How to Apply for NTSA Special or Personalised Number Plates [Charges]

Most vehicles in Kenya are assigned registration numbers automatically by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). 

However, motorists who want a specific number combination or a unique registration plate can apply for either a special number plate or a personalised number plate.

Special Number Plates - Ksh30,000

A special number plate allows a motorist to request a specific registration number combination within the standard NTSA registration format, provided the number is available.

For example, a vehicle owner may want several vehicles to share a similar sequence such as 024R, or may prefer a number with personal significance such as a birthday, wedding anniversary, or lucky number.

NTSA charges Ksh30,000 for a special number plate application.

Also Read: Kenya’s Number Plate System: Colours, Series and Penalties Explained

However, motorists can only apply for number combinations within a registration series that has already been released. For instance, if the current registration series is KD, applicants cannot request a number in the KE series until that series officially begins.

If the preferred combination has already been allocated to another vehicle, the application cannot proceed, and the motorist will need to select a different number.

How to Apply for a Special Number Plate

To apply for a special number plate:

1. Log in to your eCitizen account and access the NTSA portal (New)
2. Select the motor vehicle and click View.
3. Open the Motor Vehicle Services tab.
4. Select Reflective Number Plate services.
5. Choose the preferred plate type and select Special Number Plate.
6. Upload the required supporting documents in PDF format.
7. Tick the declaration box and submit the application.
8. Make the required payment.
9. Once processed, NTSA will notify you via SMS when the plate is ready for collection.

Also Read: Process of Transferring Vehicle on NTSA Portal and Charges Involved

Personalised Number Plates - Ksh1 Million

Motorists looking for a unique registration plate can opt for a personalised number plate.

Unlike a special number plate, a personalised plate allows the applicant to use a custom registration format such as a personal name, business name, nickname, or brand name instead of the standard letter-and-number sequence issued by NTSA.

For example, a business owner may choose a plate displaying the company name, while an individual may opt for a name or initials that identify them.

However, NTSA prohibits the use of names that are political in nature, derogatory or offensive or likely to provoke ethnic, racial, or religious tensions

The application fee for a personalised number plate is Ksh1 million.

Also Read: How to Check If NTSA Has Processed Your DL or Number Plate on the New Portal

How to Apply for a Personalised Number Plate

Motorists wishing to obtain a personalised plate can apply through eCitizen by following these steps:

1. Log in to your eCitizen account.
2. Access NTSA New Services.
3. Under your profile, select Apply for Personalised Plates.
4. Enter the current vehicle registration number.
5. Provide the preferred personalised registration name.
6. Upload the required supporting documents, including the vehicle logbook.
7. Submit the application and make the required payment.

Once the application is approved and the plate is produced, NTSA will notify the applicant when it is ready for collection.