How to Apply for NTSA Smart Driving License on TIMS Portal

Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Board (NTSA) has been working on the new smart driving licenses for a while now. They are meant to replace the aging driving licenses that we have had since independence. Apply for NTSA Smart Driving License on TIMS Portal

These new licenses have tech that we are used to in the 21st century like a chip that holds driver information and a points system that is used to discipline drivers.

They have also been working on the Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS), a database that holds all of the information surrounding driver’s licenses and vehicle inspections.

Application and Booking Appointments

To apply for these new driving licenses, you’ll need to register on NTSA’s Citizen self-service portal, TIMS. However, you need a driving license appointment with NTSA, which you get when you go to NTSA’s Upper Hill offices.

What is a smart card driving License?

A Smart Driving license is a kind of license that is technology ready. It comes with a chip that contains a driver’s details like an accident caused, years of driving, vehicle driven e.t.c. It replaces the old driving license that was being used.

It was introduced by Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Board (NTSA). NTSA Smart Driving License

How to register for an account at the NTSA TIMS portal

We had earlier provided a procedure on how to create an account at the NTSA TIMS portal.

What is NTSA TIMS?

TIMS is a free, seamless, and convenient portal for members of the public to access NTSA services. National Transport and safety authority requires when members are registering their individual accounts in TIMS to provide (National Identification Number, KRA PIN Certificate Number, and Mobile Number)

The procedure of NTSA Kenya TIMS registration

• Visit: www.ntsa.go.ke
• Click the TIMS logo
  Subscribe to receive SMS
• REGISTER an Account on TIMS
• Enter your National Identification Card (ID) serial number and other required information
• You can register as an individual, Dealer, Agent, Financial institution, or a company
• Both Buyer and seller must have an account on TIMS
• Log in to access your profile

How to get a new smart driving License in Kenya

Before you begin applying for a smart driving license in Kenya be sure to have copies of the following details ID number, phone number, KRA PIN, and Ksh 3100 in your Mpesa. Now let’s get started;

1. Visit the NTSA Tims portal sign-in page or register if you do not have an account. If your account login details are not correct Go to NTSA Likoni Office (we advise this branch because it is not overcrowded. It is located on Likoni Road, Nairobi)
2. On the login page, enter your id number as the username and password you used when you created your account.
3. Click Get Code
4. A Verification Code will be sent to your phone number. Enter the code and click sign in.
5. Click on Driving License Tab
6. Click on Apply for Smart DL. If all your details are correct, click the next button at the bottom of the page.
7. Click Pay Button
8. You will be redirected to the payment page. Select your payment method, pay, and click the complete button
9. After clicking the complete button you will be redirected to a page with your invoice. Click the print button and then click save to download a pdf of the invoice for security and reference purposes.
10. After downloading, go back to the web page and click the Submit button
11. Select collection location and book the date when your Biometrics will be taken. Green indicates available booking time and date while red indicates that booking time is not available on that date.)

NOTE: To get a smart license, You are required to book an appointment with NTSA to be served without much queuing. An SMS will be sent to you when your appointment time or day is ready. To book an appointment just login to your account and click SmartDL appointment.

How to Subscribe to NTSA SMS

To subscribe to NTSA  SMS

• Visit  SMS portal: Subscribe SMS
• Enter your phone number and subscribe
• To confirm you have subscribed to NTSA 22847 Service:
• Dial *100*5*4*1#  for Safaricom prepaid
• Dial *200*5*4*1# for Safaricom postpay

Points System and Offenses

Speaking of the Points system, the new licenses will be equipped with a digital wallet for paying fines. NTSA has also reported that it is working with the Police and the Judiciary to enable instant fines. A new license will be configured with 20 points, which are refreshed every three years. Losing points due to offenses will force NTSA to invalidate or suspend your license. By the way, each offense subtracts a point in line with NTSA regulations.

The point system is available but is not activated until 80% of the licenses are converted. Currently, NTSA says that roughly 50,000 licenses are smart.

Notably, NTSA says the new DL enforces integrity and cannot be forged easily owing to the amount of biometric data it holds. It, in essence, professionalizes driving and aims to ensure that law-abiding drivers are rewarded and reckless ones are punished accordingly based on the profile developed by the Points system.

Personal Data

Personal identity data used by NTSA is sourced from NRB (National Registration Bureau) and authenticated by KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority). A user is only required to update his or her address, phone number, and occupation.

Additionally, the state is working on the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS), which, alongside an imminent issuance of Huduma Numbers, is expected to ease the exercise as NTSA will no longer need data from citizens as the two systems will be integrated. All existing DL details are already in NTSA systems.

How long  does it take to get a smart driving license

It takes about 3 weeks to get your smart driving license after your biometrics have been taken. However, as systems improve the waiting period should have significantly reduced (this waiting period is based on the day this post was published). NTSA Smart Driving License

Where to Resolve NTSA TIMS login or Activation issues (step 2)

Visit Upperhill NTSA Headquarters and go to Counter 7 where TIMS issues are solved. Be sure to carry you’re a copy of your parent’s ID, your ID, and your KRA pin for activation of your account.

However, if you are details are okay go to the step above. Be sure to carry some lunch (money) as the queues there are long. NTSA Smart Driving License

NTSA Tims Login errors and Solutions (step 3)

The most common kind of error when you are login to the NTSA TIMS account is “User not found or the user doesn’t have registered mobile number or login error”

Possible Cause of error: Replacement of ID. If you replace your ID, your serial number changes.

Solution: Follow STEP 2

• If you are getting an error on the connection kindly try using another browser like internet explore
• If your KRA pin is not being recognized kindly contact KRA for help.