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Legal & Tax Basics Kenya

How to Renew Driving License Online in Kenya

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Easy Access Staff

Need to renew your driving license in Kenya? You can now do it online from home using the eCitizen portal. This guide shows you exactly how.

Documents and digital devices for online services

What is Online Driving License Renewal?

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) allows Kenyan drivers to renew their licenses online through eCitizen. No need to visit NTSA offices or queue for hours.

What You Need

Before starting, gather these items:

  • Valid email address
  • Phone number (M-Pesa registered)
  • National ID number
  • Current driving license details
  • Renewal fee (see pricing below)
  • Passport-size photo (digital)
  • Clear internet connection

Renewal Costs:

  • Ordinary Driving License: KES 3,050
  • Smart Driving License (with chip): KES 3,550
  • Lost/Duplicate License: Different fees apply

Smart vs Ordinary License:

  • Smart License: Has embedded chip, more secure, harder to forge, recommended
  • Ordinary License: Paper-based, cheaper, being phased out

Example: If your license expired in 2025, you can still renew it online. Late renewals are allowed. Choose smart license for better security.

Step 1: Visit eCitizen Portal

Open your web browser and go to www.ecitizen.go.ke

Example: Use Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Works on both phone and computer.

Computer showing government online portal

Step 2: Log Into Your Account

If you have an account:

  1. Click Log In at top right
  2. Enter your email/ID number and password
  3. Click Sign In

If you’re new:

  1. Click Register
  2. Fill in your details (Name, ID, email, phone)
  3. Create a password
  4. Verify your email
  5. Log in

Example: Your email is john@gmail.com, ID is 12345678, and you create password SecurePass123.

Step 3: Navigate to NTSA Services

Once logged in:

  1. Click All Services menu
  2. Select Transport & Infrastructure
  3. Click NTSA Services
  4. Select Driving Licence Renewal

Example: You’ll see various NTSA services. Look specifically for “Driving Licence Renewal” - not “New License” or “Duplicate License”.

Step 4: Fill Application Form

Now complete the renewal form:

Personal Details:

  • National ID number: Enter your ID
  • Driving license number: Enter from your current license
  • Date of birth: Select from calendar

Example:

  • ID: 12345678
  • License: DL123456
  • DOB: 01/01/1990

Form being filled on computer screen

Contact Information:

  • Email address: Your active email
  • Phone number: Your M-Pesa number
  • Postal address: Your physical address

License Details:

  • License class: Select your class (e.g., BCE for private cars)
  • Current expiry date: From your old license
  • Upload photo: Click “Choose File” and select passport photo

Example: For class BCE license (private cars, vans, light trucks), select BCE from dropdown.

Step 5: Review Your Application

Before submitting:

  • Check all details are correct
  • Verify your phone number
  • Confirm license class matches your current one
  • Ensure photo meets requirements (clear, recent, passport-size)

Example: If you entered wrong ID number, click Edit to correct it before paying.

Step 6: Make Payment

  1. Click Submit Application
  2. Select payment method: M-Pesa
  3. Enter your M-Pesa phone number
  4. Click Pay Now

You’ll receive M-Pesa prompt on your phone:

  1. Enter your M-Pesa PIN
  2. Confirm payment of KES 3,050
  3. Wait for confirmation message

Example: You’ll get SMS: “Confirmed. KES 3,050 paid to ECITIZEN…” and eCitizen shows “Payment Successful”.

Mobile payment concept

Step 7: Download Invoice and Acknowledgment Slip

After successful payment:

  1. Click Download Invoice - save this PDF
  2. Click Download Acknowledgment Slip - print or save this
  3. Note your Application Reference Number

Example: Reference number looks like NTSA/DL/2026/123456. Keep this safe.

Step 8: Wait for Processing

NTSA will process your application:

  • Processing time: 7-14 working days
  • You’ll receive SMS updates
  • Track status on eCitizen under “My Applications”

Example: SMS: “Your driving license renewal application NTSA/DL/2026/123456 is being processed.”

Step 9: Collect Your New License

Once ready (you’ll get SMS):

  1. Visit your nearest NTSA office or Huduma Centre
  2. Carry your acknowledgment slip
  3. Carry your national ID
  4. Collect your new driving license

Example: Go to Huduma Centre Nairobi, show slip and ID, receive your 3-year license.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: M-Pesa payment fails Solution: Ensure you have sufficient balance (KES 3,050+). Try again after 5 minutes or use different M-Pesa number.

Problem: Photo rejected Solution: Photo must be passport-size, white background, recent, clear face. Size: 300x300 pixels minimum, JPG/PNG format, under 200KB.

Problem: “License number not found” Solution: Check you entered correct number from your physical license. No spaces or dashes.

Problem: Can’t log into eCitizen Solution: Reset password using “Forgot Password” link. Check email spam folder for reset link.

Problem: Application stuck at “Processing” Solution: Wait 14 days. If still stuck, call NTSA helpline or visit office with reference number.

Important Tips

  • Start renewal process 30 days before expiry for smooth experience
  • Expired licenses can still be renewed online - no penalty up to 3 years
  • Keep acknowledgment slip safe - you need it for collection
  • Save application reference number - use it to track status
  • Use clear, recent passport photo - old photos cause delays
  • Pay via M-Pesa from phone registered in your name
  • Print acknowledgment slip in color if possible
  • Check “My Applications” daily for updates

Photo Requirements

Your digital photo must:

  • White or light blue background
  • No sunglasses or hat
  • Face clearly visible
  • Recent (taken within 6 months)
  • Format: JPG or PNG
  • Size: 300x300 to 600x600 pixels
  • File size: Under 200KB

Example: Take photo at photo studio or use phone camera with white wall background. Ask photographer for “passport photo for eCitizen”.

Fees Breakdown

  • License renewal (3 years): KES 3,000
  • eCitizen service fee: KES 50
  • Total: KES 3,050

Payment via M-Pesa only. No additional charges at collection.

Tracking Your Application

To check status:

  1. Log into eCitizen
  2. Click My Applications
  3. Find your driving license renewal application
  4. View current status

Statuses:

  • Submitted: Payment received, pending processing
  • Processing: NTSA reviewing your application
  • Ready for Collection: License printed, visit office
  • Collected: Process complete

Alternative: Renew at NTSA Office

If online doesn’t work:

  1. Visit nearest NTSA office
  2. Carry national ID and old license
  3. Fill physical form
  4. Pay at cashier
  5. Take biometrics
  6. Collect after 7-14 days

Example: NTSA offices are in major towns: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret.

Contact Information

NTSA Helpline:

  • Phone: 0709 933 000 or 0709 933 100
  • Email: info@ntsa.go.ke
  • Working hours: Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM

eCitizen Support:

Huduma Kenya:

After Receiving Your New License

Your new license is valid for 3 years. Remember to:

  • Set reminder for next renewal
  • Keep license safe
  • Update details if you change address
  • Carry it always when driving

Validity and Restrictions

  • New license valid: 3 years from issue date
  • Must be Kenyan citizen or resident
  • Age requirement: 18+ years
  • Medical certificate: Not required for renewal (only for new licenses)
  • Classes: Can only renew classes you currently hold

Example: If you have class BCE, you can only renew BCE. To add class D (truck), apply for additional class separately.

Benefits of Online Renewal

  • No queuing at NTSA offices
  • Apply from anywhere, anytime
  • Faster processing
  • Track application online
  • Secure payment via M-Pesa
  • Digital copies of documents
  • Less paperwork

Start your renewal today and avoid last-minute rush. The entire process takes just 15 minutes to submit!