This article details how to apply for a smart dl in Kenya. You must have an eCitizen account to start, if you do not have, please go ahead and open one free of charge.
The eCitizen platform is a one-stop shop for government services from departments such as NTSA which is in charge of issuing and renewing driving licenses as well as registering car number plates.
You must have with you:
- Your KRA PIN
- Your phone and phone number
- KES 3,100 in MPESA
Apply for Smart DL step by step
This is the step-by-step process of getting your Smart DL. It is a very simple process:
- Log into your eCitizen account. A One Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your phone or email. So, make sure you have instant access to the phone number you used to register with. Use the password to confirm login.
- Click on NTSA. The system will generate a new pass code and send it to your phone or email, whichever you choose. Insert the code immediately since it expires in 5 minutes.
- Look for the option to Apply for Smart Driving License. Click on it.
- In the form that appears, enter the following: Place of Birth (as per your ID), Country of Residence, Physical Address (Name of place where you stay), KRA PIN, Blood Group (if you do not know, write Unknown), Biometrics Centre (the nearest Huduma Kenya centre where you will go for biometrics).
Once you have finished filling in the form click Next, where you will be directed to payments through MPESA.
Once you have sent your application, please make sure to go to the Huduma Kenya Centre that you chose for your biometrics, otherwise your Smart DL will not be processed.
Your Smart DL will be ready in a few days, with a maximum of 30 days. An SMS will be sent to your phone to confirm pickup.
Alternatively:
This is the second way how to apply for smart dl in Kenya. Go to any Huduma Kenya Centre of your choice with the following items and information:
Original and copies of your ID, Phone number, KRA PIN and Kshs 3,100 in your MPESA.
The NTSA agents at the centre will assist you to apply for the smart driving license. Your biometrics will be taken there and then. Afterwards wait for the SMS to confirm if it is ready for pickup.
The Smart DL expires after three years, and you have to renew it.
Driving license renewal for commercial vehicle drivers in Kenya
Driving license renewal was a simplified process before 2023 when the National Transport and Safety Authority introduced new requirements in June. Every commercial driver who wants to renew their license must now take a retest that is booked in advance.
Driver retest for renewal of driving license
All drivers who operate commercial and public service vehicles must now retest at the NTSA and pass the exam before their licences get renewed. A smart driving license expires after 3 years.
This is in a bid to take driver unruliness and promote road safety in Kenya as road accidents are known to cause at least 3,000 deaths every year.
The categories of vehicle categories that must undergo this mandator test are: B3, D1, D2, D3, C, C1, CE and CD.
You can do the retest at any NTSA Driver Test Unit across the country.
How to book NTSA driving license retest
To book for your retest:
- log into your eCitizen account and select the NTSA portal.
- Confirm your login into the NTSA portal using the code sent to your phone or email.
- Pay the required fee of KES 1050 via MPESA.
- A receipt will be generated after payment and a date set for the retest.
Once you are booked, you will do theory and oral exams at the centre you choose. The exam will come from the general content in the driver handbook syllabus that is used in driving schools.
Your results will then be uploaded onto you eCitizen account within 24 hours of retesting, so just check there instead of calling NTSA.
In case you fail, you can book to redo the exam. It is wise to do a refresher at a driving school before sitting for the retest if you feel you are not ready.
