Dealing with the loss of a family member or friend can be an emotional time. We understand that the estate process can be complicated and confusing and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to work with us as you go through the process of dealing with their vehicles.
There are a few things we may need you to do in order to settle vehicle ‘ownership’ or outstanding vehicle licence fees.
In some circumstances it may be appropriate to transfer the vehicle into the care of the executors/administrators until the will has been finalised, this will make sure all correspondence relating to the vehicle is being dealt with.
Further government advice can be found at Te Hokinga ā Wairua End of Life Service(external link)
If you’re going to keep the vehicle you’ll need to change the registered person’s details. You'll need to complete a Change of registered person – buyer form (MR13B).
You’ll need your ID, but there's no charge for this.
Let us know you're keeping the vehicle(external link)
Go to an agent if you can't do the transaction online
Note: if you’re the joint owner or the joint owner has passed away you’ll also need to complete the change of registered person. You'll need to supply evidence of death, a copy of the death certificate or the notice from a newspaper. You'll need to do this at one of our agents.
If the vehicle is being sold then you'll need to complete a Change of registered person – seller form (MR13A).
You can do this online or call us and we can do this over the phone.
Let us know you've sold the vehicle(external link)
Call us if you can't do the transaction online
Whenever there’s a change in registered person we send the seller a letter. This is to notify the seller the transaction is processed or alert them to a possible mistake or even fraud.
This process is automated and is currently unable to recognise if the transaction is due to a death. Unfortunately this means a letter will be sent in the deceased person’s name. This is beneficial to the executor/administrator of the will as it signifies the vehicle is out of the deceased name and future vehicle fees no-longer apply, but we recognise this can be distressing for family members.
If the vehicle is no-longer road worthy and you want to cancel the vehicle's registration then you’ll need to complete an Application to cancel vehicle registration form (MR15).
Call us if you need to check if there are outstanding licence (rego) fees to pay
Note: in some circumstances the number plates may not be able to be returned. For example, if the vehicle has been involved in an accident or fire. In cases like these the application to cancel the vehicle will need to be accompanied by a police or fire service report.
If you’re unsure what’s happening with the vehicle and it’s not going to be used on the road, then it may be appropriate to put the licence (rego) on hold. You should only do this if the vehicle won’t be used for 3 months or longer.
You can do this:
Owning a motor vehicle incurs many different fees and charges. You should check to make sure none of these are accruing or outstanding. If not paid they could end up with a debt collector or in a fine.
In some cases there will be vehicle licence fees to pay. The executor/administrator should deal with this as soon as possible to stop further fees accruing.
If the vehicle needs RUC, check the RUC label to make sure it has enough RUC to cover the distance it's travelled. You can buy RUC online if the vehicle needs more.
Call us if you need help checking the vehicle's RUC
If the vehicle had used a toll road it may be attached to a toll road account or there could be outstanding toll charges.
If our cameras detected the vehicle speeding or red light running, it may have outstanding safety camera infringement fees.
Call us to check if the vehicle has any safety camera notices to pay
You’ll also want to cancel the driver licence.
Check what to do when a licence holder has passed away.
Don’t forget to also contact the insurance company and if applicable the finance company to stop payments or update details.
The Citizens Advice Bureau(external link) has some excellent information or talk to your lawyer.
