The Traffic Act provides that no motor vehicle shall be used on a road unless the identification plates are fixed in the prescribed manner. Vehicle registration plates (number plates) are usually made from metal or plastic and attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for identification purposes. Throughout the centuries of automobile use, number plates have become an essential tool for protecting drivers. They allow for the identification of vehicles caught in accidents and effective enforcement of the law on the road. If you have recently lost or damaged your number plate, there is no need to panic because they can be replaced.
Requirements when applying for number plate replacement
Here are the requiremets when applying for number plate replacement.
- Original logbook.
- Police abstract.
- Identity card or passport of registered vehicle owner (should match the name on the logbook).
- Original and copy of certificate of incorporation/Business Registration Certificate (for companies).
Requirements when collecting your number plate
Here are the requirements when collecting your number plate.
- Old number plates (for damaged plates only).
- Police abstract.
- Original ID or passport of registered vehicle owner.
- Original ID or passport of the persona authorized to collect the number plates.
- Letter of authority to collect (for companies).
Process for replacing a lost/defaced number plate
Here is the process for replacing a lost/damaged number plate.
- Report the loss/damage to a police station and obtain a police abstract.
- Visit the nearest DCI office and request a tape-lifting report. Tape lifting is the process that the DCI uses to verify your vehicle’s chassis and engine numbers to confirm that the details match with your registration documents. They then write a report of their findings.
- Head over to NTSA portal and sign in.
- Select “Apply for Reflective Number plate”.
- Select the car in question and under operation, click on “Apply”.
- Select either “Lost” or “Defaced”.
- Choose the type of plate you are applying for, either “Square” or “Oblong”.
- Fill out all the spaces, specifying if you are replacing the front or back number plate, or both.
- Next, upload the DCI tape lifting report, as well as a copy of your logbook.
- Indicate the station which you wish to pick the number plate from.
- The next step is to make the payment, which can be done via M-Pesa. Replacing one number plate will cost you Ksh 1,150 and Ksh 2,050 for both.
- Submit your application and wait for notification from NTSA when your number plate is ready.
Note:
- NTSA advises that you print out your number plate and fix it on your screen (not on your number plate holders).
- Most importantly, carry this documentation (preferably copies) with you at all times, in case you get stopped by the police on the road. You will easily be able to prove that you are in the process of getting new license plates.
