NTSA TIMS: How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership on NTSA TIMS System Online

Whether purchasing a second-hand car or selling your own, transferring ownership is a crucial step that ensures the legal exchange of the vehicle. Today, this process has been streamlined thanks to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) through their online platform, the Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS). How can I navigate this process with ease? This guide will walk you through every step in the NTSA TIMS vehicle transfer process so you can complete your transaction swiftly and conveniently.

Setting Up Your NTSA TIMS Account

Before starting the vehicle transfer process, the seller and buyer must have a registered account with NTSA TIMS. This involves creating an account and subscribing to their SMS service for notifications.

If you already have an eCitizen account, click "sign in with eCitizen," and you're ready. If you're starting from scratch, don't fret! The registration process is straightforward:

• Visit the NTSA web portal by following this link.
• Click on the "Subscribe SMS" option at the top right corner of your screen. This is necessary to receive a security code and notifications during the transfer process.
• Enter your phone number, hit subscribe, and then proceed to "Register an Account."
• Choose whether you're registering as a dealer, an individual, a financial institution, or a company.
• Under the "Register account Menu," fill in your details as prompted to complete the registration process.

Voila! You can now log in using the provided details (personal ID number, username/certificate of incorporation for companies).

Seller Procedure: Transferring Vehicle Ownership

The vehicle transfer process is initiated by the seller, who will:

• Click the "Vehicle Registration" button and "Apply for Transfer of Ownership."
• Select the "Create New" button and enter the vehicle's registration number to be transferred.
• Click view to confirm the vehicle's particulars and then upload a scanned copy of the logbook.
• Under "New Vehicle Owner," select whether the buyer is an individual, non-individual, or financier, then enter the buyer's details.
• Proceed to "Security Verification," select mobile phone, and click "Send verification code."
• Input the verification code sent to your mobile phone via SMS in the fields provided and check the "Disclaimer" box.

Buyer Procedure: Accepting or Declining Ownership

Once the seller has initiated the process, the ball is in the buyer's court. As a buyer, you will:

• Receive an SMS notification to accept the vehicle transferred. Log in to your NTSA TIMS account to proceed.
• Click on the "ACCEPT OWNERSHIP" button, input the registration number, then hit "inquire" followed by the "view" button to confirm the vehicle's particulars.
• Under the security verification menu, select mobile phone verification and input the code received via SMS.
• You can now choose to accept or decline the transfer. If you get it, fill out the required details, then click "submit." The information will be sent to NTSA for processing.

Remember, NTSA will issue a new logbook within seven working days, so ensure you surrender the old logbook when collecting the new one.

Verifying NTSA Documents

You can verify NTSA documents using the NTSA USSD shortcode 22846 for added security. This applies to Road Service Licenses (RSL), Driving licenses, Sacco and PSV Licenses, and Motor vehicle inspection details. It's a quick and reliable way to ensure you handle legitimate documents during your transfer process.

Services Offered on NTSA TIMS Portal

Besides vehicle transfer, the NTSA TIMS portal offers a range of services, including:

• Vehicle inspection: The platform provides a simple way to schedule and monitor your vehicle's inspection status.
• Duplicate Logbook application: Lost your logbook? Apply for an exact right from the comfort of your home.
• Car Registration: Register your newly acquired vehicle smoothly without physical paperwork.
• Change of particulars: Any change in your information can be updated through this portal.
• Reflective Number Plate application: Apply for reflective number plates easily online.
• Online car searches: You can search for any car using the registration or chassis numbers.

The Transfer Fees

The vehicle capacity determines the cost of the vehicle transfer process on NTSA TIMS. Here is a breakdown of the fee structure:

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Conclusion

The vehicle transfer process no longer needs to be a daunting task. With the NTSA TIMS portal, you can navigate this process conveniently anywhere. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to a seamless transfer of vehicle ownership online!

FAQs

Q: How long does it take for NTSA to process a logbook after transferring a vehicle?

A: After a successful transfer process, NTSA will issue a new logbook within seven working days.

Q: How much does transferring vehicle ownership online via NTSA TIMS cost?

A: The cost is determined by the capacity of your vehicle. Fees range from 2160.00 Ksh for cars up to 1000cc to 6415.00 Ksh for vehicles above 3001cc.

Q: What documents can be verified via the NTSA USSD shortcode?

A: You can verify the Road Service License (RSL), Driving License, Sacco and PSV Licenses, and Motor Vehicle inspection details.

Q: What other services does the NTSA TIMS portal offer?

A: The NTSA TIMS portal also provides vehicle inspection scheduling, duplicate logbook application, car registration, change of particulars, reflective number plate application, and online car searches.

Q: What information is required from the buyer to accept or decline vehicle ownership?

A: The buyer must input the registration number, view the vehicle's particulars, and use the mobile phone verification system to accept or decline the transfer.