NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a detailed guide outlining how families can legally transfer ownership of motor vehicles inherited through succession, a move aimed at protecting estates and preventing disputes after the death of a vehicle owner.
In a statement, the authority said vehicles registered in the name of a deceased person can only be transferred through an alternative or forced transfer process, noting that the procedure is mandatory where the original owner is unavailable to complete the transfer.
NTSA said the process ensures orderly administration of estates and shields families from ownership conflicts.
“Vehicles inherited or managed under an estate must be transferred through an alternative transfer process. This protects families and owners from ownership disputes,” the authority said.
Documents required
According to NTSA, the succession transfer process begins with the submission of key legal documents.
These include a certified copy of the Certificate of Grant together with the schedule of properties, which confirms that the vehicle forms part of the estate.
Families must also provide a letter appointing the administrators of the estate, establishing who is legally authorised to manage and transfer the property.
Other mandatory documents include the original logbook. Where the registration certificate is missing, NTSA said a police abstract may be used instead.
Applicants are also required to submit an official request letter, a certified copy of the death certificate issued by the Civil Registration Services, and a tape lift report from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
In addition, families must complete Form C, provide a sworn affidavit from the successor, and submit the KRA PIN and identification documents of the new owner.
NTSA said the documents are essential to guarantee a clear and uncontested transition of ownership.
Online application process
Once all documents are ready, applicants must log in to the NTSA service portal at serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke and select the alternative or forced transfer option.
“Applicants must fill in the required information and select the correct transfer type,” NTSA said. “All documents should be uploaded as clear scanned copies combined into a single PDF file”.
Applicants are also required to choose a logbook collection centre and provide the identification details of the authorised person who will collect the document.
Inspection and approval
NTSA noted that payment is required for forced transfer and vehicle inspection, with charges varying depending on the vehicle’s engine capacity and applicable inspection fees.
After payment, applicants must wait seven days, after which the system automatically prompts them to book a vehicle inspection.
“The inspection must be booked at a preferred centre and for a specific date. On the inspection day, the vehicle must be presented physically, and original documents submitted,” the authority said.
NTSA said the physical inspection is crucial in verifying vehicle details and confirming the legitimacy of the transfer.
Once inspection and document verification are completed, the application is reviewed for approval.
Successful applicants receive an SMS notification confirming that the transfer has been processed.
According to NTSA, the final administrative stage takes three working days after inspection.
The authority stressed that vehicles under an estate must not be transferred through any other means, saying the structured process is designed to safeguard legal rights and support families navigating succession matters.
