How to apply for new-generation registration plates online

The government last year introduced new-generation vehicle registration plates as part of measures to fight forgery, swapping and duplication.

Then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i announced in August that the government sought to have phased out the old plates within 18 months.

And with a ‘cooler’ template that features an FE-Schrift typeface smaller than the font of the old ones, some motorists have already acquired them and they are becoming a common sight on Kenyan roads.

The ‘smart’ plates’ monospaced letters and numbers are slightly disproportionate to prevent easy modification and to improve machine readability.

The government says the plates incorporate microchip technology and several anti-counterfeit security features that render them practically impossible to imitate.

The new plates have a specially-imprinted national flag, a hologram of the Big Five animals and a watermark. They also have unique and different serial numbers – for both the rear and front plates – that are linked to the vehicle’s chassis number. 

Police will also be able to get key motor vehicles information such as the year of manufacturer, type and colour of vehicle, engine number, transmission type, date and place of manufacture, and insurance details from just the plates. 

The Interior Ministry last year said once a vehicle is imported into the country, it will be fixed with the plates at the point of entry, where information about it will be synchronised with NTSA and Kenya Revenue Authority systems to curb tax evasion in the car import business.

The new generation plates cost Ksh.3,000 and can be acquired online through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) portal.

One will need to pay an additional Ksh.50 service fee.

To register for the smart plates;

1. Visit www.ntsa.go.ke,
2. Select motor vehicle registration,
3. Log into your account,
4. Select Apply for reflective plates, select the vehicle and click Next,
5. You will be asked to give a reason for the application. Select you need the new generation plates,
6. Choose your preferred method of being notified,
7. Choose a number plate and format, whether oblong or square,
8. In PDF format, upload copies of your original logbook and old license plates (rear and front),
9. Select your collection centre, and enter the ID number of the person who will collect it,
10. Pay the Ksh.3,050 fee and confirm.

Once your plates are ready, you will receive a notification to go and collect them at your chosen centre.