Selling a deceased relative’s car can feel overwhelming, especially when there are legal documents, ownership checks and probate rules involved. The process is usually straightforward once you understand the steps, but it’s important to make sure everything is handled correctly before the vehicle is sold.
In most cases, the person responsible for managing the estate — usually the executor or administrator — will need to handle the sale of the vehicle.
For more ownership and valuation advice, visit our valuation guidance hub.
Inform the DVLA
One of the first things that should be done after someone passes away is notifying Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency about the death.
This can usually be done using the government’s “Tell Us Once” service or by contacting the DVLA directly. Once informed, the DVLA will update its records and may issue any eligible vehicle tax refund to the estate.
Proving You Have Authority to Sell the Car
Before the vehicle can legally be sold, you may need to prove you have the authority to act on behalf of the deceased person’s estate.
Documents that may be required include:
- A copy of the will
- Grant of probate
- Letters of administration
- A solicitor’s letter confirming authority
The exact requirements can vary depending on the value of the estate and whether probate is required.
Can You Sell the Car Before Probate?
In many situations, a car cannot legally be sold until probate has been granted because the vehicle still forms part of the deceased person’s estate.
However, there can be exceptions:
- The vehicle was jointly owned
- The estate qualifies as a small estate
- Beneficiaries and creditors agree to the sale
- The car is transferred directly to a beneficiary under the will
Because every estate is different, it’s important to check the legal position before arranging a sale.
What Happens if the Car Was Jointly Owned?
If the vehicle was jointly owned with survivorship rights, ownership may automatically transfer to the surviving owner. In those situations, probate may not be required before the vehicle is sold.
Where ownership was shared without survivorship rights, the deceased person’s share of the vehicle usually becomes part of their estate and may still require probate.
Are There Tax Implications?
There can sometimes be financial considerations when selling a deceased person’s vehicle, including:
- Vehicle tax refunds
- Inheritance tax considerations
- Potential capital gains implications if the vehicle increases in value before sale
The tax treatment will depend on the value of the estate and the circumstances surrounding the sale.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeframe can vary significantly depending on:
- Whether probate is required
- How quickly documents are available
- The condition and value of the vehicle
- How the vehicle is being sold
If all paperwork is available and probate is not needed, the process can sometimes be completed within days. More complex estates may take several weeks or months before the car can legally be sold.
Selling a Deceased Relative’s Car
Once you have the legal authority to proceed, you can sell the vehicle privately, through a dealership or using an online car buying service.
Before selling, it’s a good idea to:
- Gather all vehicle documents
- Check the MOT status
- Confirm outstanding finance status
- Get an accurate vehicle valuation
These related Jamjar guides may also help:
If you’re ready to see what the vehicle could be worth, you can get an instant online valuation with Jamjar. Thanks to our free online valuation tool you can retrieve a list of offers for your vehicle in seconds!