Deceased estates and transferring vehicle registration
This step-by-step guide will help you transfer or cancel vehicle registration when someone close to you dies.
Our strict process to do this protects:
• the deceased person’s estate from fraudulent or malicious dealings
• all registered operators from unauthorised transfers on the basis that they’re deceased when they’re not.
Advising Transport for NSW of a death
NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages usually notifies Transport for NSW (TfNSW) of a person's death, but this can take some time.
If the person’s death is not recorded in our system, you must provide one of the following:
- death certificate (original or copy)
- newspaper death notice
- a letter from a solicitor or the NSW Trustee and Guardian – advising that the person is deceased
- completed Advice of Death form (1634) form – accompanied by any proof of identity document of the deceased person
- Presumption of Death Order issued by the Supreme Court (original or copy) – if the person is missing presumed deceased. An Advice of Death form cannot be used in this situation.
Transferring or cancelling registration
When the registered operator of a vehicle passes away, the registration needs to be either transferred to a new registered operator or cancelled.
The registration may be transferred into the name of one of the following:
- an executor or administrator of the estate
- a beneficiary – as advised by the executor or administrator
- the surviving joint registered operator
- the next of kin
- to a buyer
You will need to provide the original or copy of the will, probate or letters of administration.
Alternatively, a signed, written advice from a solicitor or NSW Trustee & Guardian.
You don’t need to pay transfer fee and stamp duty.
If the registration has not been transferred to the executor or administrator, you will need to provide the documents detailed in the section above. You will also need written advice from them confirming the beneficiary.
You don’t need to pay transfer fee and stamp duty.
You must complete a Statutory Declaration. If the next of kin is under 18 years of age the statutory declaration must be completed by the guardian of the child.
You don’t need to pay transfer fee and stamp duty.
No additional documentation is required.
You don’t need to pay transfer fee and stamp duty.
You will need to provide Proof of Registration Entitlement.
You will need to pay transfer fee and stamp duty.
You will need to provide the original or copy of the will, probate or letters of administration.
Alternatively, a signed, written advice from a solicitor or NSW Trustee & Guardian.
Fees may apply if there is a change of registration usage e.g. Change from private to business use.