Starting 10th June 2026, NTSA rolled out Digital logbooks or E-logbooks as they’re being referred to.
This means that you will no longer be going to NTSA offices to collect physical logbooks. The agency will issue digital ones that you can access on your NTSA service portal.
What Does This Change Mean?
Moving forward, all new vehicle logbooks issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will be fully digital, marking a significant shift toward paperless vehicle registration and ownership management.
However, it is important to note that all previously issued physical logbooks remain valid and can still be used as legal proof of ownership.
The transition to the e-logbook system will not require immediate replacement of existing logbooks. Instead, a digital logbook will only be generated when specific transactions or changes are made to a vehicle’s record.
However, the Authority has issued a notice advising all motor vehicle owners who have physical logbooks that have been printed but not yet collected from NTSA to do so immediately. The Authority has further stated that it will not store uncollected logbooks for more than six (6) months, after which they will be disposed of. Vehicle owners who fail to collect their logbooks within this period will be unable to access services that require a logbook, as a current or original copy must be attached to such applications.
When an E-Logbook Will Be Issued
An NTSA e-logbook will be automatically issued when any of the following actions occur:
- Motor vehicle registration
- Transfer of motor vehicle ownership
- Alternative transfer of ownership
- Asset financing – creation of charge (In-charge registration)
- Asset financing – discharge of charge
- Re-registration of a motor vehicle
- De-registration of a motor vehicle
- Change of vehicle particulars following inspection
- Issuance of a duplicate logbook
Advantages of an E-Logbook
- Instant Digital Issuance: Once a vehicle is registered or transferred, the eLogbook is generated immediately in the NTSA portal. No more waiting days or weeks for a printed document to be processed or delivered.
- Real-time Ownership Updates: When a vehicle changes ownership, the eLogbook updates instantly. This eliminates the risk of using an outdated paper logbook
and reduces fraud during private vehicle sales. - Tamper-Proof Security: The eLogbook uses digital encryption and secure hashing, making it nearly impossible to forge or alter. This directly protects owners from fake logbook scams that are common with paper versions.
- Easy Digital Access Anywhere: Owners can access their eLogbook 24/7 from the NTSA eCitizen portal. No need to carry a physical document or worry about losing it.
- QR Code Verification for Third Parties: The eLogbook includes a dynamic QR code that buyers, banks, or insurers can scan to instantly verify authenticity and current ownership, making transactions faster and safer. This was a billable service previously.
In conclusion, this change by NTSA is set to make life much easier for vehicle owners and road users in Kenya. Instead of waiting several days, weeks, or even months for services, you can now expect same-day or instant processing. This means less time wasted following up on paperwork and more convenience when handling your vehicle-related needs.
Kevin Muya is an award-winning entrepreneur and the visionary Founder and CEO of Scepture Empire Limited. With a passion for e-commerce and digital marketing, Kevin has revolutionized online marketplaces in Kenya through innovative ideas that transform buyer-seller interactions.