The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has reminded vehicle buyers that all cars acquired through auctions, court orders, or bank repossessions must undergo an alternative or forced transfer to ensure legal ownership.
This process is mandatory for buyers whose vehicles have changed hands outside the standard private sale process.
“You must complete an alternative transfer to legally own it. If ownership changed, registration must change,” the body noted in a statement.
NTSA noted that the procedure is designed to verify ownership, prevent fraud, and ensure that vehicles are properly registered under the new owner’s name.
NTSA Requirements for Process
Buyers are required to submit a range of certified and original documents to qualify for the transfer.
These include:
- Valid auctioneer license
- Auctioneer registration certificate and PIN
- Tender documents
- Certificate of sale
- Original purchase receipt
- Discharge letter from the bank
- Letter of instruction from the financial institution
Additional requirements include official letters requesting the transfer, original registration certificate, certificates of incorporation for the bank and auctioneer, KRA PINs for both, letters showing the highest bidder, affidavits from the institution and applicant, tape lift from DCI, Transfer Form (Form C), and a newspaper advertisement confirming the sale.
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The authority stressed that all documents must be original and clear when uploaded for processing.
How to Apply
Applicants must visit the NTSA Service Portal at serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke and select the alternative/forced transfer service.
They must fill in the required information, select the transfer type, and attach all documents in a single PDF.
Buyers are also required to indicate the collection centre and the ID of the authorised person who will collect the logbook.
Once the application is submitted, payments for the forced transfer and inspection must be made.
Also Read: NTSA Clarifies Transfer Process for Vehicles Belonging to Deceased Persons
The system prompts the applicant to book a vehicle inspection at their preferred centre.
The vehicle must be presented for verification, along with the physical documents previously uploaded.
After inspection and verification, the Authority approves the transfer, and the new owner receives an SMS notification confirming completion.
The logbook can then be collected from the chosen collection centre.
Fees depend on the vehicle’s engine capacity (CC rating) and the inspection charges, while the process typically takes three working days.
This procedure ensures that vehicles acquired through non-standard channels are properly registered, protecting both the buyer and the authorities from future ownership disputes or legal issues.
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