Conducting a motor vehicle search in Kenya is now easier than ever, thanks to the NTSA Motor Vehicle Search service and the TIMs (Transport Integrated Management System) platform. Whether you’re purchasing a used car, verifying vehicle ownership, or confirming details for loan collateral, this process is crucial in ensuring transparency and legal compliance.
Why Conduct a Vehicle Search?
If you are planning to buy a second-hand vehicle, performing a vehicle search helps you:
- Confirm the legal ownership of the vehicle.
- Check the car’s history and registration details.
- Verify if there is any caveat on the vehicle.
- Ensure the car is not stolen or illegally registered.
Additionally, financial institutions that accept logbooks as collateral must perform this search before processing any loan applications.
How to Perform an NTSA Motor Vehicle Search Online
Performing an NTSA motor vehicle search in Kenya is a simple and straightforward process. Follow the steps below:
Requirements
Before you begin, ensure you have KSh 550 in your preferred payment method (M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or Visa card).
Step-by-Step Guide
- Log in to Your eCitizen Account
- Visit the eCitizen portal.
- If you don’t have an account, click Sign Up and create one.
- If you already have an account, log in with your credentials.
- Access NTSA Services
- Once logged in, select National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
- Click Get Service Now.
- Make an Application
- Select “Vehicle Registration”.
- Choose “Search for a Motor Vehicle (Copy of Files)”.
- Click Apply Now.
- Enter the Vehicle Registration Number
- Input the vehicle registration number (e.g., KAA567A) without spaces.
- Proceed to the payment section.
- Make Payment
- Choose your preferred payment method (M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or Visa card).
- Follow the instructions to complete the transaction.
- Download the Vehicle Search Report
- Once the payment is confirmed, you will be able to download the vehicle details.
Information Provided in the NTSA Motor Vehicle Search Report
The NTSA search report includes the following details:
- Make of Vehicle
- Vehicle Model
- Body Type
- Chassis Number
- Engine Number
- Year of Manufacture
- Registered Owner’s Name
- Owner’s Address
- Caveat (if any)
These details help confirm the legitimacy of the seller’s documents before purchasing a vehicle.
Alternative Ways to Perform a Motor Vehicle Search
If you experience difficulties using eCitizen, you can also visit an NTSA office for manual verification. Some third-party platforms may also offer vehicle search services, but NTSA remains the official source.
NTSA Contact Information
For further inquiries or assistance, reach out to NTSA Kenya:
- Phone: 020 6632000 / 0709 932 000
- Email: info@ntsa.go.ke
Conclusion
Performing a motor vehicle search in Kenya is a necessary step when buying a used car or verifying ownership for any legal or financial purpose. With NTSA’s online system, you can conveniently access vehicle details within minutes. Always ensure to verify the information before proceeding with any transaction.
For more guides on vehicle ownership and registration, visit NTSA Kenya’s official website or consult a legal expert when in doubt.
'Want to send us a story? Submit to NAIROBIminiBLOGGERS via our Email nairobiminiblogger@gmail.com'
Drop Your Comments, What do you think About The Article?