How to Check Driving License Expiry Date in Kenya

Driving in Kenya requires a valid license, and getting caught with an expired one can lead to unnecessary fines. Whether you’ve forgotten your renewal date or need to quickly verify your status for a traffic stop, knowing how to check your driving license validity online or via SMS is essential. Thankfully, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) provides easy ways to do this through the eCitizen platform.

Here’s how you can quickly check if your Kenyan driving license is valid:

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Method 1: Check via the eCitizen Mobile App

If you have the eCitizen app installed on your smartphone, checking your license status is straightforward:

Open the eCitizen app on your phone.
1. Log in to your account.
2. Navigate to the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) section (it might be under Agencies or Services).
3. Look for an option like ‘View Application Status’ or similar dashboard features.
4. Select the option to ‘Verify License’ or check license validity.
5. Enter your National ID Number when prompted.
6. The app will display your license status, typically showing ‘VALID!’ or ‘EXPIRED!’.

Method 2: Check via SMS

For a quick check without needing the app or internet access, you can use the NTSA SMS service:

Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
1. Create a new SMS message.
2. Type the letters DL followed by a space, and then your National ID Number (e.g., DL 12345678).
3. Send the message to the shortcode 22846.
4. You will receive an SMS reply indicating your license status (e.g., ‘DL Valid’ or ‘DL Expired’).

Note: Standard SMS charges may apply depending on your mobile carrier.

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Why Keeping Your License Valid Matters: Fines

Driving with an expired or invalid license in Kenya comes with penalties. According to the Traffic Act:

Driving without a valid license endorsement for the class of vehicle (Section 30(1) and (7)) can attract a fine of Kshs 7,000.
• Failure to renew your driving license (Section 30(4) and 4) carries a fine of Kshs 1,000.

Renewing your license via eCitizen is typically straightforward and costs less than the fine for failing to do so. Regularly checking your status using the methods above helps you stay compliant and avoid penalties.

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Related Reading:

How to Apply for a Smart Driving License in Kenya
• How to Get the New Generation Number Plates in Kenya