How do I notify the DVLA about a sale after a bereavement?

Before selling: Inform DVLA of the keeper's death

You don’t need to notify the DVLA the car has sold until the vehicle has been collected and paid for, but you should still notify them the registered keeper has passed away. 

You have 2 options:

1. Use the Tell Us Once service, if available for your area – this informs the DVLA and a wide range of other government bodies about a death 
2. If your area doesn’t use the above service, write a letter to the DVLA

Your letter must include:

• Your relationship to the person who died
• The date they died
• Their name, address and date of birth
• Their driving licence, if you have it

Please send your letter to:

DVLA

Swansea

SA99 1AB

After collection: Tell DVLA the car was sold to a motor trader

If you've completed the above steps, tell the DVLA the car has been sold to a motor trader as usual.

You only need to take this step once the car has been collected and paid for, not before.

If not, you can either: 

• Use the Tell Us Once service – then complete the online transfer on the same day the vehicle is collected and paid for
• Or write to the DVLA Sensitive Casework Team 

When you write the DVLA Sensitive Casework Team, please include:

• Date you sold the vehicle
• Your relationship to the deceased
• Date of death
• Who should be paid any vehicle tax refund
• Buyer's name and address

Please send your letter to:

DVLA Sensitive Casework Team
Swansea
SA99 1ZZ