Notifying and Cancelling Other Services
If the deceased owned a car or other vehicle(s) you will need to make decisions about whether they will be sold or ownership transferred.
You will need to notify Service SA of the death before taking any further steps – a death certificate or letter from a solicitor will be required at the time of lodging the notification.
People who need to transfer vehicle registration as part of a settling a deceased estate include:
· Joint owners
· One or more beneficiaries
· Someone purchasing the vehicle
Information about transferring registration due to death can be found HERE
Contact Service SA if the vehicle has number plate rights assigned or is conditionally registered (eg a historical or special purpose vehicle).
If a joint owner has died the vehicle registration will automatically transfer to the surviving owner but Service SA must be notified.
The will may contain specific instructions about the distribution of cars and other vehicles. Registration being transferred to a beneficiary may be fully or partially exempt from stamp duty.
Transfer of vehicle registration can only occur once a grant of probate or letters of administration are obtained.
It is not recommended to drive the deceased person’s car. Even if the vehicle is insured, both the estate and the driver may become liable for damages resulting from an accident.
If the car was owned under a lease agreement, then you will need to speak to the leasing company to get an understanding of the lease agreement in place and to determine if the agreement will continue and payments made.
Disclaimer: All estate management information provided in this document is general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. Please seek independent, specific legal advice from Your Estate Lawyer for your unique situation.