NTSA/File
The National Transport and Safety Authority has issued a
detailed guide on how vehicles inherited through succession should be
transferred to new owners.
The agency said the procedure is meant to protect families,
secure estates, and prevent disputes over motor vehicle ownership.
According to the guidelines, vehicles belonging to a
deceased person can only be transferred through an alternative or forced
transfer process.
This includes cases where the original owner is not
available to complete the transfer.
NTSA said this path is legally required so that the estate
can be administered without conflict.
“Vehicles inherited or managed under an estate must be
transferred through an alternative transfer process. This protects families and
owners from ownership disputes,” they said.
The succession process begins with documentation, and the authority
requires a certified copy of the Certificate of Grants and the schedule of
properties.
Families must also present a letter appointing the
administrators of the estate as this confirms the individuals legally allowed
to manage the property.
NTSA said the original registration certificate, which is
commonly known as the logbook, must be produced, and if the logbook is missing,
a police abstract can be used.
“An official letter requesting the transfer is required as
well. In addition, the applicant must provide a certified copy of the death
certificate issued by the Civil Registration Services,” NTSA noted.
The agency also demanded a tape lift report from the
Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
A transfer form, known as Form C, must be filled and families
must also provide a sworn affidavit from the successor.
The final requirement is the KRA PIN and identification documents
of the new owner.
NTSA said the documents are mandatory to ensure a clear and
uncontested transition of ownership.
Once the family gathers the documents, the alternative or
forced transfer application begins.
The applicant is required to access the NTSA service portal
at serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke.
“Select the alternative or forced transfer option, then fill
in the required information. The applicant is also required to choose the correct
transfer type,” the authority clarified.
NTSA directed applicants to attach clear scanned copies of
all the required documents in one PDF file.
The client must then indicate the collection centre and
provide the identification details of the authorised person who will collect
the logbook.
After this step, the application is submitted through the
portal.
Payment is, however, required for forced transfer and
inspection, and the amount depends on the vehicle’s engine capacity and the
inspection fee.
NTSA said these charges vary because of the rating of
different units, and after payment, the applicant must wait for seven days.
NTSA further noted that the system automatically prompts the
client to book for inspection once the seven-day period has elapsed.
“The inspection must be booked at a preferred centre and for
a specific date. On the inspection day, the vehicle must be presented
physically. The applicant must also submit original copies of the documents
that were uploaded online,” they said.
NTSA noted that this physical verification is critical for
confirming the vehicle details and ensuring the transfer is legitimate.
The authority said that once the inspection and document
submission are complete, the applicant should wait for approval.
Upon approval, NTSA will issue a notification. The agency
states that “Upon approval a SMS notification shall be sent to the new owner.”
This message informs the applicant that the transfer has
been processed.
Consequently, the timeline for completing the process is
three working days which covers the administrative handling of the transfer
after the inspection is done.
The agency said the efficiency of the system is meant to
support families dealing with estate matters.
NTSA noted that vehicles
managed under an estate must not be transferred in any other way while also underscoring that the process helps
safeguard legal rights.