Since the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) introduced the new-generation smart driving licenses in 2018, the government has aimed to combat counterfeit licenses by incorporating advanced security features.
These licenses include personal details and a secure microchip that stores the motorist’s information, which can only be read by specialized electronic devices managed by NTSA officials.
Despite the advanced security features, there have been instances of counterfeit new-generation smart driving licenses. Often, drivers are unaware of the fakes, which can lead to issues with law enforcement.
Here is how to ensure that your driving license is valid:
There are several ways to confirm the originality of your DL, which include:
E-citizen driving licence check
The NTSA’s migration of the TIMS website to the e-Citizen platform has made accessing motor-related services more convenient. To verify the validity of your driving license:
- Login to your eCitizen account.
- Go to NTSA services.
- Check if your permit is listed under the Driving Licence section.
- Check if the details displayed match the ones on your DL. Make sure to carefully review all the information displayed, ensuring it matches your personal details
- Also pay special attention to the expiration date shown on the portal – it should correspond exactly with the date printed on your physical driving license.
NTSA driving licence checker app
You can check the validity of your license for free through the NTSA driving licence checker featured on the NTSA mobile application. To check:
- Download the official NTSA app from the Google Play Store or the Apple app store.
- After installation, open the app.
- Register an account on the app.
- If you already have one, enter your login details to access your account.
- Click the Driving License Verification tab.
- Input your national ID number and choose the verify button.
- Confirm your DL validity from the details displayed on the screen.
Via SMS code
You can also verify the validity of your driving license via SMS. To do this, send your national ID number in the format “DL 1234567111” to 22846. NTSA will reply with a message confirming the authenticity of your license. Please note that this service costs 10 Kenyan Shillings per SMS, so make sure you have enough airtime.
If you discover that your driving license is not valid, you should promptly renew it to avoid potential issues with traffic police. The renewal process is straightforward and user-friendly.
To renew your driving license, follow these steps:
1. Log into your eCitizen account.
2. Select the NTSA tab, then online renewal of your DL.
3. Choose the Submit Application button, then click on Driving Licences
4. You have two options for renewing a DL in Kenya: a three-year license renewal that costs Ksh 3,000 or a one-year license at Ksh600. NTSA charges a mandatory Ksh50 convenience fee in addition to the renewal charges.
5. Ensure your DL renewal details are updated and select the Apply Now button. Make sure to select your preferred collection center for your renewed Smart Driving Licence.
6 . Choose your preferred mode of payment. NTSA allows the use of mobile money such as M-Pesa. You can also pay using a Debit or Credit card. Follow the payment instructions and complete the process.
7. Download and Print your driving renewal permit slip.
8. Visit the nearest Huduma Centre for your biometrics and passport photo to be taken again.
11. Wait for your smart DL to be processed.
How to check if your driving licence is ready
The government has streamlined the process for checking if your driving license is ready for collection. Through the eCitizen platform, you can easily verify the status of your license and find out if it is available for pickup.
Follow these easy steps:
- Visit the Ecitizen portal and enter your eCitizen login details.
- Choose the NTSA tab.
- Click on check status.
- A notification will be sent showing whether your DL is ready or not.
Via USSD Code
For quick and straightforward checking, send your National ID number as a text message to 22846 in the format ‘DL 123456711’. You will get a status confirmation message from NTSA.
