Introduction
If you need to transfer a vehicle registration into your name because the vehicle owner has died, you can do this at a Service NSW Centre.
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
What you need
- your proof of identity
- a completed Application for Transfer of Registration – PDF
- one of the following:
- the death certificate (original or copy)
- newspaper death notice
- online newspaper notification (the live link)
- a letter from a solicitor or the NSW Trustee and Guardian advising that the person is deceased
- a completed Advice of Death – PDF together with a proof of identity document of the deceased
- in the case of a missing person presumed deceased, a 'Presumption of Death Order' issued by the Supreme Court (original or copy)
- You may need additional documents depending on to whom the transfer is happening.
Transferring to the executor or administrator
You will need to provide the original or copy of the will, probate, or letters of administration.
If you don't have these, you will need to provide signed, written advice from a solicitor or NSW Trustee & Guardian.
Note: For this type of transfer you don’t need to pay transfer fee and stamp duty.
Transferring to a beneficiary
If the registration has not been transferred to the executor or administrator, you will need to provide:
- the original or copy of the will, probate, or letters of administration, or
- signed, written advice from a solicitor or NSW Trustee & Guardian.
You will also need to provide signed advice from the administrator or executor confirming the name of the beneficiary.
Note: For this type of transfer you don’t need to pay transfer fee and stamp duty.
Transferring to the next of kin
The next of kin must must complete a Statutory Declaration – PDF stating:
- their relationship with the deceased (for example, spouse, sibling, child)
- that to their knowledge there is no administrator for the estate
- that to their knowledge there is no will
- the reason they are entitled to transfer the registration into their name
- that there is no other closer relative who would be given preference or is entitled to the registration (if transferring to next of kin).
If the next of kin is under 18 years of age the statutory declaration must be completed by the guardian of the child.
Note: For this type of transfer you don’t need to pay transfer fee and stamp duty.
Transferring to the surviving joint operator
No additional documentation is required.
Note: For this type of transfer you don’t need to pay transfer fee and stamp duty.
Transferring to a buyer
You will need to provide Proof of Registration Entitlement.
Note: For this type of transfer you will need to pay transfer fee and stamp duty.
Cancelling the registration
You will need to provide the original or copy of the will, probate, or letters of administration.
If you don't have these, you will need to provide signed, written advice from a solicitor or NSW Trustee & Guardian.
Note: For this type of transfer you may need to pay a fee.
How to transfer
- Gather the required documents.
- Visit a service centre and submit your application.
More information
- If the vehicle is disposed of or sold without being transferred to a person named in a will or other acceptable document, the new operator must meet the normal requirements to transfer the registration.
- Transport for NSW has strict requirements for transfers in order to protect:
- 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.