Notifying DVLA of a Death
0300 790 6802Everything you need to let DVLA know, including their dedicated bereavement number, the documents to have ready, and how long it usually takes. Their team handle these calls every day and will be patient with you.
Online Form
No online form available. Use the phone number or post instead.
Postal Address
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB
Typical Timeline
DVLA processes notifications within 4 weeks.
How to notify DVLA
Tell Us Once: Covers DVLA notification across England, Scotland and Wales (not available in Northern Ireland)
Post: Write to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB with the driving licence and a covering letter
Phone: Call 0300 790 6802 for guidance
Documents you will need
- Driving licence of the deceased (if available)
- Covering letter stating: your relationship, date of death, deceased's full name and address
- Death certificate is NOT required by DVLA
What to say when you call
You do not need to explain anything at length. A short, straightforward call is all this takes. If it helps, read the words below straight off the screen. Nobody will mind.
"Hello, I am calling to notify you of a death. The account holder was [full name], and the date of death was [date]."
"I am their [relationship, e.g. son/daughter/executor]. My reference number from the death registration is [Tell Us Once reference number, if you have one]."
"Could you let me know what documents you need and what the next steps are?"
The bereavement team will take it from there and guide you through the rest. Have the death certificate, your photo ID, and any account details beside you before you ring.
Additional information
- Please check with the insurer before anyone drives the car. Do not assume it is still covered: some insurers keep the policy running for a short period, and many follow ABI guidance to keep named drivers covered until renewal, but that is guidance rather than law and some policies end at the date of death. One phone call settles it. In the meantime you can arrange temporary cover in your own name, check whether your own policy lets you drive other cars, or declare it SORN using form V890
- The vehicle goes to a different address from the licence: send the V5C to DVLA Sensitive Casework Team, Swansea, SA99 1ZZ
- Vehicle tax is cancelled and any full remaining months are refunded automatically by cheque, sent to the name and address on the log book. Tax cannot be transferred to a new keeper, so it must be taxed afresh before the car is driven again
- V5C (log book) needs to be updated whether the vehicle is being kept or sold
- Tell Us Once cancels the licence and ends the tax, but you still need to tell DVLA separately if you sell the vehicle, keep it, or want to keep a personalised registration
- In Northern Ireland the licence goes to DVA, Driver Licensing Division, Castlerock Road, Waterside, Coleraine, BT51 3TB, but the vehicle still goes to DVLA in Swansea
Frequently asked questions
How do I notify DVLA of a death?
You can let DVLA know by calling their bereavement team on 0300 790 6802. You can also write to them at DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB. Have the death certificate and your own identification beside you before you get in touch.
What documents does DVLA need for bereavement?
DVLA usually asks for: Driving licence of the deceased (if available), Covering letter stating: your relationship, date of death, deceased's full name and address, Death certificate is NOT required by DVLA. It helps to have certified copies of the death certificate ready, as originals are sometimes held on to for a while.
How long does DVLA take to process a bereavement?
DVLA processes notifications within 4 weeks.
Need to write to DVLA?
Use our ready-made template letters to notify banks, utilities, and other organisations. Just fill in the details and send.
View Template Letters