Renewing your Smart Driving Licence in Kenya is an important process to ensure you can legally operate a vehicle on Kenyan roads. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has streamlined this procedure to make it more efficient and accessible.
This guide will walk you through the steps on how to renew your Smart Driving Licence, including the necessary documents, fees, and processes involved.
The Process of Renewing a Driving Licence in Kenya
So, let’s take a look at the process. It’s super easy if you follow each step correctly.
Step 1: Access Your eCitizen Account
- Visit the eCitizen portal at https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/
- Click the “Sign In” button in the top right corner.
- Enter your credentials to log in.
- Verify your successful login by checking for your personal details displayed at the top of the page.
- Scroll down and locate the “Apply for a Driving Licence” icon.
- Click on this icon to be redirected to the NTSA dashboard.
- Review your driving licence details and status. You should see that it’s expired and needs renewal.
- Click the “Renew” button at the bottom of the page.
Step 2: Update Your Personal Information
- Under “Type of Renewal,” select “Smart Driving Licence.”
- Enter your place of birth and blood group (if known).
- Provide additional details such as:
- Country of residence
- County of residence
- Physical address
- Country of residence
- Select your preferred collection center for your renewed Smart Driving Licence.
Step 3: Review and Confirm Information
- Carefully check all the information you’ve entered for accuracy.
- Tick the confirmation box to verify that all provided information is correct and complete.
- Click “Renew” to proceed.
Step 4: Make Payment
- Choose your preferred payment method from the available options.
- Follow the displayed instructions for your chosen payment method.
- The renewal fee for a Smart Driving Licence is KSH 3,050, valid for 3 years.
- Complete the payment process.
- Click the “Complete” button after successful payment.
Step 5: Download Receipt and Next Steps
- After payment, you’ll be directed to a page where you can download your receipt.
- Save or print this receipt for your records.
- Note that while your license is now renewed in the system, you must visit a Huduma Center to complete the process.
Step 6: Visit a Huduma Center
- Go to your nearest Huduma Center with your receipt and identification.
- At the center, staff will:
- Capture your biometric data
- Take a new passport photo for your license
- Process your physical Smart Driving License
- Capture your biometric data
Step 7: Collect Your Renewed Smart Driving License
- You will be informed when your physical Smart Driving License is ready for collection.
- Return to the Huduma Center to pick up your renewed license.
How much is renewing Your Smart Kenyan driver’s license?
It costs 3,050 to renew your Smart driving license in Kenya for a period of three years.
The receipt that you’ll receive should look like this:
Some of the payment methods available to you include the following:
How to Check the Status of Your Smart Driving License
In Kenya, it’s crucial to ensure that your driving license is both genuine and up-to-date. Fortunately, there are several convenient methods to verify the status and authenticity of your Smart Driving License.
Here are three reliable options:
1. Using the NTSA TIMS Online Portal
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS) offers a comprehensive way to check your license details:
a. Visit the official NTSA TIMS website (https://serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke/)
b. Log in to your existing account or create a new one if you haven’t used the system before.
c. Once logged in, navigate to the driving license section.
d. Carefully review all the information displayed, ensuring it matches your personal details.
e. Pay special attention to the expiration date shown on the portal – it should correspond exactly with the date printed on your physical driving license.
2. Via SMS (USSD) Service
For a quick and straightforward verification, you can use your mobile phone:
a. Open your phone’s messaging app and start a new SMS.
b. In the message body, type “DL” followed by a space and your national ID number. For example: “DL 1234567111”
c. Send this message to the short code 22846.
d. Within moments, you’ll receive a response indicating either “DL Valid” or “DL Expired”.
e. Note that this service incurs a small fee of 10 Kenyan Shillings per SMS, so ensure you have sufficient airtime.
This method is ideal for quick checks when you’re on the go.
3. Through the NTSA Mobile Application
For a more tech-savvy approach, the NTSA offers a dedicated mobile app:
a. Search for and download the official NTSA app from either the Google Play Store (for Android devices) or the Apple App Store (for iOS devices).
b. Launch the app and create an account or log in if you already have one.
c. Look for the “Driving License Verification” tab or section within the app.
d. Enter your national ID number in the designated field.
e. Tap the “Verify” or “Check Status” button.
f. The app will display comprehensive information about your driving license, including its validity status.
This method combines the convenience of mobile access with detailed information similar to the TIMS portal.
Kenya’s Transition to Smart Driving Licenses: A Three-Year Plan
The government has outlined a three-year plan for the distribution of new driving licenses:
Year 1: In the first year, from July 2024 to June 2025, they aim to issue 400,000 licenses.
Year 2: The following year, spanning July 2025 to June 2026, the target increases to 450,000 licenses to be given out to drivers.
Year 3: For the final year of the plan, July 2026 to June 2027, the government expects to distribute the highest number, with 500,000 smart driving licenses slated for issuance.
This gradual increase in license distribution suggests a phased approach to implementing the new smart license system across the country.
Key Elements of the Plan:
1. Phasing Out Old Licenses:
The NTSA aims to completely replace all traditional driving licenses with smart, digital versions within a three-year timeframe. This transition is deemed crucial for enhancing road safety and reducing identity fraud in the licensing process.
2. Introduction of Demerit Points System:
Taking inspiration from Western countries, Kenya plans to implement a demerit points system. Each driver will start with 20 points on their smart license, which will be deducted based on the severity of traffic violations. This system is designed to encourage responsible driving behavior and penalize repeat offenders.
“This is critical to the integrity of road safety in the future and will be accompanied by identity checks to eliminate identity fraud through the licensing system. With every Kenyan driver smart driver licence, it will be possible to administer and implement an instant fine regime and a demerit point system.”
3. Instant Fine Capability:
The new smart licenses will be equipped with software capable of processing instant fines. However, this feature will remain dormant until relevant court cases are resolved, ensuring due process is followed.
4. Cashless Penalty System:
To combat corruption on the roads, the proposal includes a cashless system for paying fines. Traffic violations will be recorded in a central database, allowing for transparent and traceable fine payments.
5. Tiered Fines for Minor Offenses:
The plan proposes instant fines ranging from 500 to 10,000 Kenyan Shillings for minor traffic infractions. These include:
- Speeding
- Motorcycle riders not wearing protective gear
- Failure to wear seat belts
- Pedestrians obstructing vehicle passage
- Driving on footpaths
- Passengers extending body parts outside moving vehicles
- Using mobile phones while driving
Key Takeaways
Renewing your Smart Driving License in Kenya is a straightforward process that has been streamlined thanks to digital services.
Whether you choose to renew online through the NTSA TIMS portal, visit an NTSA office, or use a huduma center, the key is to start the process well before your license expires. We hope that our article has made the process less of a hassle for you!
