How To Register Inherited Vehicles On The NTSA Portal

The procedure of registering an inherited vehicle in Kenya is rather complicated and should be conducted in a way that will help prevent ownership conflicts in the future.

According to the requirements by the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA), such vehicles should change ownership using the alternative or “forced transfer” process as opposed to what is used in sale transactions.

The vehicle is inherited in connection with succession matters or under the control of an estate.

As per the NTSA rules, vehicles that are involved in a deceased person’s estate cannot change ownership informally.

The alternative transfer mechanism will make sure that the transfer of ownership is under a succession document that is issued by the courts to avoid any conflict that may arise in the future.

This in practice includes legal documentation from succession proceedings and technical verification by NTSA, including vehicle inspection.

In this regard, applicants are required to have all the necessary documents readily available in advance and to carefully observe the steps online through the NTSA Service Portal.

Understanding Vehicle Transfers Based on Succession

A succession-based transfer of a vehicle occurs upon the death of a registered vehicle owner when the asset is transferred to a beneficiary or administrator of the estate.

NTSA only allows for such transfers, provided they are backed by a valid grant of representation from a court.

This ensures that only legally appointed administrators or rightful successors can initiate the transfer.

Also Read: Drivers and Conductors Issue Four Demands to NTSA, Transport Ministry Over Rising Road Accidents

Requirements for a Succession Case Transfer

To transfer an inherited car ownership, the inheritor will need the following documents:

A certified copy of the certificate of grant as well as a list of properties showing the mentioned vehicle.
A letter appointing administrators of the estate, where applicable.
The original registration certificate (logbook) or, if missing, a police abstract.
An official letter requesting the transfer.
A certified copy of the death certificate from the Civil Registration Services (CRS).
A tape lift report from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
A duly completed Transfer Form (Form C).
Sworn affidavit from the successor or beneficiary.
A copy of the KRA PIN and National ID of the new owner.

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Application for Alternative or Forced Transfer on the NTSA Portal

After all the documents are in order, the following are the steps that the applicant should take:

Go to serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke to log in
Go to Services, then click on Alternative/Forced Transfer.
Provide the necessary details and select the kind of transfer.
The applicant must provide all required documents in the form of originals and clearly scanned images combined into one PDF document.
Indicate the preferred collection centre and provide the ID details of the authorized person to collect the logbook.
Submit the application and pay the applicable forced transfer and inspection fees.
Wait for seven days, after which the system will prompt an inspection booking.
Book a vehicle inspection at a preferred centre and date.
Present the vehicle physically for inspection.
Deliver the hard copies of the documents you have uploaded at the chosen NTSA office.
On receiving the approval, the new owner shall receive an SMS notification.

Charges & Processing Timeline

The fees associated with registering an inherited car depend on the car’s engine capacity (measured by CC) and inspection fees.

Once inspection and document verification are complete, the stated processing timeline is approximately three working days, subject to compliance and system approvals.

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