How to Renew Your Driving Licence Online in Kenya (2026 Guide)

Gone are the days of long queues at Times Tower. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) now offers a fully online driving licence renewal process via the e-Citizen portal, streamlining what used to be a time-consuming task into a matter of minutes. 

What’s Changed?

The renewal process has been integrated into the government’s unified e-Citizen platform, eliminating the need to physically visit NTSA offices for many motorists. You can now:

• Log in and apply online using your national ID and e-Citizen credentials. 

• Pay fees electronically with M-Pesa, debit/credit cards, or other mobile money options. 

• Download and print proof of renewal immediately after payment. 

Step-by-Step Renewal on e-Citizen

1. Sign in or Register on e-Citizen

   Visit the e-Citizen portal and log in using your national ID number and password. If you don’t have an account, create one first. 

2. Access NTSA Services

   From the dashboard, select National Transport and Safety Authority and then Driving Licence Renewal. 

3. Confirm and Update Details

   Ensure that your name, ID number, and licence details are accurate. If your driving licence details aren’t linked to your KRA PIN or national ID, the system may not recognise your record — a known issue that can cause delays or lockouts. 

4. Choose Licence Duration and Pay

   Select whether you want a 1-year or 3-year renewal, and complete payment online. e-Citizen supports multiple payment methods at this stage. 

5. Download Your Renewal Slip

   Once payment is successful, download and print your renewal acknowledgment slip — this serves as your valid driving licence proof until the smart card is ready. 

6. Book Collection (If Required)

   For some renewals, particularly when biometric updates are necessary, the system will prompt you to book an appointment at a Huduma Centre or NTSA service centre for data capture — such as fingerprints and a new photo. 

Biometric Updates and Interim Documents

• If biometric capture is required (e.g., for a smart licence card), you’ll need to attend the appointment you booked. Your interim slip remains valid until the card is issued. 

• Smart Driving Licences now embed biometric data and a microchip for added security. 

Common Pitfalls & Tips

• Ensure e-Citizen details match official records: mismatches between your licence, KRA PIN and ID details can lead to system lockouts or delays; checking this ahead of time can save frustration. 

• Renew before expiry: renewing early avoids penalties and helps you remain compliant with traffic laws. 

• Have documents ready: if a biometric visit is needed, carry your national ID and renewal slip to the appointment. 

Why This Matters

This digital shift reflects wider government efforts to modernise public services, cutting red tape and giving motorists a faster, more convenient renewal experience without endless queues. By centralising services under e-Citizen, renewals can be completed remotely with secure payment and real-time acknowledgments — a significant upgrade from the traditional paper-based process.