The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has clarified the vehicle services that automatically lead to the issuance of an electronic logbook, as the country continues shifting from the traditional paper logbook to a fully digital system.
In a notice issued on Monday, June 29, the authority said motorists should not expect to receive an eLogbook automatically unless they have completed specific vehicle-related transactions through NTSA’s system.
According to the authority, an eLogbook is generated after the successful processing of services such as motor vehicle registration, transfer of ownership and alternative ownership transfers.
This means that when a vehicle changes hands through a sale or any other approved ownership transfer, the new owner will receive an eLogbook once the transaction has been verified and approved.
NTSA also said motorists will receive an eLogbook when a vehicle is placed under asset financing or when the financing arrangement comes to an end and the charge is discharged.
The authority added that the digital document is also issued during vehicle re-registration, including cases involving changes to number plates or ownership records.
Other instances include de-registration of vehicles that have been exported, declared write-offs after accidents, become unroadworthy or were found to have been registered irregularly.
Motorists whose vehicle details are updated after an official inspection will also receive a fresh eLogbook reflecting the new information captured by the authority.
In addition, owners who still hold paper logbooks can obtain a digital version by applying for a duplicate logbook through the NTSA system.
The authority reminded motorists that an eLogbook is only issued after all application requirements, registration procedures and the necessary payments have been completed.
To help curb fraud, NTSA advised vehicle owners to verify the authenticity of their eLogbooks through the NTSA App or the authority’s official online service portal.
The authority also cautioned the public against falling victim to fraudsters posing as NTSA officials.
It stressed that it does not ask motorists to share personal information through social media platforms, WhatsApp, text messages or any other unofficial communication channels.
NTSA further noted that its officers do not process or download eLogbooks on behalf of clients and warned that no agents or third parties have been authorised to offer the service.
Motorists were urged not to share sensitive information such as National ID numbers, phone numbers, vehicle details or account login credentials with anyone claiming they can speed up the eLogbook application process.