Smart DLThe Government of Kenya, through Huduma Kenya in partnership with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), has announced that smart driving licence biometric services are now available at 15 selected Huduma Centres across the country.
The initiative aims to make it easier for motorists to apply for or upgrade to the modern Smart Driving Licence without having to travel long distances.
In Nairobi County, the services are offered at the General Post Office (GPO) Huduma Centre and Kibra.
“Other regions providing the service include Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Garissa, Machakos, Embu, Meru, Kakamega, Eldoret, Thika, Kericho, Nakuru, and Kisii,” read a notice in their X handle on Friday.
The Smart Driving Licence is a card-based driving licence with enhanced security features, including a microchip storing biometric and identification data, a digital photograph, signature, driver class, and traffic offence record.
It is intended to replace the older red booklet licences and integrate with NTSA’s Transport Integrated Management System (TIMS), enhancing security and streamlining verification for law enforcement and other agencies.
To apply, motorists must first register or log in to the NTSA TIMS portal using their Kenyan National Identity Card, KRA PIN, and phone number.
From the portal, applicants select the option to apply for or renew a Smart Driving Licence and make the necessary payment for the processing fee.
Once payment is completed, applicants can book an appointment at a Huduma Centre for biometric capture.
At the appointment, the applicant is required to present their National ID, old driving licence if upgrading, and payment receipt.
NTSA officials then capture fingerprints, a digital photograph, a signature, and other biometric information.
After the biometric data has been captured, applicants receive a confirmation via SMS when their Smart Driving Licence is ready for collection from the chosen Huduma Centre.
The cost of the three-year Smart Driving Licence is Sh3,050, which covers the application, processing, and issuance of the card.
Renewal of the licence also carries the same fee.
Applicants are advised to ensure that their TIMS account is active and that all required documents are in order before attending the biometric appointment.
As the biometric services are only available at selected Huduma Centres, motorists are encouraged to book appointments early to secure preferred slots.
