This is a guide on how to apply for NTSA smart driving license via TIMS Online portal and get it quickly in Kenya. The license is commonly referred to as the new generation driving license.
What is a smart card driving License?
A Smart Driving license is a kind of license that is technology ready. It comes with a chip that contains a driver’s details like accidents caused, years of driving, vehicle driven e.t.c. It replaces the old driving license that we are used to. It was introduced by Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Board (NTSA)
How to register for any account at NTSA TIMS portal
We had earlier provided a procedure on how to create an account at NTSA TIMS portal. You can check NTSA TIMS Registration procedure.
How to get new smart driving License in Kenya
Before you begin applying for a smart driving license in Kenya be sure to have copies of the following details ID number, phone number, KRA PIN, Ksh 3100 in your mpesa. Now let’s get started;
- Visit NTSA Tims portal sign in page or register if you do not have an account. If your account login details are not correct Go to NTSA Likoni Office (we advise this branch because it is not overcrowded. It is located in Likoni Road, Nairobi)
- At the login page, enter your id number as the username and password you used when you created your account.
- Click Get Code
- A Verification Code will be sent to your phone number. Enter the code and click sign in.
- Click on Driving License Tab
- Click on Apply for Smart DL. If all your details are correct, click the next button at the bottom of the page.
- Click Pay Button
- You will be redirected to the payment page. Select your payment method, pay, and click the complete button
- After clicking the complete button you will be redirected to a page with your invoice. Click the print button and then click save to download a pdf of the invoice for security and reference purposes.
- After downloading, go back to the web page and click the Submit button
- Select collection location and book the date when your Biometrics will be taken. Green indicates available booking time and date while red indicates that booking time is not available on that date.)
You are done with the application process. You can always reschedule the booking time. Below is a video that illustrates how to apply if you did not understand the procedure above.
UPDATE: To get a smart license, you are required to book an appointment with NTSA to be served without much queuing. An SMS will be sent to you when your appointment time or day is ready. To book an appointment just log in to your account and click SmartDL appointment.
How long does it take to get smart driving license
It takes about 3 weeks to get your smart driving license after your biometrics have been taken. However, as systems improve the waiting period should have significantly reduced (this waiting period is based on the day this post was published).
Where to Resolve NTSA TIMS login or Activation issues (step 2)
Visit Upperhill NTSA Headquarters and go to Counter 7 where TIMS issues are solved. Be sure to carry you’re a copy of your parent’s ID, your ID, and KRA pin for activation of your account. However, if you are details are okay go to the step above.
Be sure to carry some lunch (money) as the queues there are long.
NTSA Tims Login errors and Solutions (step 3)
The most common kind of error when you are login to the NTSA TIMS account is “User not found or the user doesn’t have a registered mobile number or login error”
Possible Cause of error: Replacement of ID. If you replace your ID, your serial number changes.
Solution: Follow STEP 2
- If you are getting error on connection kindly try using another browser like internet explore
- If you KRA pin is not being recognized kindly contact KRA for help.
Will the Old Driving License still be used?
Yes, The old driving license will still be in use until 80% of the drivers have acquired the Smart Driving License.
For more driving tutorials, guides and tips join our YouTube channel: Kenyayote Driving
For those asking in the comment section, here is how to download an interim driving license.
Lastly, do you have any question about this post or something else? We are responding. Ask us a question or register to join a community of 235k+ members that receive latest education news.
Hi, i have the old driving license and i want the smart dl , what’s the procedure
Login to the NTSA TIMS portal, if your DL details have been correctly migrated to the TIMS portal then apply for smart DL.
My Driving License has not come out and those who applied after me have received theirs I applied on June 9 at kibra
just relog into your tims account and reschedule….its fast easy and straight forward
What should you do if you want to renew a PDL?
We have responded to a similar question here: https://kenyayote.com/ask/5859/how-do-i-renew-my-pdl-via-ntsa-tims?show=5859#q5859
Hey, how do I reschedule a booking I missed?
What if the phone number that are appearing on my account not mine and the code that are being sent to me I can’t see it
You have change to the phone number to receive the code
if i lost my older booklet dl,can iapply direct for smart dl,without paying for the renewals fee
MY INTERIM LICENCE
I have34 years as a driver I should go for driving chool again?
Nilifanya driving last year but one na sijaaply smart card ..nauliza ka naeza apply now?
How to apply for interim driving licence through Tims
Im asking the same but I think interim aiko nower days nikama unaapply dl direct ama
Can book for my DL again
Coz I missed the appointment date?
Yes you can
Hi
kindly help.I registered my account with ecitizen website and afterwards I created a tims account.Now whenever I try to register for smart DL in TIMS account I always get error.The cyber man told me my data from ecitizen haven’t been transferred to TIMS account.How can I transfer my data from ecitizen to my TIMS account? or do I have to visit the NTSA offices?
Which error are you getting?
Is my driving license ready
How can I obtain driving license for a motorbike
I have already registered tims acount what next?
If i took B1,B2 and C1 ,can they reflect on my one smart DL?
Yes,the new smart DL features the different classes….they’ll be integrated as per the classes. Eg A,B….
naeza book smart card driving license kwa cyber cafe
Yes, the most important thing is you remember you TIMS login details.
driving licence
What about the driving licence?
Kufungua TIMS account noma!!!!!saidieni bana
I accidentally wrote Kakamega as my DTU instead of Nairobi.
How can you help to change it
As long as you havent applied for the interim that can be changed
Is it a must you apply for an Interim license first? Can you just apply for the Smart DL direct from passing your driving test?
Yes its a must, the system is set in such a way that the step cannot be skipped
my interim licence please
mbona Tims account imekataa kufunguka n test nilipita
Reconfirm your password, username and ensure the code you are also getting is correctly entered