Bought or sold a car recently? The law is clear: you have 14 days from the date of sale to complete a logbook transfer in Kenya, moving legal ownership from the seller’s name to the buyer’s in NTSA’s records. Skip this step, and the seller remains legally liable for the vehicle – traffic offences, accident claims, and insurance disputes included – while the buyer risks having bought a car with hidden loans or disputes attached.
This guide walks you through exactly how logbook transfer works today, including an important change that took effect in June 2026: NTSA no longer issues physical logbooks at all.
What Changed: NTSA’s New eLogbook System (2026 Update)
Since 10 June 2026, NTSA has fully retired the physical logbook booklet. Every ownership transfer now results in a digital eLogbook that appears automatically in the buyer’s eCitizen account – no printed document is issued or couriered anymore.
The underlying transfer process on NTSA TIMS hasn’t changed: the seller still initiates the transfer, the buyer still accepts it, and NTSA still approves it. What’s different is simply the outcome – a digital record instead of a paper booklet, which also makes the whole process faster and harder to forge.
Documents Required for Logbook Transfer in Kenya
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Scanned copy of the existing logbook | Needed even for vehicles already digitised |
| National ID or passport (both parties) | Clear scans, matching TIMS records |
| KRA PIN certificates (both parties) | See our KRA PIN registration guide if you don’t have one yet |
| Sale agreement | PDF, under 5MB |
| Active NTSA TIMS / eCitizen account | Both seller and buyer need one |
| Vehicle inspection report | Required in some cases; valid for 30 days from an NTSA-authorised inspection centre |
Confirm the vehicle has no outstanding fines, liens, or active warrants using the TIMS vehicle inquiry tool before you proceed – this protects both parties from an unpleasant surprise mid-transfer.
How to Transfer Logbook Ownership in Kenya: Step-by-Step
For the Seller:
Step 1: Log in to NTSA TIMS Visit www.ntsa.go.ke or access TIMS through your eCitizen account – the same login works for both.
Step 2: Select the vehicle to transfer Go to “Vehicle Registration,” then “Transfer Vehicle” or “Transfer of Motor Vehicle Ownership,” and choose the correct vehicle from your list.
Step 3: Enter the buyer’s details Input the buyer’s ID number and confirm they already have an active TIMS account – the transfer cannot proceed without one.
Step 4: Upload supporting documents Attach the logbook scan and sale agreement as required.
Step 5: Confirm via OTP and pay Enter the OTP sent to your phone, then pay the transfer fee via M-Pesa or card.
For the Buyer:
Step 6: Check your notifications Once the seller submits, you’ll receive an SMS and a notification on your own eCitizen/TIMS account.
Step 7: Review and accept Log in, verify the vehicle details match what was agreed, enter your OTP, and click “Accept Ownership.”
Step 8: Wait for NTSA approval Once both parties have completed their steps and payment is confirmed, NTSA processes the transfer.
Step 9: Receive your digital eLogbook The new eLogbook appears in your eCitizen account automatically – no physical document is dispatched.
Logbook Transfer Fees in Kenya by Engine Capacity
| Engine Capacity | Transfer Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,000cc | Approx. KES 2,210 |
| 1,001cc – 1,500cc | Mid-range, varies |
| 1,501cc – 3,000cc | Higher tier, varies |
| Over 3,000cc | Approx. KES 6,465 |
| E-sticker fee (all vehicles) | KES 750, charged once per transfer |
Your exact fee is calculated automatically on TIMS based on your vehicle’s specific engine capacity before you’re asked to pay – always confirm the figure shown on the portal rather than relying on a fixed number, as NTSA periodically revises these charges.
How Long Does Logbook Transfer Take in Kenya?
Once both the seller and buyer have completed their steps and payment is confirmed, the digital eLogbook typically reflects in the buyer’s eCitizen account within about 3 working days. The entire process – start to finish – can be completed without visiting an NTSA office in most cases, provided both parties act promptly.
What Happens If You Don’t Transfer Within 14 Days?
Kenyan law requires the transfer to be completed within 14 days of the sale. Missing this window can attract late penalties, and until the transfer is finalised, the seller remains the legally recorded owner – meaning they stay exposed to liability for anything that happens with the vehicle in the meantime. Don’t leave this step for “later.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Delaying the transfer past 14 days – penalties apply, and the legal risk sits with the seller until it’s done
- Not checking for liens or fines before buying – always run a TIMS vehicle inquiry first
- Assuming a physical logbook will still arrive – as of June 2026, only the digital eLogbook is issued
- Buyer not having an active TIMS account ready – the seller cannot proceed without this, so set it up before the sale is finalised
- Mismatched ID details – names and ID numbers must match exactly across TIMS, KRA, and the sale agreement
Need Help With Your Logbook Transfer?
If TIMS is rejecting your documents, you’re unsure how to check for outstanding fines on a vehicle, or you’d simply rather have someone experienced handle the process for you, Divas College offers assisted applications for logbook transfer and other government services.
📞 Call or WhatsApp us: 0115 690 990 🌐 Visit: Divas Technology College 📍 Or walk into our office in Kilifi for face-to-face support.
Buying and selling online is just one part of running a business well. If you’re building one around vehicles, sales, or services, our Digital Marketing course at Divas Technology College can help you find more customers online.
You may also find these helpful:
- How to Convert Your Interim Driving License to a Full Driving License in Kenya
- How to Register for a KRA PIN in Kenya (2026 Guide)
- How to Apply for a National ID Card in Kenya
- How to Register for SHA in Kenya (2026)
Published by Divas Technology College – Practical Digital Skills Training in Kilifi, Kenya. divascollege.co.ke | info@divascollege.co.ke | +254 714 112 247
