How to Apply for a PSV Driver Badge in Kenya
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Kenya’s National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) handles applications for public service vehicle driver badges. Start from the official NTSA website and its eCitizen-linked service portal. A PSV badge application is separate from obtaining the correct driving licence and from licensing the vehicle or transport operator.
What to prepare
Have your national identification document, a valid driving licence for the vehicle category, a certificate of good conduct and a recent passport-style photograph ready. You also need access to your eCitizen account and the phone or email used for account verification.
The documents and checks shown for your particular PSV category are important. Do not assume that a general driving licence alone qualifies you for every type of passenger vehicle. Confirm any medical, training or additional category requirements with NTSA before paying.
Application steps
- Open the official service. Visit NTSA and follow its online-service link, or use the NTSA service portal. Sign in through the official eCitizen process.
- Find the PSV badge service. Select the driver application and the category that matches the intended work. Do not select a conductor service or a vehicle/operator licence by mistake. Menu labels can change as NTSA updates its portal.
- Confirm who submits the application. If you will work under a SACCO or transport company, ask the organisation and NTSA whether it must submit or endorse your application through its account.
- Complete the details and attachments. Ensure the identity and driving-licence information matches your documents. Upload clear, complete copies in the formats requested by the portal.
- Review the invoice. Check the application type, applicant details and current charge before paying through the official payment instructions. Save the receipt and application reference.
- Track the outcome. Return to the portal to check status and any request for corrections. Download the issued document if the service provides it, or follow NTSA’s collection instructions. A payment receipt is not proof that a badge has been approved.
Fees, delays and follow-up
Use the amount displayed on the current NTSA invoice. Older articles quote charges and same-day processing times that should not be treated as a promise for a new application.
If the application stalls, use the official NTSA contact page and provide the reference and receipt. Do not post your identity documents publicly or pay an unofficial “activation” charge.
Tip: Resolve a wrong licence category or a document mismatch before resubmitting. A second payment will not necessarily correct the original problem.
