How to register for the new generation number plates

In an effort to make its services as accessible as possible, the government has transitioned its systems from analog to digital. Its latest addition to the services which are offered online is the digital number plates. In October 2022, the government made it mandatory for every car owner to switch to the new number plates within 18 months. The deadline will be in April 2024.

This change was an effort by the government to ensure security and easy tracking of vehicles. It was also part of the reforms initiated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta after the Dusit terrorist attack. The new number plates remain black and white for the front one while the rear ones remain yellow and black in colour. However, there are a few differences from the old ones. They come with a microchip that links the car’s details to its registered owner and the car dealer. They also have a different font, a hologram of the Big Five animals, and a specially imprinted national flag. The back of the plate has the batch number, date of manufacture, and production machine number.

You can use the following steps to obtain the new number plates.

1. First, register for an NTSA TIMS account through the official website if you don’t have one.
2. After registering, log in to your account and select vehicle registration from the list of services offered on the site.
3. Then click on Apply for reflective plates.
4. Select the vehicle and select the reason for the application, which is essentially that you need the new generation plates.
5. You will then need to choose the notification method that is either SMS or email.
6. They will then be asked you to choose a number plate and format that is either oblong or square depending on the shape of your car number plate holder.
7. The next step is a requirement for you to upload in pdf format your original logbook and plates (rear and front).
8. Once you finish, select your collection centre, and enter the ID number of the person who will collect it.
9. Make a payment of KES 3050 once prompted and if payment is successful, you will get a notification informing you when your digital number plate will be ready.
10. Anyone replacing or registering for a motorcycle number plate will pay Ksh. 1,500. People looking for a preferred registration number are required to pay Ksh. 30,000.
11. Wait for the collection notification which you will receive when the plates are ready.
12. The waiting period is approximately 7 days.