The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has introduced a new transfer procedure for vehicles inherited through succession or managed under an estate, in a move aimed at reducing ownership disputes and protecting families.
In a notice issued on Monday, January 19, the Authority said individuals seeking to legally own vehicles belonging to a deceased person will now be required to use an alternative, also referred to as a forced transfer process.
According to NTSA, the new system is designed to ensure that vehicle ownership changes linked to estates are handled transparently and in line with the law.
Before starting the process, applicants are required to have several documents in place. These include a copy of the certificate of grant and the schedule of properties, a letter appointing the estate administrators, and the original vehicle registration certificate (logbook). In cases where the logbook is missing, a police abstract will be required.
Other mandatory documents include an official letter requesting the transfer, a certified copy of the death certificate from the Civil Registration Services (CRS), a tape lift from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), a completed transfer form (Form C), a sworn affidavit from the successor, and copies of the new owner’s ID and KRA PIN.
Once all documents are ready, applicants must log into the NTSA service portal via the eCitizen platform, navigate to the services section, and select the alternative or forced transfer option.
The applicant will then be required to enter the relevant details, choose the type of transfer, and upload all scanned documents combined into a single PDF file. They must also indicate their preferred collection centre and provide the ID details of the authorised person who will collect the logbook.
After submitting the application, the client is required to pay the applicable forced transfer and inspection fees.
Seven days later, the NTSA system will prompt the applicant to book a vehicle inspection. The inspection can be scheduled at a preferred centre and date, after which the vehicle must be presented for inspection. Charges will vary depending on the engine capacity (CC) of the vehicle, in addition to the standard inspection fee.
Applicants will also be required to physically present the original documents they uploaded online at the NTSA office.
If all requirements are met, NTSA will process the application and, within three working days, send an SMS notification confirming approval of the transfer to the new owner.
The announcement comes just weeks after NTSA warned the public against a fake website, “Mverified,” which was claiming to offer motor vehicle records and logbook search services.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, December 10, the Authority cautioned members of the public to avoid engaging with the site and urged those who may have fallen victim to report the matter to the relevant authorities.
NTSA reiterated that the only legitimate way to obtain a motor vehicle copy of records or conduct a logbook search is through the official NTSA service portal on the eCitizen platform.