Step 18 - Value Cars & Arrange for Sale
Last updated: November 2018
Why is this important?
This step explains everything you need to know about the various types of vehicle ownership and valuation. Once you understand this Step, you will be able to make important decisions surrounding the vehicles and if they will be transferred, kept or sold during the administration process.
simplyEstate is here to help with the process. Contact us via email or book a first free phone appointment.
Approximate Effort & Cost
Reading: 25 mins
Completing: 1-3 hrs
Total: 1:20-3:20 hrs
Cost: $0 -$500
Effort and cost are general estimates only and are based on the assumption that you complete this step without specialist help.
Glossary
Forms
Cancel Vehicle Registration and Return Number Plates
Form VL14 – Lost/Stolen Number Plates Notification
Refunds
Form C2 – Application for Refund
Transfer of vehicle Registration
Form MR172 – Statutory Declaration Deceased Estates; or
Form MR9 – Notification of Change of Vehicle Ownership
Transfer to Surviving Joint Owner
Form MR172 – Statutory Declaration Deceased Estates
Return Driver’s License
Form C – Advice of Death
Cancel Vehicle Registration and Return Number Plates
Number plates and/or cancellation of registration Form
Transfer of Vehicle Registration
Transfer of Registration Form
Return Driver’s License and Claim Refund
Cancellation and refund request Form
Cancel Vehicle Registration and Return Number Plates
Authority to act as an agent Form
Return Driver’s License
Form F4778 – Return/Surrender Declaration
Cancel Vehicle Registration and Return Number Plates
Form F3520 – Vehicle Registration Transfer Application; and
Executor Statutory Declaration; or
Administrator or Next of Kin Statutory Declaration
18.1 Overview
You and the Beneficiaries will need to decide how the vehicles will be dealt with depending on the ownership and the Will. You may need to:
- determine ownership of the vehicles;
- check if the Will mentions how the vehicles are to be distributed;
- agree how the vehicles will be distributed;
- decide if the vehicles are to be sold and the cash proceeds distributed;
- determine if any maintenance is needed to get a higher sale price or valuation; and
- update the simplyEstate Assets & Liabilities Inventory.
Contents
18.2 Types of Ownership
18.3 The Will (if Available)
18.4 Value the Car and Other Vehicles
18.5 Sell the Car and Other Vehicles
18.6 Return Driver’s License and Number Plates
18.7 Driving a Deceased Person’s Car Before Transfer
18.8 Processes for Vehicle Transfer, Driver’s License and Number Plates
18.9 Actions and Decisions to Complete Step
18.2 Types of Ownership
18.2.1 Sole Ownership
If the deceased person was the sole owner of the car and other vehicles, then those vehicles will generally fall within the estate and either its sale proceeds or the vehicles will be distributed as outlined in the Will or based on the State/Territory legislation.
18.2.2 Joint Ownership
If the deceased person owned the car and other vehicles with another person jointly, then those vehicles will in most instances pass to the surviving joint owner. You should share this information with the surviving owner, so the vehicle can be transferred into their sole ownership as per instructions by State/Territory at the end of this Step below.
Further instructions about the vehicles and distribution may be noted in the Will.
Where both joint owners have passed, those vehicles will generally fall within the estate.
18.2.3 Leasing
If the deceased person owned the car and other vehicles under a leasing agreement, then you will need to review the lease contract and talk to the leasing company. In most instances the agreement would still continue and agreed payments may need to be maintained unless you can negotiate a deferral of payments until the deceased estate is fully administered.
18.3 The Will (if Available)
The Will may contain specific details and instructions about the distribution of the car and other vehicles. It needs to be noted that the requests in the Will should be upheld to the extent permitted by law.
18.4 Value the Car and Other Vehicles
As with all assets and liabilities of the estate, you will need to get a good understanding of the car and other vehicle’s value for the purposes of tax, Grant of Probate application and final distribution. A general rule is to either get a valuation by an independent specialist for a fee, or three valuations by independent dealerships to give you an average valuation.
Note: the value of all assets and liabilities are as at the date of death.
18.5 Sell the Car and Other Vehicles
It is not uncommon that the Executor or Administrator either require to or wish to sell the car and other vehicles and then distribute the cash proceeds.
It needs to be noted that a vehicle license transfer may only occur once a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration are obtained from the Supreme Court (see Step 27 – Apply for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration).
simplyEstate is here to help.
Contact us via email or book your free first phone appointment.
18.6 Return Driver’s License and Number Plates
You should return the driver’s license of the deceased and number plates of vehicles registered solely under the deceased person, which won’t be used. You may be able to claim a refund of the remaining part of the fees paid in some States/Territories.
If a refund is applicable, it will need to be paid into the deceased person’s estate and registered on the simplyEstate Assets & Liabilities Inventory. More on how to create a deceased person’s estate bank account can be found in Step 19 – Deal with Banks & Finances.
18.7 Driving a Deceased Person’s Car Before Transfer
It is not recommended to drive a deceased person’s car that was not yet transferred and insured under the intended owner.
Even if the vehicle is insured, both the estate and the driver may become liable for damages resulting from an accident.
18.8 Processes for Vehicle Transfer, Driver’s License and Number Plates
simplyEstate has compiled the most common information and process by State/Territory to help you as follows:
Department of Transport
Phone: 13 11 56
Address: Find a location near you here
Notification of Death
The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages informs the Department of Transport of all deaths in the state periodically. However, if this has not occurred or you want to register it sooner, you can visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre, regional Department of Transport office or authorised agent and provide a certified copy of the Death Certificate.
Return Driver’s License
You can return the deceased person’s driver’s license at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre, regional Department of Transport office or authorised agent.
Cancel Vehicle Registration and Return Number Plates
Complete Form VL14 – Lost/Stolen Number Plates Notification and bring it along or post it with the number plates:
- in person: Find a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or regional Agent near you; or
- by post: Driver and Vehicle Services, Returned number plates, GPO Box R1290, Perth WA 6844
Refunds
Form C2 – Application for Refund
Transfer of vehicle Registration
For any vehicle registration being transferred from the deceased person, the Executor or Administrator is required to provide the current license papers and a completed Form MR172 – Statutory Declaration Deceased Estates.
Fees With a Will
- Beneficiary: If the transfer of the vehicle is to a person as stated in the Will, the Beneficiary will need to pay a transfer fee and a reduced rate of vehicle licence duty.
- Non-Beneficiary: If the transfer of the vehicle is to a person other than stated in the Will, the non-Beneficiary will pay a transfer fee and the full rate of vehicle licence duty.
Fees Without a Will:
- Next of Kin: If the transfer of the vehicle is to a Next of Kin where there is no Will, the Next of Kin will pay a transfer fee and a nominal rate of vehicle licence duty.
- Non-Next of Kin: If the transfer of the vehicle is to a person other than a Next of Kin where there is no Will, a Form MR9 – Notification of Change of Vehicle Ownership should also be completed and the Non-Next of Kin will pay full vehicle licence duty and transfer fees.
Transfer to Surviving Joint Owner
If the surviving joint owner is a Next of Kin then the Form MR172 – Statutory Declaration Deceased Estates should be completed and the Next of Kin will pay the transfer fee and a nominal rate of vehicle licence duty.
Website
For more information about transfer of vehicles and vessels, please see the Department of Transport website here.
Roads and Maritime Services
Phone: 13 22 13
Address: Find a location near you here
Notification of Death
The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages informs Roads and Maritime Services of all deaths in the state periodically. However, if this has not occurred or you want to register it sooner, you can complete the following:
- Form C – Advice of Death;
- Proof of Identity of the Executor or Administrator; and
- Proof of Identity of the Deceased Person.
Return Driver’s License
You can return the deceased person’s driver’s license at a Service Centre with proof of the death such as:
- Form C – Advice of Death;
- Proof of Identity of the Executor or Administrator; and
- Proof of Identity of the Deceased Person.
Cancel Vehicle Registration and Return Number Plates
Complete Number plates and/or cancellation of registration Form and bring the following:
- proof of your identity;
- the Certificate of Registration for the vehicle, if possible; and
- the number plates.
Return in Person at a location near you here
Transfer of Vehicle Registration
For any vehicle registration being transferred from the deceased person, the Executor or Administrator should complete and provide a Transfer of Registration Form.
Transfer With a Will
Beneficiary or Executor: The new owner will need to provide one of the following:
- a copy of the Will stating the relevant section;
- a copy of the Grant of Probate stating the relevant section; or
- signed, written advice from a solicitor.
Surviving joint vehicle owner: The Executor and surviving joint owner should provide a letter signed by both parties outlining the agreement between the Beneficiary/Executor and the surviving joint owner and one of the following:
- a copy of the Will stating the relevant section;
- a copy of the Grant of Probate stating the relevant section; or
- signed, written advice from a solicitor.
Transfer Without a Will
Administrator: The new owner will need to provide:
- a copy of the Letters of Administration issued by the Supreme Court; or
- a Statutory Declaration stating they are appointed as Administrator of the deceased estate.
Surviving joint vehicle owner and Next of Kin: The surviving joint owner or Next of Kin wanting to transfer the vehicle into their name should complete a Statutory Declaration stating:
- their relationship to the deceased;
- that no Administrator was appointed for the estate;
- that no Will is in place; and
- why they are entitled to transfer the vehicle registration into their name and there is no other Next of Kin who would be given preference.
Website
For more information about transfer of vehicles and vessels, please see:
VicRoads
Phone: 13 11 71
Address: Find a location near you here
Your Proof of Identity
If you are dealing with VicRoads representing the deceased estate as the Executor or Administrator you will always need to provide:
- proof of identification such as a driver’s license; and
one of the following: - a copy of the Will stating the relevant section;
- a copy of the Grant of Probate stating the relevant section;
- a copy of the Letters of Administration, stating the relevant section; or
- a Statutory Declaration stating that no Will and no Executor are in place and that they are entitled to represent the deceased estate.
Notification of Death
The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages informs VicRoads of all deaths in the state periodically. However, it is recommended to notify VicRoads as soon as possible by submitting a certified copy of the Death Certificate ─
- by post: VicRoads, GPO Box 1644, Melbourne VIC 3001; or
- in person: at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre near you here
Return Driver’s License and Claim Refund
You can return the deceased person’s driver’s license by post or in person by providing
- the deceased person’s driver’s licence;
- a certified copy of the Death Certificate; and
- a completed Cancellation and refund request Form.
Cancel Vehicle Registration and Return Number Plates
You can cancel a registration and return number plates in person by providing:
- a completed Authority to act as an agent Form; and
- the number plates, at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
Transfer of Vehicle Registration
Refer to the table and forms contained in the Deceased Estate Pack here.
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Phone: 13 23 80
Address: Find a location near you here
Return Driver’s License
You will need to complete a Form F4778 – Return/Surrender Declaration and can return the deceased person’s driver’s license:
- in person: at a Transport and Motoring Service Centre near you here; or
- by post: Department of Transport and Main Roads, Customer Services Branch Central Operations and Support (Driver Licence Refunds), PO Box 525, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Refunds
To obtain a refund of the unexpired portion of the driver’s licence, you will need to apply in writing to the Department of Transport and Main Roads by post with the following:
- name and address of the Executor or Administrator;
- a copy of the receipt obtained when returning the driver’s licence of the deceased person;
and a certified copy of one of the following: - Death Certificate;
- Funeral notice;
- Coroner’s report;
- Grant of Probate; or
- Advice from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages;
Post: Department of Transport and Main Roads, Customer Services Branch Central Operations and Support (Driver Licence Refunds), PO Box 525
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
To obtain a refund for the unexpired portion of the registration and compulsory third-party insurance, follow the steps outlined below under Cancel vehicle registration & return number plates.
Surviving Joint Vehicle Owner
A surviving joint owner can transfer the vehicle into their name at no cost by visiting a Transport and Motoring Customer Service Centre and provide one of the following certified copies:
- Death Certificate;
- funeral notice; or
- Coroner’s report.
Cancel Vehicle Registration and Return Number Plates
In QLD the vehicle registration should be transferred to the deceased estate or a Beneficiary by the Executor, Administrator or Next of Kin before cancelling the registration on behalf of the deceased person and to receive a refund to the estate.
After 30 days from the date of death you can complete a Form F3520 – Vehicle Registration Transfer Application, signed by every Executor, Administrator or Next of Kin and provide the following:
- Accepted proof of identity of the Executor, Administrator of Next of Kin who will be registered as the second operator of the vehicle;
and one of the following certified copies:
- Death Certificate;
- Funeral notice; or
- Coroner’s report;
and with a Will one of the following:
- Original or certified copy of the Will naming the Executor(s);
- Grant of Probate; or
- Executor Statutory Declaration;
or without a Will one of the following:
- Letters of Administrator; or
- Administrator or Next of Kin Statutory Declaration.
Return the documents and number plates:
- in person: at a location near you here; or
- by post: Department of Transport and Main Roads,Vehicle Cancellations, PO Box 5096, Red Hill, Rockhampton QLD 4701
Website
For more information about transfer of vehicles and deceased estate, please see this guide.
18.9 Actions and Decisions to Complete Step
If you would like a little help from us at simplyEstate with this Step, you can email us or book your free first phone appointment. If you would like specialist help, get in touch with one of our Specialist Partners listed in the yellow section to the right or below and see how they can help.
If you have decided to tackle this Step yourself after reading and understanding this Step, you may want to:
- Determine the ownership of all vehicles;
- Transfer the vehicle to the surviving joint owner (if applicable);
- Check the Will (if available) about any specific instructions about how the vehicles are to be distributed;
- Value the vehicles;
- Negotiate deferral or pay all repayments for leased vehicles;
- Decide if the owned vehicles will be kept or sold;
- Return driver’s license and number plates (if the vehicle is kept); and
- Update the simplyEstate Assets & Liabilities Inventory to reflect all vehicles and their value.
Once you have completed all the necessary actions and decisions, you can move on to the next Step by clicking below or save progress at the top.
Do you need specialist help?
simplyEstate has partnered with select Specialists across Australia to assist you.
You can click on your State/Territory to find a suitable Specialist and get in touch to discuss how they can help you.
Car Valuers
simplyEstate Specialist Partner Listings coming soon in 2019.
simplyEstate Specialist Partner Listings coming soon in 2019.
simplyEstate Specialist Partner Listings coming soon in 2019.
simplyEstate Specialist Partner Listings coming soon in 2019.
Get in Touch
If you would like to speak to us about this Step, discuss how to engage a Specialist Partner or need support, book a Phone Appointment now.
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