A vehicle logbook transfer is done on the NTSA TIMS portal, and the fee depends on the engine capacity of the car. Both the buyer and the seller need their own TIMS accounts. The seller initiates the transfer, the buyer accepts it, and the fee is paid by M-PESA to NTSA paybill 206206. Expect the digital logbook to reflect on eCitizen in about 3 working days once both sides approve.
Transfer fees by engine capacity
The fee rises with engine size. The endpoint bands (up to 1,000cc and over 3,000cc) plus the e-sticker fee are verified. TIMS shows the exact fee for your engine capacity before you pay, so common intermediate bands land somewhere between KES 2,210 and KES 6,465.
| Engine capacity | Transfer fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,000cc | KES 2,210verified 2026-09-08 |
| 1,001 to 1,200cc | Check TIMSpending confirm |
| 1,201 to 1,500cc | Check TIMSpending confirm |
| 1,501 to 2,000cc | Check TIMSpending confirm |
| 2,001 to 3,000cc | Check TIMSpending confirm |
| Over 3,000cc | KES 6,465verified 2026-09-08 |
| E-sticker fee | KES 750verified 2026-09-08 |
| Timeline | About 3 working daysverified 2026-09-08 |
Intermediate CC bands: TIMS shows the exact fee for your engine capacity before you pay. Common bands land between KES 2,210 and KES 6,465.
How to transfer, step by step
Both parties log in to tims.ntsa.go.ke. The seller opens the vehicle, chooses transfer of ownership, and enters the buyer's ID or TIMS details. The buyer logs in, finds the pending transfer, accepts it, and pays the fee by M-PESA on paybill 206206. NTSA processes it and the buyer becomes the registered owner, with the digital logbook updated on their TIMS account.
Related on paybillke: NTSA smart DL renewal. If you have just cleared a logbook loan, see buyer-side logbook transfer after loan release.
Logbook transfer, frequently asked questions
How much is a logbook transfer in Kenya?
It depends on engine capacity. The verified endpoints are KES 2,210 up to 1,000cc and KES 6,465 over 3,000cc, plus a KES 750 e-sticker fee. Intermediate CC bands land between those endpoints; TIMS shows the exact figure for your engine capacity at the payment step.
How long does a logbook transfer take?
About 3 working days for the digital logbook to reflect on eCitizen once both buyer and seller approve the transfer on TIMS.
Do both buyer and seller need TIMS accounts?
Yes, both need active TIMS accounts. The seller initiates the transfer, the buyer accepts and pays.
Will I get a physical logbook after the transfer?
No. Since 10 June 2026, NTSA no longer issues physical logbooks for any transaction. All logbooks are now digital and live on your TIMS or eCitizen account.
Verified line: Endpoint fees (up to 1,000cc: KES 2,210; over 3,000cc: KES 6,465; e-sticker: KES 750) verified against secondary sources 8 September 2026. Intermediate CC bands: TIMS shows the exact fee before you pay. Physical logbooks discontinued 10 June 2026, all logbooks now digital via TIMS/eCitizen. Independent guide, not NTSA. Pay only via NTSA paybill 206206 on TIMS.