For those who may not know, NTSA motor vehicle searches are no longer done via the TIMS portal but through the eCitizen platform. The eCitizen portal is a government of Kenya database that houses all the services provided by the government, including all NTSA services such as vehicle registration, inspection, license renewal, and motor vehicle search.
When buying a vehicle in Kenya, especially if it’s secondhand, you would want to know its various details, such as whether it has been involved in an accident in the past, if it’s damaged, whether there are any outstanding liens or encumbrances, its insurance history, and verification of ownership authenticity.
In these situations, the process of motor vehicle search becomes very important and can potentially save you from costly mistakes or legal complications. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) records every vehicle on Kenyan roads, making it easier for anyone to retrieve information about a vehicle online at a fee of KSh 550.
If you are just getting started and don’t know where to look, don’t worry. This comprehensive guide has all the answers to all your questions about the NTSA vehicle search.
What Information Does a Motor Vehicle Search Reveal?
The motor vehicle copy of records document typically contains comprehensive details, including the vehicle’s registration history, previous ownership records, any recorded accidents or insurance claims, outstanding financial obligations, technical specifications, and current registration status.
This information proves invaluable when making informed decisions about vehicle purchases or verifying the legitimacy of vehicles already in your possession.
Requirements For Motor Vehicle Search
Before you start the motor vehicle search process, there are a few things you need to ensure you have met. They are as follows:
- You need to be a Kenyan citizen over 18 with a valid driver’s license.
- You must ensure that you are registered on the eCitizen portal.
- You must be willing to pay a motor vehicle search fee of KSh 550.
- The vehicle registration number (number plate) or chassis number of the vehicle you want to search.
- A stable internet connection and access to a device capable of downloading PDF documents, as your search results will be provided in this format.
- Your M-Pesa number or alternative payment method for completing the transaction.
With these requirements, you can proceed with the process. For those not registered on the eCitizen portal, the process can be done within minutes and is surprisingly straightforward. All you need to do is visit the website registration link at https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/en/register, choose your registration type, specifically “Citizen—For Kenyan Citizens,” fill out the application form with accurate information, activate your account through the verification email sent to your registered email address, and then log in with your newly created credentials.
How To Do A Motor Vehicle Search in Kenya
Once registered on the portal, the rest of the process becomes more manageable, given that you are familiar with the requirements we have listed above. If the process seems somewhat complex at first glance, below are the detailed steps to follow:
Step 1: Accessing the NTSA Portal Directly on eCitizen
If you are logged in to the eCitizen website homepage, a prominently displayed search bar is displayed. Just type in “NTSA” and hit the first link that appears for NTSA services. You will be redirected to the comprehensive NTSA list of services available on the platform. Now, to access the NTSA portal within eCitizen, there is another search bar where you must type “Online Search-Copy of Vehicle Register Record” and tap on the link that appears. You will be immediately logged into the NTSA portal section on eCitizen, where all vehicle-related services are centralized for your convenience.
Step 2: Accessing Motor Vehicle Copy of Records Service
Once logged in on your homepage, you can see various available services, including your driving license details and other personal information. However, don’t be distracted by all the other options available. For our specific purpose, navigate to the “Services” tab and click on it. Once the page loads, you will see several services offered by NTSA, but since we are interested in motor vehicle search specifically, go to the first column of the service section in row number four and click the “Apply” button just beside the “Motor Vehicle Copy of Records” option.
Step 3: Entering Vehicle Information and Initiating Search
This step is where accuracy becomes crucial for successful results. After accessing the copy of records service, as covered in the previous step, the next interface will prompt you to provide specific vehicle identification details. In this particular step, you need to provide either the vehicle registration number (number plate) or the chassis number. Both pieces of information are acceptable, but the registration number is typically easier to obtain and verify.
Type the information carefully, double-checking for any typos or incorrect characters, as errors at this stage will result in failed searches and potential delays. Once you’ve entered the information, click on “Search” to verify the vehicle exists in the system, and then click “Submit” to proceed to the payment phase.
Step 4: Complete Payment Process
The payment phase represents the final step before accessing your vehicle information. The amount payable for a motor vehicle search through the eCitizen platform is Ksh 550, which represents excellent value considering the comprehensive information provided. The best part about the payment system is that multiple options are provided to accommodate different user preferences and banking relationships.
Step 5: Download the Motor Vehicle Copy of Records
The final step involves downloading your own copy of the comprehensive vehicle records. The copy of records is a detailed PDF document that contains extensive information about the particular vehicle you searched, based on the registration or chassis number you provided.
To download the records, look at the top right section of the portal interface, where you will see a prominently displayed “Download” button. Simply click on it, and a PDF document will be automatically saved to your device’s default download location.
Alternative Method For Motor Vehicle Search: Third-Party Services
If you prefer someone else to handle the entire motor vehicle search process, or if you encounter technical difficulties with the eCitizen platform, you can utilize third-party services like mVERIFIED. This service will send the comprehensive results directly to your mobile phone via SMS, providing convenience for users who prefer not to navigate the official government portal themselves.
However, while using this alternative process, you should be aware that you will pay Ksh 940 instead of the standard Ksh 550 charged by the official eCitizen platform. This additional cost reflects the convenience fee and service charges applied by the third-party provider. Payment is processed through M-Pesa Pay Bill number 8043525, after which you can directly visit their website and provide your vehicle details, phone number, and other required information.
Use the link https://mverified.co.ke/index.html to access the mVERIFIED portal and explore their services in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the motor vehicle search process take?
The motor vehicle search process takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish, as long as you are registered in the eCitizen portal and have paid the access fee.
What is the current cost for motor vehicle searches?
It is Ksh 550 for those using the official eCitizen portal and Ksh 940 for those utilizing the mVERIFIED third-party platform.
Conclusion
We trust that this comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge and confidence to conduct motor vehicle searches easily through the official eCitizen portal or alternative third-party platforms like mVERIFIED. For either method you choose to use, just ensure you pay the appropriate fees and access the relevant portals to obtain accurate, up-to-date records of any vehicle.
If you need further assistance with the motor vehicle search process, encounter technical difficulties, or have specific questions about interpreting your search results, please leave a comment below, and we will provide additional guidance and clarification to ensure you can successfully complete your vehicle search and understand the information provided.
