How to Verify Car Number Plates and Driver's Licenses Using the NTSA App & Service Portal (2026 Guide)

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has intensified highway compliance checks following a record 5,009 road fatalities in 2025 up from 4,748 in 2024. In 2026, new digital enforcement tools have been introduced to automate traffic safety.

This guide explains how to verify vehicle and driver details for free, check for pending fines, and ensure compliance with Kenya's updated traffic system.

You Need Two Things to Get Started with NTSA Services in 2026

NTSA runs on your eCitizen account. If you don't have one yet, then it is a must that you create an e-citizen account to access these services. To create one you'll need your National ID. The process is easy and with good internet, it takes around 5 minutes.

Once you have that sorted sorted, you have two ways in; mobile app or the web service portal:

The NTSA Mobile App is the quickest option for on-the-go checks. The app can be downloaded from playstore or appstore. Use it to verify a vehicle number plate, check a driver's licence, look up a PSV.

The NTSA Service Portal on the other hand can be accessed here, serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke. Use this option if there is something big you want to handle such as renewals, inspection bookings, registration, paying fines.

Also read: List of eCitizen Services

NTSA Platforms Summary Table

Both platforms use your eCitizen account to log in.

Quick Steps to access NTSA Platforms 

1. Download the app
2. log in using e-citizen credentials 
3. navigate to verification, here pick your choice, vehicle, driver or conduct verification (if PSV). 

Official links:

Running Vehicle and Driver Verification

Open the app, log in, and you'll find three main options: Vehicle Information, Driver Verification, and Conductor Verification.

For a vehicle, just punch in the number plate. You'll see who owns it, whether the insurance is still valid, when it was last inspected, and — importantly — whether there are any outstanding fines attached to it. Long-distance PSVs also show night travel authorisation status, which is worth checking before you board a late bus.

For a driver, enter the licence number or their ID number. You get licence validity, what vehicle classes they're cleared for, and any suspensions or demerit points on their record.

This is genuinely useful if you're hiring a driver, buying a second-hand vehicle, or just want to know whether the matatu you're about to enter is operating legally.

Fines & Demerit System

Following the suspension of the initial instant fines rollout in March, NTSA—alongside the National Police Service and the Judiciary—unveiled an updated digital enforcement framework for minor traffic offences.

• How It Works: Traffic violations are caught either by police officers or electronically through highway surveillance cameras. Once a violation is recorded, a formal Police Notification of Traffic Offence is sent directly to the driver or registered vehicle owner via SMS, email, or physical delivery.
• Your Options: Upon getting a digital notice, you have two choices: admit liability and pay the fixed fine online within the given deadline to settle the case out of court, or dispute the charge in a traffic court. Fines range from KSh 500 to KSh 10,000 depending on the offence.
• Penalties: If you fail to respond, clear the fine, or show up in court, the case escalates. Courts can issue harsher penalties, and unresolved violations will trigger automatic service lockouts on eCitizen—blocking you from logbook transfers, vehicle registrations, and licence renewals.
• Driver Demerit Points: The system tracks driving history in real time. Courts retain the power to deduct points from your smart driving licence for repeat violations, which can eventually lead to your licence being suspended.

Checking and Paying Fines

To check for outstanding violations, log into the eCitizen portal, select NTSA services, and enter the vehicle or driver details. Payments are processed instantly via the official government gateway or any KCB Branch 

• eCitizen Paybill: 222222 
• USSD: *222#.

If Something Looks Wrong in Your NTSA Report

If you notice inconsistencies or irregularities in the data:

1. Use the "Report" feature in the NTSA app to notify the authority
2. Alternatively, contact NTSA directly:

• WhatsApp: 0797 556 354
• Email:info@ntsa.go.ke
• Website:www.ntsa.go.ke

3. If the issue is critical or persists visit the nearest NTSA office with your original ID

Additional Features Available via NTSA App & Portal

Troubleshooting Common Issues in NTSA App and Portal

Quick Reference: Key NTSA Contacts & Links

Always verify information against the official NTSA portal at www.ntsa.go.ke, as systems and processes may be updated.