The deadline to replace your old number plates with the new generation ones is fast approaching. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has given vehicle owners a clear, straightforward process to comply with the new rules. As of August 29, vehicles that do not meet the new requirements risk being impounded.
Don’t wait until the last minute—here’s how you can apply for your new generation number plates in Kenya using the NTSA’s online system, ensuring that you meet the deadline and avoid any penalties.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for New Generation Number Plates
NTSA has simplified the process for applying for the new number plates through the TIMS (Transport Integrated Management Systems) platform. Whether you are a private citizen, a company, or a government agency, the following steps will guide you through the application process.
1. Log into the NTSA TIMS Portal
- Visit the NTSA TIMS platform on the official website.
- Log in using your eCitizen credentials or your existing NTSA profile.
- Once logged in, click on “Vehicle Registration” from the dashboard.
- Select “Apply for Reflective Plate” to begin the application process.
2. Fill in Your Details and Upload the Right Documents
- Select the type of vehicle you’re applying for (motorcycle, car, lorry, etc.).
- After selecting your vehicle type, click “Next” to proceed to the application form.
- On the next page, select “New Generation Plate” as the reason for your application from the drop-down menu.
- Upload the following required documents:
- A PDF copy of your logbook (proof of ownership).
- Clear images of your current front and rear number plates.
3. Choose Your Plate Shape and Delivery Options
- Choose the shape of your new plates (square or oblong) based on your vehicle’s design and plate holder.
- You’ll be asked to select your preferred method of receiving updates, with SMS being the most common option.
- Choose a preferred collection center from the list of NTSA-approved locations.
- Enter the ID number of the person who will collect the plates on your behalf.
4. Pay the Fee and Complete the Application
- Pay Ksh 3,050 through the integrated payment system on the NTSA platform.
- After making your payment, you will receive an SMS notification confirming your payment.
- The notification will include details about where and when to collect your new plates.
What You Should Know Before Applying
The new generation number plates are more than just a redesign—they’re part of a modernized system to improve security and vehicle tracking in Kenya. Here’s what you need to know before applying:
Features of the New Generation Number Plates
- Each plate includes a unique serial number, a QR code, and microchip technology that allows for easy tracking by law enforcement.
- The QR code can be scanned to verify the vehicle’s owner and registration details, which reduces cases of car theft, cloned plates, and fake logbooks.
- These new plates are a key part of Kenya’s plan to digitize the transport sector and improve road safety.
According to NTSA, over 400,000 vehicles have already been fitted with the new plates since their unveiling in October 2022.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline
The deadline for compliance is August 29, 2025. If your vehicle is not compliant by this date, it could be impounded, and you may face fines or a lengthy process to retrieve it.
- Government vehicles are under strict instructions to comply by the deadline.
- The same compliance expectations apply to private vehicles, motorcycles, and company-owned fleets.
NTSA’s Road Safety Director, Andrew Kiplagat, has emphasized that the authority is taking steps to speed up approvals and ease congestion at collection points. He encouraged vehicle owners to apply early, especially as demand is expected to rise near the deadline.
Applying for your new generation number plates in Kenya is a clear and easy process, thanks to the NTSA TIMS portal. Don’t wait until the last minute. Log into your TIMS profile, upload the required documents, pay the necessary fee, and collect your new plates at the designated location.
The new plates are not just an aesthetic upgrade—they are a security feature designed to modernize the vehicle identification system in Kenya and enhance road safety. Act now to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
