In this article we will guide you on how to apply for NTSA Smart Driving License in Kenya. The Kenya National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) allows you to apply for a smart driving licence online through its Transport Information Management System (TIMS) website and the E-Citizen platform. You can now get rid of the older generation driving licence (the red booklet) and get a smaller, more advanced document.
The smart driving licence is a plastic card, the size of the national ID card, but has a chip that holds the owner’s information such as name, license number, blood group, gender and date of birth. It also features a demerit point system that deducts points from drivers whenever traffic police stop them from committing traffic offences. This allows the traffic police to access drivers’ histories, enabling them to identify and weed out rogue drivers from the roads.
How the Smart Card Driving License Works
The card comes with 100 points. For every traffic offence a driver commits, points are deducted. If the points fall below the minimum threshold of 40, the driving license will be cancelled. The driver can re-apply for another driving license after six months. This means that a driver cannot drive until six months are over. The migration to digital driving licenses is to help curb the issuance of fake driving licenses to unqualified drivers. It is also meant to ensure adherence to traffic rules by drivers and punish those who break them.
Requirements for Smart Driving Licence Application
You need to enter the following details when applying for a smart card driving license.
- ID number
- Phone number
- KRA PIN
- Blood group
Application for NTSA Smart Driving License in Kenya
Before you apply, you need to create a TIMS account if you don’t have one.
- Log in to NTSA TIMS portal, then click on register.
- Click on the Individuals option.
- Enter your ID Serial Number. (Note: It is not your ID number)
- If you have replaced your ID within the last two years you will have to use your old ID Card’s serial number. (In case the system rejects any of your details you are advised to visit NTSA offices)
- Enter your Mother’s maiden name.
- Add your KRA PIN Number.
- Confirm your details.
Once you have created an account with TIMS, sign in to E-Citizen platform;
- Log in to E-Citizen account
- Next, click on “Driving Licence” and select “Apply for Smart Driving Licence”
- A page will be displayed requiring you to fill in relevant information.
- Double-check to ensure that your details are correct and click on “Next” at the bottom.
- NEXT, click on “Pay”.
- You will be taken to a payment page where you will choose your payment method. Choose your preferred method which from these M-PESA, Airtel Money, Debit/Credit/Prepaid card, EazzyPay and MobiKash then pay Ksh 3,050.
- After making your payment, click on “Complete” to complete the payment process.
- After that, you will be directed to a page with your invoice. You can download it to your device as a PDF document.
- Now go back to your account and click “Smart DL Appointment” to book an appointment with NTSA where they will take your biometrics and personal information. You will receive an SMS when your smart driving licence is ready.
How much is a smart driving license in Kenya?
The smart driving licence application attracts a Ksh 3,000 application fee plus a Ksh 50 convenience fee, which comes to a total of Ksh 3,050. Your smart driving licence will be ready for pickup in 5 working days or more.
NTSA Headquarters
Location: 316 Upper Hill Chambers, 2nd Ngong Avenue, Nairobi.
NTSA Contacts
NTSA customer care helpline: 0709 932 000, 020 6632 000
NTSA email (general inquiries): [email protected]
Complaints email: [email protected]
Corruption reporting email: [email protected]
Mwafrikah Blogs, “How to Apply for NTSA Smart Driving License in Kenya,” Mwafrikah, February 2, 2024, https://www.mwafrikah.com/how-to-apply-for-ntsa-smart-driving-license-in-kenya/.
