Process of Forced Transfer of a Vehicle on NTSA and Charges Involved

So you finally landed your dream car — maybe through an auction deal or from the estate of a loved one who passed on. The keys are in your hand, but then reality hits: the paperwork is stuck. The registered owner is either unavailable, unwilling, or simply no longer around to sign off the transfer.

That’s where the forced transfer comes in — a little-known but crucial process by NTSA that lets you take rightful ownership of a vehicle when the usual route is blocked. Here’s how it works, and what it will cost you.

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

What is an Alternative or Forced Logbook Transfer? 

A forced transfer, often referred to as an alternative transfer, is a special vehicle ownership transfer process offered by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in Kenya. It allows a new vehicle owner to legally register the car in their name without the direct involvement or consent of the previous registered owner.

This process typically comes into play when a car is sold or awarded under unusual or non-voluntary circumstances like repossession, court auctions, death of the original owner, or distress recovery.

In a typical logbook transfer, the current registered owner initiates the transfer on the NTSA portal, and the buyer accepts the request. Both parties are active participants.

With a forced transfer, however, only the buyer (new owner) initiates the application through the eCitizen portal. They must support the application with documents that prove they are the lawful new owner and have legal grounds to initiate the transfer, without needing the seller’s consent.

What to Look for Before Starting the Process 

Before applying for a forced transfer, it’s important to be aware of a few potential obstacles:

• Legal proof is critical: You must show clear evidence of how the vehicle came into your possession (e.g., auction receipts, court orders, etc.).

• Previous records may not be clean: If the logbook has pending issues like active caveats, police interest, or loan defaults, NTSA may pause the process.

Read Also: How to Sell Your Car Fast and Safely in Kenya 

How to Perform an Alternative/Forced Transfer on eCitizen 

The NTSA has digitized this process through eCitizen, allowing you to initiate the application from your account. Below is a step-by-step guide based on the latest updates from NTSA and verified sources.

1. Log in to your eCitizen account

• Visit eCitizen and sign in using your ID number and password.

2. Select the NTSA Services Portal 

• On the dashboard, click on NTSA and select the new service portal.

3. Go to “Services” and choose “Alternative/Forced Transfer.”

• This option is different from the standard ownership transfer request.

4. Fill in the required information

• Include the vehicle’s registration number, your personal details, and specify the category of forced transfer (e.g., court order, auction, succession).

5. Upload documents

• Combine all required documents into a single PDF. Ensure all scans are clear and colored.

6. Indicate the collection centre and ID of authorized collector

• This is for when the logbook is ready. The ID number will be verified at collection.

7. Pay the applicable fees

• Charges vary depending on the engine CC rating and include both the transfer and inspection fee.

8. Wait for the 7-day standstill period

• NTSA allows a one-week verification window to ensure no disputes or caveats are raised.

9. Book inspection

• Once notified, log in and select a date and inspection centre for physical vehicle inspection. NTSA will check vehicle details like engine number and chassis number to confirm vehicle's match logbook details. 

10. Submit original documents to the NTSA logbook centre

• This will be the final verification step before approval.

11. Receive notification and collect the logbook

• Once approved, the logbook will be printed and handed to the new owner or authorized party.

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Read Also: Logbook Loans: Understanding Market Value Vs Forced Sale Value 

How Much Does Forced Transfer Cost? 

A source at NTSA confirmed to Money254 that forced transfer charges are similar to normal vehicle transfer charges, which depend on the CC rating, They include:

• Ksh2,210 for vehicles below 1000cc
• Ksh2,440 for vehicles with engine capacity of between 1001cc to 1200cc
• Ksh2,615 for vehicles with engine capacity of between 1201cc to 1500cc
• Ksh2,960 for vehicles with engine capacity of between 1501cc to 1700cc
• Ksh3,245 for vehicles with engine capacity of between 1701cc to 2000cc
• Ksh4,395 for vehicles with engine capacity of between 2001cc to 1500cc
• Ksh5,505 for vehicles with engine capacity of between 2501cc to 3000cc
• Ksh6,465 for vehicles with engine capacity of above 3,001cc

You will also need to pay a vehicle inspection fee of Ksh1,050 via eCitizen. 

The general timeline for how long a forced transfer is as follows:

• 7 days – Standstill period after application
• As scheduled – Typically same day.
• 3 working days – Logbook processing and release after approval

Note that the full process may take longer if additional clarification is required by NTSA, or if documentation is incomplete.

When is Forced Transfer Used? 

Forced transfers are not for typical car sales. They come into play when ownership has changed hands due to extraordinary legal or financial circumstances. 

Below are the most common situations where an alternative transfer might be necessary, along with the documents typically required in each.

Court-Ordered Auction or Sale 

In some cases, a vehicle may be awarded to a new owner through a court judgment. For example, this could happen during the settlement of a civil dispute or a divorce. 

In such circumstances, the new owner doesn't need consent from the previous owner especially if they're uncooperative. 

What may be required:

• A sworn affidavit provided by the applicant
• National ID and KRA PIN certificate of the new vehicle owner
• Tape lift report issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
• Completed motor vehicle transfer form (Form C)
• An official letter formally requesting the ownership transfer
• Court order authorizing the change of ownership
• The original logbook of the vehicle

Bank Repossession 

When a vehicle is repossessed by a financial institution due to loan default, the bank or asset recovery firm may auction the car to recover outstanding debt. The buyer from such an auction will often need to initiate a forced transfer.

What may be required:

• Forced transfer request letter
• Original logbook or Police abstract and Form XI
• Properly filled form C stamped by the bank or auction
• Tape lift from DCI
• Sworn affidavit
• Copy of ID & PIN of the new owner and old owner
• Certificate of sale of the auctioneer
• Letter of discharge from the bank
• Release letter from the bank to the person who won the bid in the auction

Succession or Inheritance (Deceased Owner) 

If a person inherits a vehicle from a deceased relative, for example, through a will or succession process, the standard transfer is not possible since the original owner is no longer alive. In this case, they'll be required to apply for forced transfer. 

What may be required:

• Forced transfer request letter
• Original logbook or Police abstract and Form XI-where logbook is missing or lost
• Properly filled form C
• Tape lift certificate from DCI
• Sworn affidavit
• Copy of ID & PIN of the new owner
• Copy of the death certificate
• Copy of the court order appointing the administrators or executors of the estate
• Copy of the certificate of grant
• Copy of the schedule of properties inclusive of the vehicle being transferred stating the person who the vehicle is going to

Sale Through Public Auction (Unclaimed or Impounded Vehicles) 

This applies when vehicles are sold off by government agencies such as KRA, police, or private auctioneers due to abandonment, non-payment of storage fees, or public auction of unclaimed goods.

What may be required:

• Certified copy of the auctioneer’s valid license
• Auctioneer’s registration certificate along with their KRA PIN
• Certificate of sale issued at the conclusion of the auction
• Original receipt confirming the vehicle purchase
• Gazette notice and/or newspaper advertisement announcing the auction
• Sworn affidavit completed by the buyer/applicant
• Tape lift certificate from DCI
• Filled and stamped Form C, signed by the auctioneer
• Copy of the official list of vehicles released or auctioned 
• Formal letter requesting the transfer of ownership
• Court order permitting the auction and authorizing the transfer

Owner Cannot Be Traced or Is Uncooperative 

Sometimes, a buyer completes payment for a vehicle but the seller disappears or refuses to cooperate in transferring ownership. If documented communication fails, a forced transfer may be considered.

What may be required:

• Forced transfer request letter
• Original logbook or Police abstract and Form XI where logbook is missing or lost
• Properly filled form C
• Tape lift certificate from DCI
• Sworn affidavit
• Copy of ID & PIN of the new owner
• Copy of the ID & PIN of the old owner
• Court order declaring the person is missing or sworn affidavit before a magistrate or judge that the person is missing

Read Also: A Hidden Truth About Imported Car Grades: What Every Buyer Should Check‍ 

Wrapping Up 

A forced logbook transfer exists for situations where the standard process simply isn’t possible. While it may feel more complex than a regular transfer, knowing what documents you need and following the step-by-step eCitizen application process can help you avoid unnecessary delays.

Before you start the process, take time to gather strong legal proof, get your documents right, and be prepared for an inspection. And remember — each scenario has unique requirements, so read carefully and confirm everything before you submit your application.