🚗 How to Renew Your Driver’s License Online in Kenya (2025 Full Guide)
Renewing your driver’s license in Kenya has never been easier, thanks to the NTSA eCitizen portal. You no longer have to queue at Huduma Centres or NTSA offices — now, you can renew your license fully online, and even pay via M-Pesa.
This 2025 guide provides a step-by-step process, covers Smart DL, answers common questions, and helps you avoid errors many Kenyans face during the process.
🛠️ 1. What You Need Before Renewing
Before you begin the online renewal, make sure you have:
-
A valid National ID number
-
An existing Smart Driving License (not the old red booklet)
-
An eCitizen account (Sign Up Here)
-
Access to M-Pesa, card, or mobile banking for payment
❗If you still have the old red booklet license, you must first upgrade to the Smart DL.
💡 2. How to Upgrade to a Smart Driving License (First-Time Only)
If you’ve never applied for the new generation Smart DL, follow these steps:
-
Create an NTSA TIMS Account at tims.ntsa.go.ke
-
Click ‘Smart DL Application’
-
Choose appointment location and time
-
Visit the selected NTSA center for biometric capture and photo
-
Pay KSh 3,050 via M-Pesa
-
Wait 5–10 working days for processing
Once you have the Smart DL, you can now use the eCitizen portal for renewal.
🧾 3. Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Driver’s License Online
🔗 Step 1: Log in to eCitizen
-
Use your ID number and password to log in
🔧 Step 2: Go to NTSA Services
-
Click on “National Transport and Safety Authority”
📄 Step 3: Select “Driving License Renewal”
-
You’ll see options to renew for 1 year (KSh 650) or 3 years (KSh 1,400)
📱 Step 4: Choose Renewal Period & Enter Your Details
-
Confirm your ID, license number, and phone/email
💵 Step 5: Make Payment
-
Choose payment method:
-
M-Pesa
-
Debit/Credit Card
-
Mobile banking
-
📃 Step 6: Download Renewal Slip
-
Print or download your renewal acknowledgment slip
🔐 No need to visit NTSA unless prompted for biometrics (usually for expired biometrics).
💳 4. Driving License Renewal Fees in Kenya
| Renewal Period | Cost | NTSA Service Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | KSh 600 | KSh 50 | KSh 650 |
| 3 Years | KSh 1,350 | KSh 50 | KSh 1,400 |
🧠 5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I renew my old red booklet license online?
No. You must first convert it to a Smart DL at an NTSA office.
Q2: How long does renewal take?
2–5 working days, if no biometric capture is needed.
Q3: My Smart DL is expired. Will I get a new one?
No. Your Smart DL card remains the same, but the renewal reflects in the system.
Q4: Do I need a TIMS account to renew?
No. Renewal is now done via eCitizen, not TIMS.
Q5: I lost my driving license. Can I still renew online?
Yes, if you already have a Smart DL. Otherwise, use the DL replacement service.
🧩 6. Troubleshooting Common Errors
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| “Driving license not found” | Ensure you have a Smart DL. Check ID entered correctly |
| Payment not going through | Use M-Pesa or try card payment |
| eCitizen login failure | Reset password or use a different browser |
| “Your biometrics not found” | Book a biometric capture at NTSA center via TIMS |
🏢 7. NTSA Office Contacts & Locations
| Location | NTSA Office | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | Upper Hill – Hill Park Building | 0709 932 300 |
| Mombasa | Likoni Road NTSA Offices | 0709 932 000 |
| Kisumu | Kenya Re Plaza, 2nd Floor | 0709 932 000 |
| Eldoret | KVDA Plaza | 0709 932 000 |
Call NTSA for appointments or Smart DL capture queries.
📌 Summary
Renewing your driver’s license online in Kenya is fast, secure, and affordable. Just ensure you’re using a Smart DL and follow the correct eCitizen process.