By Magdalene Wanja - Reporter
Kenya, January 19 2026 - The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has released new guidelines clarifying how vehicles inherited after the death of an owner should be transferred. The authority said the move is aimed at protecting families, securing estates, and reducing disputes over motor vehicle ownership.
According to NTSA, vehicles registered in the name of a deceased person can only be transferred through an alternative or forced transfer process, rather than the standard ownership transfer system. In a public notice issued on January 19, the authority said ownership changes can only occur after succession proceedings have been concluded and verified court documents submitted.
The procedure applies to all categories of motor vehicles, including private cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and public service vehicles. Applicants are required to submit a certified Certificate of Grant, a court-issued schedule of assets listing the vehicle as part of the estate, and a letter appointing estate administrators.
Additional mandatory documents include the original logbook, or a police abstract if the logbook is missing, an official transfer request letter, a certified death certificate from the Civil Registration Services, a DCI tape lift report, a completed Transfer Form (Form C), and a sworn affidavit confirming entitlement to the vehicle. Successors must also provide copies of their national identity card and KRA PIN certificate. All documents must be uploaded online and physically presented at the selected NTSA office for verification.
Applications for alternative or forced transfers must be submitted through NTSA’s digital platform at serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke. Applicants are required to log in, select the appropriate transfer option, indicate the type of transfer being sought, and upload all supporting documents in PDF format. One authorised individual must be designated to physically submit the original logbook during the process.
After submitting the application, applicants must pay the prescribed fees for the forced transfer and vehicle inspection, after which the system prompts users to book an inspection at a preferred inspection centre. Following the inspection, the vehicle must be presented for assessment, and all original documents submitted at the selected NTSA office.
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Upon approval, NTSA said an automated SMS notification is sent to the new owner confirming completion of the transfer. Transfer charges vary depending on the vehicle’s cubic capacity (CC) and the applicable inspection fee, while processing takes approximately three working days if all documentation is accurate and complete.
The authority cautioned that using, selling, or transferring a vehicle registered in the name of a deceased person without completing succession proceedings and the alternative transfer process may expose families to legal disputes, delays, and possible fraud allegations. NTSA urged the public to rely on official NTSA platforms and offices for guidance, warning against brokers and unlicensed agents offering expedited services.
NTSA said compliance with the alternative transfer process ensures accurate vehicle records, protects beneficiaries’ interests, and safeguards the integrity of Kenya’s motor vehicle registration system, noting that vehicles under estate management must not be transferred through any other means to uphold legal rights.
