Buying a used car in Kenya can save you money — but only if you verify that the seller is the true owner.
Every month, many unsuspecting buyers lose money to fraudsters selling cars they don’t own or vehicles still under financing.

Before you send money or sign a sale agreement, you must check the car’s ownership and logbook status through the official NTSA (National Transport and Safety Authority) systems.

Here’s a complete guide on how to do it safely and confidently in 2025.

🚗 Why Checking Ownership Matters

When you buy a used car in Kenya, the logbook is the ultimate proof of ownership.
It shows:

  • The registered owner’s details (name & ID)
  • The car’s registration number
  • Chassis (VIN) and engine numbers
  • Vehicle make, model, and color
  • Ownership history
  • Any existing encumbrances (e.g., loans)

If this information doesn’t match what the seller claims, you’re likely dealing with a scam or encumbered vehicle.

✅ Rule of thumb: If the logbook isn’t in the seller’s name — don’t pay.

🔍 Step 1: Verify Ownership Through the NTSA Portal (TIMS)

The easiest and most accurate way to confirm car ownership in Kenya is through the NTSA TIMS platform.

How to do it:

  1. Visit timsvirl.ntsa.go.ke.
  2. Log in using your eCitizen or TIMS account.
  3. Click on the “Vehicle Search” or “Motor Vehicle Inquiry” option.
  4. Enter the car’s registration number (e.g., KCV 123A).
  5. Pay the small search fee (KES 550) via M-Pesa.
  6. You’ll instantly receive details showing:
    • Registered owner’s full name
    • Vehicle make, model, and year
    • Engine and chassis numbers
    • Color and body type
    • Ownership transfer history

💡 Pro Tip: Cross-check these details with the logbook and physical car. The engine and chassis numbers must match exactly.

📄 Step 2: Inspect the Physical Logbook

Ask the seller for the original logbook, not a photocopy.

Check for:

  • NTSA logo and watermarks (for authenticity)
  • The registered owner’s name
  • Matching registration, chassis, and engine numbers
  • Absence of a “Financial Institution” as owner (which indicates a loan/asset finance)

If the car is still registered under a bank or Sacco, it means there’s an outstanding loan — and the car cannot be transferred until that loan is cleared.

🔒 Tip: Always confirm that the “Registered Owner” field lists an individual or business name, not a financial entity.

📲 Step 3: Use NTSA SMS Verification (Quick Method)

If you don’t have internet access, you can still check a vehicle’s ownership by SMS.

How to do it:

  1. Open your phone’s SMS app.
  2. Type the vehicle’s registration number (e.g., KCA123A).
  3. Send it to 22846 (NTSA’s official shortcode).
  4. You’ll receive a reply with:
    • Owner’s first name
    • Make & model
    • Year of manufacture
    • Color

✅ Cost: KES 20 per SMS (Safaricom or Airtel).
This is a fast and simple way to confirm ownership before viewing a car.

🧾 Step 4: Check for Police or Insurance Red Flags

Even if ownership checks out, ensure the vehicle isn’t stolen or part of an active investigation.

How to do this:

  • Visit your nearest Police Traffic Department and request a background check.
  • Confirm the vehicle isn’t reported stolen.
  • Verify with your insurance company before purchase — they often have access to NTSA data.

You can also use the NTSA App (on Android/iOS) to scan a number plate and confirm registration details instantly.

⚙️ Step 5: Inspect the Car’s Identification Numbers

Physically inspect the vehicle’s:

  • Chassis/VIN number (usually engraved on the frame or under the bonnet)
  • Engine number (found on the engine block)

These must match both the logbook and the NTSA search results.
If you find tampering, mismatched digits, or freshly engraved marks — that’s a major red flag.

🚨 Avoid cars with altered VIN or engine numbers — they may be stolen or illegally rebuilt.

📜 Step 6: Confirm the Seller’s Identity

Ask the seller for:

  • Original ID or company certificate of incorporation
  • PIN certificate (if available)
  • Sale agreement (detailing names, contacts, price, and vehicle info)

Then confirm the name matches the logbook and NTSA search record.
If the seller claims to be “selling on behalf of a friend,” proceed with extreme caution — insist that the registered owner is present or provides a signed authorization letter.

💰 Step 7: Only Pay After Verification

Once everything checks out:

  1. Sign a vehicle sale agreement witnessed by both parties.
  2. Make payment via bank transfer or mobile money — not cash.
  3. Initiate ownership transfer through NTSA TIMS immediately.
  4. Retain copies of all documents and receipts.

Avoid paying deposits or full amounts before verifying ownership — even if the seller seems trustworthy.

🧭 Step 8: Use Trusted Platforms

When you buy through Automart.co.ke, you’re browsing listings from verified Kenyan sellers and businesses.

Here’s why it’s safer:

  • 🚗 Verified Vehicle Listings with accurate details
  • 💬 Direct Buyer-Seller Contact — no hidden brokers
  • 🎥 Featured Video Ads for visual confirmation of car condition
  • 🧾 Seller Guidelines promoting transparency
  • 🔒 Backed by Middleman Capital Holdings for trust and reliability

✅ Final Thoughts

A cheap car isn’t always a good deal — especially if it’s not legally owned by the seller.
By taking a few minutes to check ownership and logbook details through NTSA TIMS or SMS, you can protect yourself from costly fraud.

When in doubt, choose trust and transparency — start your car search at
👉 Automart.co.ke — Kenya’s Trusted Vehicle Marketplace