How To Apply For A New Driving License In Kenya

By Getrude Mathayo / Published April 28, 2023 | 2:52 pm

KEY POINTS

All new drivers in Kenya are issued with the new generation driving license while holders of the previous generation cards are expected to have those replaced with the new generation cards and in this post, we guide you through how to get that done.

Since 2018, the National Transport and Safety Authority, NTSA, has issued new digital driving licenses to thousands of Kenyans. In fact, some driving companies require their employees to have this new type of license before giving them jobs.

The digital licenses are superior to the previous red-book ones in many ways including the fraud-proof microchip fixed at the back of the card.

We live in an increasingly connected space and most of our lives are dependent on the internet, today more than ever. Over the past few years, we have seen organizations and institutions embracing technology and governments haven’t been left behind.

With this card, NTSA officials can tell almost everything about you including your blood type, age, your driving history, and the number of traffic offenses committed. These digital licenses have a valid period of 3 years after which you have to apply for renewal. Here is how to get a new digital driving license.

For a long time, Kenyan drivers have had to carry with them little booklet-style Driving Licenses issued by the government upon passing their driving test. You have also had to renew the license either annually or every three years, at a fee of course.

How to Apply for the New Generation Driving License in Kenya

On your browser, go to https://tims.ntsa.go.ke and log into your TIMS account. You can also get to this via eCitizen.
Click “Get Code” and wait for an OTP code that will be sent to you.
Now, enter the verification code you have just received and click “Sign In”.
Click on “Driving License” and select “Apply for a smart driving license”.
Double-check to ensure that your details are correct and click on “Next” at the bottom.
Click on “Pay”.
You will be taken to a payment page where you will choose your payment method. Choose your preferred method and pay Ksh. 3050.
Click on “Complete” to finish 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.

That is the first step. After that, you need to go back to the TIMS Dashboard and click on the ‘Smart DL Appointment’ option. This will allow you to select a center that you will have to visit for the second phase.

The second phase involves you submitting your biometrics to the NTSA along with the verification of the details that will appear on your Smart DL.

After this, you will be asked to wait for a given period before coming for the Smart DL. Please note that these take anywhere between a week and 5 weeks to get ready.

At the NTSA offices

Visit the NTSA offices on the date you booked. Make sure to be there before 8.30 a.m. to avoid queues. Make sure to carry the invoice for the payment. You will then have an NTSA agent to guide you with the remaining part of the application. These include taking biometric details, photo submission, and confirmation of payment.

Once everything is set, you will have to wait at least 5 working days for the collection of your new digital driving license.