Kenya's National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) introduced the Smart Driving License in 2018. The license is issued for three years and is fitted with a chip that holds the driver's information and supports implementing a demerit point system. Once the three years elapse, you must renew the Smart Driving License. But do you know how to renew a Smart Driving License online in Kenya via NTSA?
The Smart Driving License is a digital driving license that aims to revolutionise the management and security of the country's transport sector. It is processed on the Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS), an interactive digital platform launched by NTSA in 2016.
The Smart Driving License replaces the paper with the traditional paper-based license or the red booklet. Therefore, if you have the red booklet or your Smart Driving License has expired, you must renew your NTSA driving license.
How to renew a Smart Driving License online in Kenya
You can renew your Smart Driving License online in Kenya in a few steps. Here is the procedure to follow:
- Visit the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) website.
- Click on the Online Services menu.
- Select Driver Testing and Licensing.
- Sign in using your E-Citizen login details.
- Enter the codes to verify your identity.
- Click on Driving Licence RenewSelect Smart DL (three years).
- Enter the required information.
- Click on Review.
- Make the payment of Ksh 3,050.
- You can download your receipt after paying the required amount.
After applying, the renewed license can be ready for collection within five working days. You might also wait at least three to four weeks for the NTSA to communicate with you about collecting your Smart Driving License at the collection centre you selected earlier.
You will receive your Smart Driving License at the Huduma Centre you suggested during the application. However, you must first have your picture and biometrics taken and updated before issuance of the Smart DL. When going to the Huduma Centre to renew your Kenyan Smart Driving Licence, carry the payment receipt and your original ID.
How to renew the Red Booklet
You can renew the license directly on the eCitizen platform if you already have the red booklet. Here is how:
- Go to the eCitizen website.
- Click on the sign-in button on the top right to log in.
- You should see your details after logging in successfully. Otherwise, consider creating a new eCitizen account if this is the first time on the platform.
- Scroll down and click on the Apply for a Driving License icon.
- The website will redirect you to the NTSA dashboard.
- You will see your driving licence details and your status.
- If the status is Expired, you must renew it.
- Click on the Renew button.
- Provide your Driving License information.
- Go to the Type of Renewal section.
- Select the type of driving licence you currently have.
- Since you are renewing the Red Book, select it.
Now, understand that you will not get the Smart Driving License option. That is because the system already knows you have a Smart DL. However, the other steps to complete the process are similar except for one step, where you must enter a collection centre for your Smart DL.
- Enter your place of birth and Blood Group.
- Provide more personal information, including your address, driving class, and gender.
- Click on Next.
- Attach your passport photo. The photo should be in JPG or JPEG format. However, Smart DL users do not have the option to attach a photo.
- Click on Next.
- Check the box to confirm you have provided all the information required.
- Click on Renew.
- Make the payment. The website gives you several options to pay for a Smart DL or renew your license. Select your most convenient option, and a drop-down menu with the instructions to pay will be displayed.
- Once paid, click the complete button.
- At this point, the NTSA has renewed your driving license. Therefore, click on the download button on the top right to download it.
What are the features of the Smart DL?
The Smart DL is better than the traditional red booklet in many ways. Here are some of its features:
- The Smart DL is integrated with a demerit point system to encourage responsible driving.
- It offers international standards in driver licensing and identification.
- It is processed on the TIMS digital platform.
- It has a chip that holds the driver's information, similar to a bank card.
The Smart Driving License is also designed to enhance road safety and streamline the license renewal process. Motorists can renew their licenses online, and the renewed license is typically ready for collection within five working days.
The features reflect the NTSA's efforts to modernise and enhance the management and security of Kenya's transport sector.
What is the process for validating a Smart Driving License?
The Smart Driving License issued by the NTSA in Kenya can be validated on the go with a Point of Sale (POS) device. It uses the security features embedded in the card to validate it. The Smart DL has a chip that holds the driver's information, such as name, blood group, gender, and date of birth.
NTSA agents can manually verify the Smart Driving License through technology such as optical character recognition (OCR) or biometric verification. In the case of digital onboarding, verification is carried out remotely, and technology is used to verify the permit's authenticity.
Does the NTSA deduct points from the Smart Driving License?
Once you renew the Smart Driving License, expect the NTSA to deduct some points. Generally, the NTSA deducts points from the Smart Driving License for various traffic offences. Each card comes with 100 points.
The NTSA deducts from these 100 points every time the holder commits any traffic offence. Once you reach the threshold, the NTSA automatically cancels the license. The NTSA introduced the points-based system to encourage discipline among drivers and enhance road safety.
What happens if you lose your Smart Driving License?
If you lose your Smart Driving License, you should report the loss to the police as soon as possible. You must file a First Information Report (FIR) and obtain the necessary documentation. Once you have the documents, you can apply for a duplicate driving license at an NTSA office.
The NTSA will follow its process and issue a duplicate driving license to you if the information you submit fulfils its conditions. It is important to note that you cannot drive without a valid driving license, and you should apply for a duplicate license as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience.
How much does the Smart DL cost?
The Smart DL renewal fee is Ksh 3,000 for three years. However, the NTSA will charge you an additional Ksh 50 as a convenience fee. Renewing the red booklet will cost you Ksh 650 to renew the license for a year.
Wrapping up
If you have the traditional paper-based driving license or the red booklet, upgrading or renewing your license to the Smart Driving License is best. But do you know how to renew a Smart Driving License online in Kenya? The process is straightforward. All you have to do is visit the TIMS, log in through the eCitizen platform, and proceed to renew the license.
Tuko.co.ke published an article on how to check if your certificate of good conduct is ready. A certificate of conduct is a document required when applying for a job in Kenya.
There are three ways to check if the certificate is ready. You can log into the eCitizen website and see if it is ready. You can also visit the Huduma Centre branch or the DCI regional offices where you applied.
