Selling or Scrapping a Deceased Family Member's Car in WA

Sifting through a loved one's car is often a time when paperwork is the last thing you want to do. In Washington, selling a deceased family member’s car is not as simple as finding a buyer. It is confirming who has the legal authority to deal with the vehicle and what the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI, formerly the Department of Transport) requires.

From there, families typically either give the car to a beneficiary, sell it or arrange scrap car removal. The right way depends on the will, the estate and the state of the car. 

What Happens to a Car After the Owner Passes Away in WA

When a person dies, their property – including a car – usually forms part of their “deceased estate”. It is covered under their will or if there is no will, the Administration Act 1903.

“Vehicle licence documents do not prove ownership in themselves so authority must be established before signing over the car,” DTMI said. 

Who Can Legally Sell a Deceased Person's Car

Authority usually sits with the person administering the estate:

• Executor: the person named in the will; a grant of probate from the Supreme Court of Western Australia confirms their authority.
• Administrator: appointed by the Supreme Court through letters of administration, usually when there is no valid will.
• Beneficiary or entitled person: someone who inherits the car under the will, or a close relative entitled to it when there is no will.

You don't have the authority to sell just because you are a family member or beneficiary. The WA Government suggests independent legal advice, as a court grant is not always needed for low-value estates. 

Documents Needed to Sell or Scrap a Deceased Person's Car

DTMI requires a Declaration of Deceased Estate (Form E172) for each transfer of deceased estate. You might also need: 

• The death certificate (original or certified copy).
• The will, where there is one.
• The grant of probate or letters of administration, where applicable.
• Current vehicle licence papers, if available.
• Proof of identity that meets DTMI requirements.
• Evidence of your authority to act for the estate.

These transfers are not available on-line. Submission at a DTMI service centre or regional agent, or by post with certified copies. See the DTMI deceased estate page for a current list. 

How to Sell an Inherited Car in Western Australia

1. Confirm who holds authority to sell.
2. Check the vehicle licence status, as unpaid fines can block a transfer.
3. Search for finance owing (see the checklist below).
4. Estimate its value from comparable listings.
5. Sell privately, to a dealer or to a car buyer, then lodge Form E172.

A transfer fee applies, plus vehicle licence duty: nominal for a beneficiary or entitled person, and full duty in most other cases.

When Scrapping a Deceased Family Member's Car Makes Sense

Scrapping is what happens to cars that are old, damaged and unregistered, not running or worth less than repairs. Then it’s dismantled and recycled by car wreckers in Perth.

Authority is still in the lead, because scrapping is a way to dispose of estate property. If the car is still registered then you can return the plates to DTMI, cancel the registration, and possibly get a pro rata refund. We have a guide on cancelling the licence and returning plates that covers those steps. 

How Car Removal Works in Perth

1. Contact a suitable car removal provider.
2. Explain the car's condition and that it belongs to a deceased estate.
3. Confirm the authority and documents the provider needs.
4. Agree on collection arrangements and any payment to the estate.
5. Confirm how plates, licence cancellation and disposal records will be handled.

WA Car Removals offers scrap car removal in Perth and can talk you through each step.

Important Things to Check Before Selling or Scrapping the Vehicle

• Finance: Search the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) using the VIN. If finance is registered, arrange a payout first. See selling a car with finance owing in WA.
• Plates: Optional or personalised plates need extra steps, such as Form VL176.
• Belongings: Check the glovebox, boot and seats for papers, keys, toll tags and keepsakes.
• Insurance: Keep cover in place until the car is sold or collected.
• Family agreement: DTMI cannot resolve ownership disputes, which are civil matters.
• Records: Keep copies of forms and receipts for the estate file.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selling before authority is confirmed.
• Assuming a death certificate alone authorises a sale.
• Ignoring finance owing.
• Overlooking unreturned plates or unpaid fines.
• Scrapping the car while an estate dispute is unresolved.

Selling or Scrapping a Deceased Family Member's Car With WA Car Removals

If the car is not able to be sold privately WA Car Removals can discuss unwanted car removal across metropolitan Perth. Post make, model, year, condition, registration status, location.

Tell the team that you have the authority to dispose of the car as it is a deceased estate. For probate questions, contact a solicitor or the Supreme Court’s Probate Office. Call 0422 622 617 or quote online. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my dad's car in WA?

Yes, if you are the boss. You would normally be the executor named in his will, an administrator appointed by the Supreme Court or an entitled person where no court grant is required. Form E172 and supporting documentation are required by DTMI. If someone else has the power, they have to approve the sale.”

Can the executor sell the deceased person’s car WA?

Yes, generally. The executor can sell estate property as per the will. They may need a grant of probate from the Supreme Court of Western Australia initially, although low value estates sometimes proceed without one. The executor fills in Form E172 and provides ID and proof of capacity.

Can I scrap a family member’s car that has passed away without changing the registration?

It is contingent upon the estate. Check the steps with DTMI. Either way, you need authority to get rid of the car. If it is still licensed the registration is cancelled by surrendering the plates to DTMI rather than leaving them on the car.

What paperwork is needed to sell a deceased person’s car in WA?

Usually the death certificate, will, probate or letters of administration if granted, current licence papers, proof of identity and evidence of your authority. DTMI transfers also need Form E172. Some of these documents may need to be shown to the car removal company before they collect.

Can a car removal company collect an unregistered car from a deceased estate?

Yes. Many providers, such as WA Car Removals, will take unregistered cars. They are towed, not driven. The person arranging collection still needs authority from the estate and the company may ask to see supporting documentation. Please inform us of any access issues e.g. locked garage when you book.

Conclusion

Dealing with a loved one’s car is a three-step process: confirm who has the authority, gather the documents DTMI needs, then decide if selling or scrapping is best for the car’s value and condition. If scrapping is the best fit, give WA Car Removals a call to discuss your vehicle removal options in Perth.