How to Replace a Lost Logbook in Kenya (2025 Edition) – A Short Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’ve lost your logbook? Pole sana, but don’t panic. It’s not the end of the road, literally. NTSA has made the process digital and stress-free (well, almost), and less shady than the old-school days of endless queues and “chai kidogo.”  

Forget those long queues at Times Tower; now it’s all about eCitizen and a few smart moves. Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible. 

Why This Matters

Your logbook is like your car’s birth certificate. No logbook = no proof of ownership. You can’t sell your car, can’t transfer ownership, and if you’re thinking of using the car as collateral for a loan, forget kabisa. So, replacing it ASAP is a must.

Step 1: Report the Loss – Hii ni lazima

Before you even think of NTSA, enda police station. Tell them your logbook is lost or stolen. They’ll issue you a Police Abstract, which is your official “I didn’t sell it to my ex” receipt. This document proves you reported the loss and is a non-negotiable requirement for NTSA.

👉 Pro tip: If your logbook is just damaged (not lost), you can skip the abstract, but you’ll still need to explain why it looks like it survived El Niño (that is, you must swear an affidavit with a lawyer stating the logbook is damaged and you’re the rightful owner.)

Step 2: Get a Tape Lift Report – DCI Manenos

Next, head to the DCI offices for a tape lift. This is where they check your car’s chassis and engine numbers to confirm they match NTSA records. 

Why? To make sure you’re not trying to register a stolen Subaru or a ghost car. Carry your ID and the actual car (yes, physically). No car, no tape lift.

Step 3: Sworn Affidavit

Now, find a lawyer (or your cousin who’s an advocate) and swear an affidavit stating: 

• The logbook is lost or damaged 
• You’re the rightful owner 

This is a legal must-have. Without it, NTSA won’t even look at your application. Expect to pay around KSh 500+, depending on who you’re dealing with.

Step 4: Scan & Combine Documents

By now, you should have:

✔ Police Abstract✔ Tape Lift Report✔ Sworn Affidavit✔ Copy of your ID (or Certificate of Incorporation for companies) 

Combine these into one neat PDF. NTSA loves order. If your scans look like they were taken with a kabambe, they might have a hard time verifying your info, and your application might not go through.

Step 5: Log in to eCitizen (or Create an Account)

Welcome to the digital era. Forget those long queues at Times Tower. Everything is now on eCitizen. 

1. Log in to eCitizen

• Head over to ecitizen.go.ke and sign in to your account.
• Don’t have one yet? No stress, just register using your ID number, email, and phone number. It’s quick and painless.
• Once you’re in, you’ll land on your dashboard.

2. Access the NTSA Portal

• From your dashboard, scroll through the list of government services and click on “National
• Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)”.
• Next, select “NTSA Service Portal (New)” to proceed.

3. Select Motor Vehicle Services

• Inside the NTSA section, look for “Motor Vehicle Services” and hit “View”.
• This will open a menu with several options.

4. Choose Duplicate Logbook

• Scroll down until you see “Duplicate Logbook” and click “Next.”
• You’ll be asked why you need a duplicate, pick “Lost” or “Damaged” and add a short explanation like “Lost during house move” or “Pages torn and unreadable.”

5. Upload Your Documents

• Attach your combined PDF (police abstract, tape lift report, affidavit, and ID copy).
• Double-check that the file uploads successfully, blurry scans or incomplete files will get you rejected.

6. Pick a Collection Point

• Choose where you want to collect your new logbook, NTSA Upper Hill HQ or your nearest Huduma Centre.

7. Authorise a Collector

• Enter the name and ID number of the person who will pick up the logbook. It can be you or someone you trust.

8. Review and Pay

• Scroll down, tick the declaration box to agree to the terms, and click “Preview” to confirm your details.
• If everything looks good, hit “Submit.”
• You’ll then be directed to pay KSh 2,600 (KSh 2,500 fee + KSh 50 eCitizen charge + KSh 50 convenience fee) via M-Pesa or card.

9. Get Confirmation

• Once payment is complete, click “Complete.”
• You’ll receive an SMS or email with a reference number. NTSA promises processing within three working days (but give it up to 14 days, just in case).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Uploading blurry documents
• Forgetting to authorise a collector 
• Using someone else’s eCitizen account (ownership drama incoming) 

Ready for the Next Move?

Replacing a lost logbook in Kenya is no longer a nightmare. It’s all online, fast (ish), and straightforward if you follow the steps. So, usipanic, just do it as soon as it is lost. 

And of course, once your logbook drama is sorted, why not upgrade your ride? Peach Cars makes it easy to buy, sell, or trade in your car with transparent pricing, 288-point inspections, and 24-hour financing options.

👉 Browse cars now on Peach Cars and let’s get you rolling bila stress.