Losing a logbook can cause a headache for a vehicle owner especially at a point of need.
Besides proving ownership of the car, logbooks can be used for other purposes including securing a loan.
In cases where a vehicle owner loses the logbook, the Traffic Act stipulates that the owner shall apply for a duplicate certificate for replacement.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has broken down the process of applying for a duplicate logbook under the new E-citizen system.
The process starts with reporting the loss to a police station to obtain a police abstract.
Once booked at a police station, the owner is then issued with an abstract to initiate the replacement process.
Subsequently, the car owner proceeds to apply for a tape lift at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Tape Lifting Process in Replacing a Lost Logbook
The tape lift is a report issued by authorities after tape lifting, an exercise aimed at verifying the chassis number of a vehicle and the engine number.
Normally, every vehicle comes with a unique chassis and engine numbers allocated by the respective manufacturer.
Upon securing the tape lift, the vehicle owner now has the greenlight to proceed with application of a duplicate logbook.
Process of Applying for a Duplicate
Unlike in the past where Kenyans seeking a replacement were subjected to long queues at Times Tower or the NTSA offices, the service is now available online.
All you have to do is to log into your E-Citizen and select the new NTSA Service portal.
After logging in, select the “motor vehicle services” available on the portal and click on view.
Subsequently, the interface will present an option of applying for a duplicate logbook.
In line with the steps appearing on the screen, select duplicate logbook and click next. The interface will then request you to select the reason for duplicate.
Upon selecting the reason for applying for a duplicate logbook, proceed to fill in necessary details and attach the documents in one pdf format as requested.
Also Read: DCI Exposes NTSA Syndicate Using Kenyans’ Logbooks to Borrow Loans
Key Requirements
Among the required documents is the tape lift report, a police abstract, and a sworn affidavit confirming that you lost the logbook.
After successfully uploading the documents, proceed to pay the prescribed fee. Keep the invoice generated after paying the fee as evidence.
Then, proceed to select your preferred logbook counter collection office. You will be required to enter details of the authorized person to collect and click search.
Subsequently, scroll down and tick the declaration box and click preview.
Then proceed to pay for Ksh2,500 duplicate application fees and click complete.
Also Read: How to Replace a Lost Title Deed in Kenya
According to NTSA, the logbook will be available within three working days. This process will be applicable for all motor vehicles, and motorcycles including boda bodas.
NTSA’s Contacts
In case of any complication in the process, NTSA responds to queries raised through its social media handles.
Alternatively, you can reach out to the authority’s call center through phone numbers 0709 932 000 or 020 6632 000.
In addition, NTSA has a dedicated email address for complaints complaints@ntsa.go.ke.