Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do a motor vehicle search in Kenya online.
If you are planning to purchase a used vehicle in Kenya, it’s important to do a thorough background check. This ensures that the vehicle is legally registered and has no outstanding fines or penalties. One of the easiest and most convenient ways to do this is by conducting a motor vehicle search online.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) regulates and oversees the country’s transport sector in Kenya. As part of its mandate, the NTSA has an online portal (TIMS or TIMS VIRL) where you can search for the details of any registered motor vehicle in the country.
How To Do a Motor Veehicle Search In Kenya Online
Step 1: Visit the NTSA TIMS Portal
The first step in conducting a motor vehicle search online is to visit the NTSA TIMS Portal at tims.ntsa.go.ke. Once you are on the website, log in or create an account if you don’t have one. Then, click the “Online Services” tab on the top menu bar.
Step 2: Select “Motor Vehicle Search”
Select “Motor Vehicle Search” from the dropdown list and click on it. You will be directed to a new page where you must enter the vehicle registration number you want to search for.
Step 3: Enter the Registration Number
On the motor vehicle search page, enter the vehicle registration number you want to search for. Ensure you enter the registration number correctly, as the search will not yield any results if there are errors. Once you have entered the registration number, click the “Search” button.
Step 4: Pay the Required Fee
To access the details of the motor vehicle you have searched, you will be required to pay a fee of Ksh 550. The fee is payable via mobile money (like M-PESA), credit card, or other online payment methods. Follow the instructions on the payment page to complete the payment process.
Step 5: View the Results
Once you have paid the required fee, you will be redirected to a new page showing the vehicle details you searched for. The information displayed on the page includes; the make and model of the vehicle, the year of manufacture, the engine capacity, and the color.
Additionally, the page will display the name and address of the current registered owner of the vehicle.
If the vehicle you searched has any outstanding fines or penalties, they will also be displayed on the results page. It’s important to note that the search results may not display the vehicle’s entire history, so it’s advisable to also conduct a physical inspection of the vehicle before making a purchase.
In Conclusion
Conducting a motor vehicle search online is a quick and convenient way to obtain important information about any registered motor vehicle in Kenya.
By following the steps outlined above, you can easily access the details of the vehicle you are interested in, including its ownership history and any outstanding fines or penalties.
This information will enable you to make an informed decision when purchasing a used vehicle in Kenya.
