NTSA physical logbook deadline: What happens if you don’t collect during specified time

Motor vehicle owners with physical logbooks stored at National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) offices have four months to collect their documents before the six-month holding period expires, according to a reminder issued by NTSA on August 11, 2026. The authority announced the six-month policy in June, and failure to collect the printed logbooks within the specified time frame could result in their disposal in line with NTSA's procedures.

The six-month deadline applies specifically to already printed physical logbooks that have not been collected by the owner. This deadline is distinct from the broader transition to the electronic motor vehicle registration certificate, or eLogbook. NTSA's initial notice in June emphasized that they "WILL NOT store currently printed and yet-to-be-collected logbooks for more than a period of six (6) months."

If a motorist fails to collect their physical logbook within the six-month period, they may encounter difficulties when seeking NTSA services that require the presentation of the document. To retrieve the logbook, the owner must visit the relevant NTSA office or collection point and present their previous logbook along with a valid identification document for verification. This process is free of charge.

It is important to note that despite NTSA's efforts to transition vehicle registration towards eLogbooks, already printed paper logbooks will not be converted into eLogbooks. Instead, eLogbooks are generated upon the owner's application, payment, and completion of a motor vehicle registration-related process. Access to the eLogbook is through the registered owner's personal NTSA Service Portal account, and only the registered owner can download it.

However, the transition to eLogbooks has faced legal challenges in court. The case, brought by Javan Onyango and Emmanuel Kiplagat, questioned the introduction of the electronic ownership system and raised concerns regarding privacy and cybersecurity. NTSA defended the system, stating that vehicle registration records have been electronic since 2014 through the TIMS system and that the eLogbook represents an administrative improvement rather than a fundamentally new registration framework.

For motorists, the immediate concern is straightforward: NTSA is urging owners to collect their already printed physical logbooks before the six-month storage period ends. Additionally, motorists are reminded not to disclose their ID, vehicle, or account details to third parties claiming to offer eLogbook services.