Introduction
If you need to transfer a vessel registration to another person because the vessel owner is deceased, you can do this at a service centre.
What you need
- your proof of identity
- the PDF form – 'Application for Transfer of Vessel Registration'
- ONE of the following pieces of documentation confirming the deceased's status:
- the death certificate (original or copy)
- a newspaper death notice
- a letter from a solicitor or the NSW Trustee & Guardian advising that the person is deceased
- a completed Advice of Death form 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).
In addition:
If there is a Will, and
- the vessel is being transferred to a beneficiary or executor:
- a copy of the relevant section of the will or probate document naming the new operator as the beneficiary or executor, or
- signed, written advice from a solicitor.
- the vessel is being transferred to the surviving joint registered operator (if previously registered in two names):
- a copy of the relevant section of the will or probate document and a letter, signed by both parties, outlining the agreement between the beneficiary/executor and the surviving joint registered operator, or
- signed, written advice from a solicitor including details of the agreement.
If there is not a Will, and
- the vessel is being transferred to the administrator of the estate:
- a copy of the Letter of Administration, issued by the Supreme Court (if available), or
- a Statutory Declaration completed by the administrator stating that they are the appointed administrator of the estate.
- the vessel is being transferred to the surviving joint registered operator or the next of kin:
- a Statutory Declaration completed by the surviving joint operator stating:
- their relationship with the deceased (eg husband or wife of deceased)
- 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).
- a Statutory Declaration completed by the surviving joint operator stating:
How to transfer
- Download and complete the Application for Transfer of Vessel Registration – PDF.
- Download and complete the Advice of Death – PDF (if applicable).
- Gather all supporting documents.
- Visit a service centre and submit your application.
More information
- Stamp duty and transfer fees don't apply if the vessel is transferred into the name of one of the following:
- a beneficiary or executor nominated in a will
- the administrator of the estate
- the surviving joint registered operator
- the next of kin
- a different proven beneficiary in a subsequent transfer. (For example, if the registration is transferred into the name of a person listed above, and then subsequently transferred to a different proven beneficiary.)
- If the vessel is disposed of/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.
Last updated: 11 June 2020