‪NTSA Announces Special Procedure For Ownership Transfer Of Vehicles Bought Through Auctions, Repossession‬

Motorists buying vehicles through auctions, bank repossessions, or court-directed sales have been cautioned that ownership will not be recognised unless a special transfer procedure is followed, the National Transport and Safety Authority has said.

The authority, in a notice on Wednesday, said the process, referred to as an alternative or forced transfer, is compulsory for vehicles acquired through repossession auctions, court orders, and tender-based sales.

NTSA noted that the requirement is meant to ensure all ownership changes are properly recorded in the national vehicle register.

For vehicles sold following bank repossession, NTSA said buyers must provide proof that the auction was conducted lawfully. This includes a certified copy of the auctioneer’s current licence, the auctioneer’s registration certificate, and KRA PIN details.

Buyers must also submit tender documents and an official letter from the bank instructing the auctioneer to conduct the sale.

NTSA further stated that successful applicants are required to present a certificate of sale, the original receipt confirming payment, a discharge letter issued by the bank, and a formal transfer request. The original logbook of the vehicle must also be part of the application.

In addition, the authority said further verification documents will be required to complete the transfer. These include certificates of incorporation for both the bank and the auctioneer, KRA PINs for the two entities, and a letter from the bank identifying the highest bidder.

Sworn affidavits from both the institution that conducted the auction and the buyer are also mandatory.

NTSA added that applicants must obtain a tape lift from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, complete the prescribed transfer form Form C, and submit proof that the vehicle sale was advertised in a newspaper to demonstrate openness and accountability.

According to the authority, the transfer process begins on the NTSA service portal, where applicants must select the alternative or forced transfer option and provide details of the vehicle and transaction.

All original documents must be scanned and uploaded as one PDF file, after which the applicant selects a logbook collection centre and names the person authorised to collect it.

Applicants are then required to make online payments for the forced transfer and vehicle inspection services. NTSA explained that the system enforces a mandatory seven-day waiting period before allowing the buyer to book a vehicle inspection at a preferred NTSA centre.

On the scheduled inspection date, the vehicle must be presented together with all original documents for verification by NTSA officers. Once the inspection is completed and approved, the new owner is notified through an SMS message.

NTSA said the cost of the transfer depends on the engine size of the vehicle and applicable inspection charges, adding that once verification is successful, the transfer is usually finalised within three working days.