What it is and Why It Matters
When it comes to owning a vehicle in Kenya, ensuring that the details on your logbook match the car you’re driving is a step that can safeguard you against fraud. One key process that guarantees this authenticity is tape lifting, a verification procedure carried out by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in partnership with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
What is Tape Lifting?
Tape lifting is a forensic method used by the DCI to confirm that a vehicle’s chassis number and engine number match the information in its official registration records.
Here’s how it works:
- A special carbon paper is placed over the engraved numbers on the vehicle.
- Adhesive tape is pressed onto the surface, lifting an exact impression of the identifiers.
- The impression is compared against NTSA records.
- If everything matches, the DCI issues a tape lift report
This simple but crucial step helps protect buyers, sellers, and institutions from logbook forgery, cloned vehicles, and fraudulent ownership transfers.
Why is Tape Lifting Important?
- Verify Vehicle Particulars – Confirms the authenticity of chassis and engine numbers.
- Combat Fraud – Prevents forgery, cloning, and illegal transfers of vehicle ownership.
- Support Documentation – Provides an official report needed for NTSA transactions.
By closing the loopholes around fake logbooks and tampered numbers, tape lifting is a cornerstone of Kenya’s broader effort to protect motorists.
When Do You Need Tape Lifting?
A tape lift report is required in several common scenarios:
- Applying for a duplicate logbook.
- Replacing a lost or damaged number plate.
- After a vehicle engine replacement.
- During a forced ownership transfer, such as in auctions or repossessions.
Step-by-Step: How It’s Done
- Present the vehicle to a DCI officer.
- The DCI officer places carbon paper over the chassis and engine numbers.
- The DCI officer applies the adhesive tape to lift the impression.
- The DCI officer Inspects and verifies the lifted numbers against NTSA records.
- Receive an official tape lift report once the process is complete.
The procedure is quick, though it’s wise to set aside a day, as timelines may vary by office workload.
FAQs
1. What is tape lifting, and why is it required in Kenya?
Tape lifting is a verification process conducted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to ensure a vehicle’s physical identifiers, such as the chassis number, engine number, and number plates, match its official registration documents. It’s required to prevent fraud, ensure vehicle authenticity, and maintain the integrity of vehicle transactions in Kenya.
2. When do I need to undergo the tape lifting process?
You’ll need to undergo tape lifting in several situations, including when you’re applying for a duplicate logbook, replacing a lost number plate, undergoing an engine replacement, or conducting a forced transfer of vehicle ownership during an auction.
3. What documents do I need for the tape lifting process?
For a successful tape lifting process, you’ll need to provide a police abstract (in cases of loss or theft), a sworn affidavit detailing the necessity of the tape lift, and the vehicle’s registration documents. Upon completion, you’ll receive a tape lift report from the DCI.
4. How long does the tape lifting process take?
The duration of the tape lifting process can vary depending on the specific circumstances and workload at the DCI office. It’s advisable to allocate at least a day for the process, although it might be completed in a shorter period. It’s best to contact the nearest DCI office for the most accurate time estimate.
5. What is forced transfer NTSA?
A forced transfer at the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in Kenya typically refers to a mandatory change of vehicle ownership initiated under specific circumstances, rather than through a voluntary sale or transfer by the owner.