NTSA: How To Transfer Ownership Of Auctioned, Inherited Cars

NTSA: How To Transfer Ownership Of Auctioned, Inherited Cars

Transferring car ownership can be complicated, especially in cases involving auctions or the death of the registered owner.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has established clear procedures to simplify these processes, assuring legal compliance and transparency for all parties involved.

Transferring ownership of auctioned vehicles

When a vehicle is purchased at an auction, the NTSA requires a precise transfer process to ensure that the new owner is legally recognised and that the vehicle’s records are properly updated.

Especially if auctioned from financial institutions, police, courts, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Avoid last minute rush! Schedule your inspection today. Ensure your vehicle meets all safety and compliance standards. #UsalamaBarabarani #safetyfirst pic.twitter.com/A6j9rm7jfk

— NTSA KENYA (@ntsa_kenya) March 13, 2025

Steps for Transferring Ownership of an Auctioned Vehicle:

1. Obtain Necessary Documentation:
   • Auction Release Letter: Confirms the vehicle’s sale through an auction.
   • Certificate of Sale: Issued by the auctioneer, serving as proof of purchase.
   • Original Logbook: The vehicle’s official registration document.
   • Notification of Change of Ownership Form (Form C): Must be duly filled out and signed.
2. Submit Documents to NTSA:
   • Present all the above documents to the NTSA for verification.
3. Payment of Applicable Fees:
   • Transfer fees vary based on the vehicle’s engine capacity:
     • Up to 1000 cc: Ksh 1,660
     • 1001 – 1200 cc: Ksh 1,890
     • 1201 – 1500 cc: Ksh 2,065
     • 1501 – 1700 cc: Ksh 2,410
     • 1701 – 2000 cc: Ksh 2,695
     • 2001 – 2500 cc: Ksh 3,845
     • 2501 – 3000 cc: Ksh 5,055
     • Above 3000 cc: Ksh 5,915
     • Trailers (≤4 wheels): Ksh 1,030
     • Trailers (>4 wheels): Ksh 1,890
     • Tractors: Ksh 1,030
4. Issuance of New Logbook:
   • Upon successful verification and payment, the NTSA will issue a new logbook in the name of the new owner.

Transferring Ownership from a Deceased Relative

In the unfortunate event of a vehicle owner’s death, transferring ownership to a next of kin or beneficiary requires adherence to the NTSA’s guidelines to ensure a smooth transition.

Steps for Transferring Ownership from a Deceased Owner:

1. Gather Required Documents:
   • Death Certificate: Official proof of the registered owner’s death.
   • Grant of Letters of Administration or Probate: Legal documents appointing the administrator or executor of the deceased’s estate.
   • Original Logbook: The vehicle’s registration document and Form XI—where the logbook is missing or lost.
   • Identification Documents: Copies of IDs & KRA PINs for both the deceased and the beneficiary.
   • Notification of Change of Ownership Form (Form C): This is completed and signed by the administrator/executor.
   • Request letter for alternative transfer
   • Tape lift report: The NTSA requires a tape lift report to confirm that the vehicle’s chassis and engine numbers have not been tampered with. This report is done at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices.
   • Sworn affidavit before a magistrate or judge.
2. Submission to NTSA:
   • Submit all the above documents to the NTSA for processing.
3. Payment of Transfer Fees:
   • Transfer fees are based on the vehicle’s engine capacity, as detailed above.
4. Issuance of New Logbook:
   • After verification and payment, the NTSA will issue a new logbook in the beneficiary’s name.

Re-registration of Motor Vehicles

Re-registration may be necessary under specific circumstances to ensure that all vehicles on Kenyan roads meet safety and regulatory standards.

Motor vehicle re-registration is required in cases of ownership transfer, category change, or the registration of diplomatic and ex-government vehicles.

Circumstances requiring re-registration include significant modifications—such as major alterations to the vehicle’s structure or function—or a change in vehicle use, for example, from private to commercial.

Other reasons for re-registration include rebranding to change the vehicle’s branding or identity, correction of records, recovery of stolen vehicles, or reinstatement after de-registration.

Re-Registration of Ex-government Vehicles

Requirements:

• KRA PIN and ID copies of the buyer
• Tape lift report
• Surrender of the number plates
• Letter of surrender stamped by NTSA officers
• The new owner must have a TIMS account

Process:

1. Visit NTSA website
2. Select the preferred service portal
3. Log in to the TIMS account under Vehicle Registration
4. Click on the Vehicle Re-Registration option
5. Apply for re-registration and submit the required documents
6. Await approval and SMS notification

Re-Registration of Diplomatic Vehicles

Requirements:

• Duly filled Form A
• Duly filled Form C
• Original PRO 1C/DA document
• Original entry document
• KRA PIN for both buyer and seller
• Copy of passport or Diplomatic ID (seller)
• Copy of ID (buyer)
• Original logbook
• Surrender of original plates or a stamped letter from NTSA officers

Process:

1. Visit Website
2. Select the preferred service portal
3. Log in to the TIMS account under Vehicle Registration
4. Click on Re-Registration
5. Select Apply for Vehicle Re-Registration
6. Submit the required documents
7. Await approval and notification

Re-Registration Application Process

The general re-registration process applies to various categories of vehicles, including standard transfers, diplomatic vehicles, and ex-government vehicles. The steps may vary slightly based on the vehicle type.

ALSO READ:

• United States Sets Travel Restriction On 3 Separate Dozens Of Countries
• Kenyan Police Killed, Another Wounded And Their Rifles Stolen in Mandera
• ‘Stop Early Campaigns!’ – Raila Tells Politicians
• ‘My Work Is In The Senate!’ – Senator Sifuna Speaks On Missing Ruto’s Nairobi Tour
• Autopsy Reveals Body Injuries On Man Killed By Ruto Motorcade’s Hit-And-Run

Steps to Apply:

1. Visit Website
2. Select the preferred service portal
3. Log in to the TIMS account under Vehicle Registration
4. Click on the Re-Registration menu
5. Select Apply for Vehicle Re-Registration
6. Scan and upload the required documents in PDF format
7. Make the necessary payments
8. Submit the application and await approval
9. The new owner accepts ownership via the TIMS portal
10. Receive confirmation via SMS

Charges & Timeline

• Charges: Based on the CC rating of the vehicle
• Processing Time: 10 working days

NTSA: How To Transfer Ownership Of Auctioned, Inherited Cars