboard.
Do we get a physical paper logbook after the online transfer is approved?
No. NTSA has transitioned completely to smart electronic logbooks. Once the transfer is approved, a new digital Logbook containing a unique QR code is generated as a downloadable PDF in the buyer's account. This serves as your official legal title document.
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