Here’s How to Apply for a Smart Driving License in Kenya

We live in an increasingly connected space and most of our lives are dependent on the internet, today more than ever. Over the past few years, we have seen organizations and institutions embracing technology and governments haven’t been left behind.

For a long time, Kenyan drivers have had to carry with them little booklet-style Driving Licences issued by the government upon passing their driving test. You have also had to renew the license either annually or every three years, at a fee of course.

in 2017, the government through the National Transport and Safety Authority embarked on the task of changing from manual booklets to a new card-style Smart Driving License. This would also have a chip that would be used to log the driver’s biodata, along with driving history and offenses if any.

Related:

• Kenya’s new ATM-like Smart driver’s Licence will improve road safety and lessen crime

All new drivers in Kenya are issued with the new generation driving license while holders of the previous generation cards are expected to have those replaced to the new generation cards and in this post, we guide you through how to get that done.

How to Apply for the New Generation Driving License in Kenya

1. On your browser, go to https://tims.ntsa.go.ke and log into your TIMS account. You can also get to this via eCitizen.
2. Click “Get Code” and wait for an OTP code that will be sent to you.
3. Now, enter the verification code you have just received and click “Sign In”.
4. Click on “Driving Licence” and select “Apply for smart driving license”.
5. Double-check to ensure that your details are correct and click on “Next” at the bottom.
6. Click on “Pay”. 
7. You will be taken to a payment page where you will choose your payment method. Choose your preferred method and pay Ksh. 3050.
8. Click on “Complete” to finish the payment process.
9. After that, you will be directed to a page with your invoice. You can download it to your device as a PDF document.

That is the first step. After that, you need to go back to the TIMS Dashboard and click on the ‘Smart DL Appointment’ option. This will allow you to select a center that you will have to visit for the second phase.

The second phase involves you submitting your biometrics to the NTSA along with the verification of the details that will appear on your Smart DL.
After this, you will be asked to wait for a given period before coming for the Smart DL. Please note that these take anywhere between a week and 5 weeks to get ready.