How To Check Number Plate Status at NTSA: Step-by-Step Guide

    Disclaimer: This blog is an independent informational resource. It is not affiliated with any government agency, including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
  

Are you wondering whether your new or replacement number plate is ready for collection? You’re not alone. Thousands of Kenyans apply for number plates through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) each year, and many are left asking the same question: “How do I know if my number plate is ready?”

In this detailed guide, we will walk you through how to check number plate status at NTSA online, step by step, using the official NTSA service status portal. We’ll also provide helpful tips, answer frequently asked questions, and show you what to do if your number plate is delayed.

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What is the NTSA Number Plate Status Check?

The NTSA Number Plate Status Check is an online tool that allows vehicle owners to check whether their new or replacement number plates are ready for collection. It eliminates the need to visit NTSA offices physically or make endless phone calls.

Through this service, you can:

Verify if your number plate is printed and available
Know the NTSA office where it’s ready for pickup
Avoid unnecessary trips to NTSA branches

When Should You Check Number Plate Status?

You should check the status of your number plate if:

You recently registered a new vehicle
You applied for a replacement number plate
You requested digital plates (new high-security reflective plates)
You changed your car’s number plate due to theft or damage

Usually, NTSA takes a few days to process number plate applications, depending on volume and location. Instead of waiting blindly, you can check the real-time status using NTSA’s official platform.

Step-by-Step: How To Check Number Plate Status at NTSA

Step 1: Visit the NTSA Official Website – https://www.ntsa.go.ke

Start by opening your internet browser and going to the official NTSA website. Once you’re on the homepage, you’ll see a range of services, announcements and navigation options. This is where you begin your search.

Step 2: Navigate to “Online Services” > “Other Services”

On the NTSA homepage:

Look at the main menu bar at the top.
Hover your cursor over “Online Services.”
A drop-down menu will appear. From that list, click on “Other Services.”

This option leads to lesser-known but important services like checking plate status, driving test results, and more.

Tip: If the page doesn’t load quickly, be patient or refresh. The NTSA portal can experience high traffic during working hours.

Step 3: Click on “Uncollected Number Plates”

After clicking “Other Services,” scroll to find a link titled “Uncollected Number Plates”. Clicking this will redirect you to NTSA’s status tracking page at: https://servicestatus.ntsa.go.ke/

This is the official page where number plate status information is updated regularly.

Step 4: Enter Your Vehicle’s Number Plate

You will see a simple form labeled “Search for Uncollected Number Plates.” Here, you need to:

Type your full number plate in the correct format: e.g., KDD123B
Do not add spaces or hyphens
Avoid using lowercase letters or unnecessary characters

Example: Enter “KDC456A” not “kdc 456 a” or “KDC-456A”

Tip: Double-check your entry. A small typo will lead to no results being found.

Step 5: Select Search Option – Choose “Number Plate”

On the input box, you’ll see a dropdown with search criteria. Select: “Number Plate” as the search option.

This tells the system that you’re querying based on a vehicle number plate.

Step 6: Click “Search Number Plate” to View Status at NTSA

Once you’ve entered the correct number plate and selected “Number Plate”: Click the “Search Number” button. If your number plate is ready for collection, a popup message will appear like this:

“Dear esteemed client, your Number plate is ready for collection at ……. NTSA OFFICE. Kindly collect your number plates during weekdays. Carry your identification document(s) and old number plate.”

You can then click “OK” to close the message. If the number plate is not ready, the system will not show this message.

Tip: If you get no result, wait a few days and check again. Plates are uploaded to the system in batches.

Step 7: Visit the NTSA Office to Collect Your Number Plate

Once confirmed, proceed to the NTSA branch specified in the message. In our example, it’s the NTSA Office, but it may also be Upper Hill, Mombasa, Kisumu, or others depending on your location.

What to Carry When Collecting Number Plates at NTSA:

Your original ID card
Your old number plate(s) if it’s a replacement

Note: Collection of Number Plates at NTSA is only available during weekdays (Monday to Friday), between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Knowing how to check number plate status at NTSA can save you time, money, and the frustration of visiting offices unnecessarily. By following the official online process, you stay informed and compliant with traffic laws.

Use the NTSA status portal regularly after applying for new or replacement number plates, and once confirmed, collect promptly to avoid fines for driving without valid plates.