Advertisement
NTSA’s stern warning to car owners with untransferred logbooks
20th January, 2026 01:09 PM
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Tuesday, 20, 2026, sent a stern warning to car owners who are yet to transfer ownership.
Through a statement on their X account, NTSA warned that in case of a traffic offence, responsibility and liabilities rest on the shoulders of the person currently in control of the vehicle.
“If you are driving a vehicle that is still registered in the previous owner’s name, responsibility for any traffic offences and liabilities rests with the person currently using the vehicle,” NTSA stated.
The statement went ahead to advise new car owners to update their car ownership details by completing the Alternative Forced Transfer process as a matter of urgency.
“To avoid future inconvenience and ensure ownership records are updated, the new owner is advised to promptly complete the Alternative Forced Transfer process”, NTSA added.
For a forced transfer, you are required to;
- Go to servicessportal.ntsa.go.ke
- Go to services and select alternative/forced transfer
- Fill in the required information, and select the type of transfer
- Attach the required original, clear scanned documents in one PDF document
- Indicate the collection centre and the id of the authorised person to collect the logbook, then submit
- Make payments for forced transfer and inspection
- Wait for seven days to elapse the system will prompt to book for inspection
- Book an inspection at the preferred centre and the date
- Present the vehicle for inspection
- Submit the physical documents uploaded at the preferred NTSA office
- Upon approval, an SMS notification shall be sent to the new owner
When it comes to car ownership registration, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is responsible for maintaining Kenya’s official motor vehicle register.
NTSA oversees the initial registration of vehicles, whether locally assembled or imported, ensuring all ownership details, chassis numbers, and engine numbers are accurately captured.
It facilitates transfer of ownership between buyers and sellers through its online portal, verifies supporting documents such as logbooks, sale agreements, and KRA PINs, and conducts vehicle inspections where required.
NTSA also handles special cases like alternative or forced transfers, lost logbooks, and succession-related transfers, ensuring legal compliance and protecting motorists from fraud.
