Ever walked into an NTSA office or agent, ready to sort your licence, only to find your budget was off by a few thousand bob? Or maybe you’re planning your first driving test and have no idea what the total damage will be. You’re not alone. Navigating government fees in Kenya can feel like a puzzle.
This article breaks down the exact, current charges for all major NTSA services. We’re talking driving licence applications, renewals, logbook transfers, and duplicate copies. No fluff, just the figures you need to plan your visit and avoid surprises.
Understanding NTSA: Your One-Stop for Road Services
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is the body that manages everything on wheels in Kenya. Think of them as the ultimate bouncer for our roads. They issue driving licences, register vehicles, and manage the all-important logbook. Knowing their official rates saves you from being overcharged by unscrupulous agents.
All prices listed are the official government rates as per the NTSA. However, remember that most people use accredited agents or the online TIMS portal. These agents charge a service fee on top of the government fee. We’ll show you both so you can budget correctly.
Official NTSA Fees vs. Agent Service Charges
The key to avoiding confusion is separating the two. The NTSA fee is fixed and goes to the government. The agent’s service charge is for their convenience and can vary.
- Government Fee: Mandatory, paid to NTSA.
- Agent Service Fee: Optional convenience fee, varies by agent.
For example, the government fee for a 3-year driving licence renewal might be Ksh 3,050. An agent might charge you Ksh 4,500 total, where Ksh 1,450 is their service fee for handling the process. Always ask for this breakdown.
Complete Breakdown of NTSA Driving Licence Charges
This is likely why you’re here. Whether you’re a new driver fresh from a driving school in Umoja or renewing your old one, here’s the cost.
New Driving Licence Application (First Time)
Applying for your first licence involves several steps, each with a cost. The total is more than just the card fee.
- Computer Test Booking: Ksh 650 (paid via MPesa on the TIMS portal).
- Driving Test Booking: Ksh 1,250 (after passing the computer test).
- Driving Licence Card Fee: Ksh 3,050 (paid after passing the driving test).
Total Official Cost: Approximately Ksh 4,950. Remember, your driving school will also have their own package fees for training and vehicle use for the test.
Renewing Your Driving Licence
Renewal is simpler and done online or via agents. The fee depends on the validity period you choose.
- 1-Year Renewal: Ksh 1,050
- 3-Year Renewal: Ksh 3,050 (Most common and cost-effective)
- 5-Year Renewal (for PSV/Commercial): Specific commercial rates apply.
Pro Tip: Renew online via the TIMS portal at least 30 days before expiry to avoid the “late renewal” penalty, which is an extra charge. Doing it early during the dry season is wise, as you can avoid last-minute rains causing transport delays to the post office for collection.
Duplicate (Lost/Damaged) Licence & Change of Details
Lost your wallet in a matatu? Or got married and need to change your name? Here’s the cost.
- Duplicate Driving Licence: Ksh 3,050 (Same as a new card).
- Change of Particulars (e.g., name): Ksh 1,050.
You’ll need a police abstract for a lost licence. For a change of name, have your marriage certificate or gazette notice ready.
NTSA Vehicle Registration & Logbook Fees
Buying a car, whether from a dealer in Mombasa Road or a private seller? The logbook process is critical. These are some of the most common and costly NTSA services.
Initial Motor Vehicle Registration
This is for brand-new cars or imported vehicles being registered in Kenya for the first time.
- Registration Fee: Ksh 1,250
- Number Plates (Pair): Ksh 3,850
- Logbook Issuance: Ksh 1,350
Total Official Cost: Around Ksh 6,450. Dealers usually include this in the overall price, but it’s good to know the breakdown.
Transfer of Ownership (Logbook Change of Name)
This is the crucial step when you buy a used car. Until the logbook is in your name, the car isn’t legally yours.
- Transfer Fee: Ksh 1,350
- Search Fee: Ksh 550 (to verify the vehicle details are clean).
Agent Total: An agent will typically charge a bundled Ksh 4,000 to Ksh 6,000 for the entire transfer process, covering their service, these fees, and the mandatory motor vehicle inspection at a center like the one in Industrial Area.
Kenyan-Specific Pro Tip: Never, ever hand over full payment for a used car before initiating the transfer. Meet the seller at the agent’s office or a known NTSA hub. Start the process, get the acknowledgment slip, then pay. This protects you from sellers who disappear after payment, leaving you with a car you can’t legally own. It’s a common hustle.
Duplicate Logbook & Number Plates
Misplacing your logbook is a major headache. Replacing number plates is also common after theft or damage.
- Duplicate Logbook: Ksh 1,350
- Duplicate Number Plate (per plate): Ksh 1,850
- Police Abstract: Required for both, obtainable at your local police station for a small fee.
Smart Tips for Dealing with NTSA Services in Kenya
Knowing the fees is half the battle. Here’s how to navigate the system like a pro and save time, money, and stress.
Use the TIMS Portal for Simple Transactions
For licence renewals, booking tests, or checking vehicle details, the online TIMS portal is your best friend. It’s available 24/7. You can pay via MPesa and avoid queues. For renewals, your licence will be sent to a selected post office for collection.
Choose Accredited Agents Wisely
For complex services like logbook transfer, a good agent is worth the service fee. But be smart.
- Ask for their NTSA accreditation certificate.
- Get a written, itemized quotation showing government vs. service fees.
- Use agents recommended by people you trust, or established ones near major transport hubs like Gill House in Nairobi.
Have All Your Documents Ready
Nothing wastes time like an incomplete file. Common requirements include your original ID, copy of ID, KRA PIN, passport photos, old logbook/licence, and a police abstract for duplicates. Carry both copies and originals.
Kenyan Context: Beating the System & Saving Your Coin
Let’s keep it real. Dealing with NTSA isn’t just about the official fees. It’s about the jua kali of it all—the queues, the “agents,” the unpredictable process. Here’s the local knowledge you need.
First, timing is everything. Avoid end-month and Monday mornings. That’s when crowds peak with people rushing to beat deadlines. Aim for mid-week, early in the morning. If you’re using the Industrial Area NTSA centre, even better.
Second, budget for the agent’s “chai”. The official fee for a logbook transfer is Ksh 1,350. But if you walk into an agent, a total price of Ksh 4,500 to Ksh 6,000 is standard in Nairobi. This includes their legwork, your peace of mind, and yes, sometimes “facilitation” to speed things up. Don’t be shocked. Just factor it in.
Third, the weather matters. If your licence is expiring in April or May (long rains), renew it online in March. You don’t want to be running to the post office in a downpour to collect it. Plan your vehicle inspection before the short rains (October-November) if you can, as inspection lines get longer when the weather is bad.
Lastly, trust but verify. If an agent gives you a price that seems too good to be true (e.g., “Ksh 2,000 for a full logbook transfer”), it probably is. They might be cutting corners, which will cost you more later. Stick to transparent, slightly pricier but reputable agents. Your sanity is worth the extra thousand bob.
Final Summary and Your Next Move
So, how much does NTSA charge? As we’ve seen, it varies. A new driving licence will set you back about Ksh 5,000 in government fees. Renewing for three years is Ksh 3,050. The critical logbook transfer has a base fee of Ksh 1,350, but expect to pay an agent Ksh 4,000-6,000 for the complete service. The key is to always distinguish between the mandatory NTSA charge and the agent’s service fee.
Arm yourself with this information, use the online TIMS portal where possible, and choose your agents carefully. This knowledge puts you in control, saves you from overpaying, and makes the entire process less stressful. Now that you have the figures, which service do you need to tackle first? Share this guide with a friend who’s also dealing with NTSA—saving each other time and money is the Kenyan way.
Got a specific NTSA fee question we didn’t cover? Drop it in the comments below, and we’ll help you figure it out!
