How to Check Vehicle Ownership in Kenya Using NTSA Copy of Records (2026 Guide)

The NTSA Copy of Records process is done online through eCitizen.

Step 1: Log Into eCitizen

Visit the NTSA service section through your eCitizen account.

Step 2: Select NTSA Motor Vehicle Services

Navigate to NTSA services and choose motor vehicle services.

Step 3: Select “Copy of Records”

Choose the Copy of Records application option.

Step 4: Enter Vehicle Details

Input either:

  • Vehicle registration number
    or
  • Chassis number

Step 5: Submit and Pay

Complete the application and make payment through the available payment methods.

Step 6: Download the Copy of Records

After processing, the document becomes available for download under application history.

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Buying a used car in Kenya without verifying ownership can be risky.Every year, thousands of Kenyans purchase vehicles only to later discover hidden problems such as disputed ownership, unpaid loans, fake logbooks, accident histories, or vehicles under police investigation.

Kenya’s automotive market continues to grow rapidly, especially for imported used vehicles.

As vehicle demand increases, fraudulent transactions have also become more sophisticated.

Many buyers now rely on NTSA searches before paying deposits or signing transfer agreements.

To reduce these risks, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) allows Kenyans to apply for a “Copy of Records” document through the eCitizen platform.

This document contains official information about a motor vehicle, including the registered owner, chassis number, engine number, registration details, and possible caveats attached to the vehicle.

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For buyers, dealers, transporters, insurance companies, and financial institutions, the NTSA Copy of Records has become one of the most important documents when verifying vehicle ownership in Kenya.

What Information Does the NTSA Copy of Records Show?

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The NTSA vehicle records search contains several important vehicle details.

These include:

Information Included Purpose
Chassis Number Confirms vehicle identity
Engine Number Verifies engine details
Registered Owner Shows official ownership
Vehicle Make & Model Confirms car type
Year of Manufacture Shows vehicle age
Registration Date Indicates registration history
Caveat Status Shows restrictions or disputes

What Is NTSA Copy of Records?

NTSA Copy of Records is an official motor vehicle search document issued through the NTSA portal on eCitizen.

The document helps users confirm whether vehicle ownership information matches what a seller claims before buying or transferring ownership.

It is commonly used during:

  • Buying second-hand vehicles
  • Vehicle financing
  • Logbook verification
  • Insurance processing
  • Ownership disputes
  • Vehicle investigations
  • Commercial vehicle checks

The service is available online through Kenya’s eCitizen platform.

Why Vehicle Ownership Verification Is Important in Kenya

Kenya’s used car market is massive, especially in areas such as:

  • Nairobi
  • Kiambu Road
  • Ngong Road
  • Mombasa Road
  • Thika Road

However, not every vehicle being sold has a clean ownership history.

Some vehicles may have:

  • Fake logbooks
  • Outstanding loans
  • Ownership disputes
  • Fraudulent transfers
  • Police investigations
  • Hidden financing agreements

Conducting a Copy of Records search helps buyers reduce these risks before making financial commitments.

For serious buyers, this process is often cheaper than dealing with future legal problems.

NTSA Copy of Records Charges in Kenya

The NTSA Copy of Records search currently costs approximately:

Service Estimated Cost
NTSA Copy of Records  550Ksh
 
 
Charges may change depending on government updates or platform adjustments.

 

The NTSA Copy of Records system allows users to search using Vehicle registration number or Chassis number

How Long Does NTSA Copy of Records Take?

In many cases, the service is processed almost immediately after payment.

However, delays may sometimes occur due to:

  • System maintenance
  • eCitizen downtime
  • Verification issues
  • High application traffic

Most users typically receive results within the same day.

Difference Between Logbook and Copy of Records

Many people confuse the logbook with the NTSA Copy of Records document.

However, the two are different.

Logbook

Copy of Records

Shows ownership document Shows search verification
Issued during registration Generated during search
Physical/digital ownership record Ownership verification report
Used during transfers Used for verification