Does Tell Us Once notify the DVLA?

Tell Us Once notifies the DVLA about the driving licence, which will be cancelled automatically. However, it does not deal with any vehicles registered to the deceased - you need to handle that separately.

Can I get a refund on the vehicle tax?

Yes. When the vehicle tax is cancelled, the DVLA automatically refunds any complete months remaining. The refund is sent as a cheque. You cannot get a refund for partial months.

What if I cannot find the V5C logbook?

You can apply for a replacement V5C using form V62, available from the Post Office or online at gov.uk. There is a small fee. The new V5C will be sent to the address on the DVLA records.

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How to Notify the DVLA When Someone Dies

The DVLA needs to know about a death so they can cancel the driving licence and update vehicle records. Tell Us Once handles the licence, but you may need to sort out the vehicle separately.

Last reviewed: 4 April 2026

What to have ready

✓The driving licence (if you can find it)
✓The vehicle registration certificate (V5C/logbook)
✓Death certificate or reference number
✓Your own identification and proof of executor status

Step-by-step guide

1Driving licence cancellation - Tell Us Once should notify the DVLA automatically. If you did not use Tell Us Once, return the driving licence to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB with a letter explaining the circumstances.

2Vehicle options - Decide whether to transfer the vehicle to a new keeper, sell it, or declare it off the road (SORN). You will need the V5C logbook to do any of these.

3Transfer the vehicle - Complete section 2 (for a private sale) or section 6 (transfer to a new keeper) of the V5C and send it to the DVLA. You can also do this online at gov.uk.

4Vehicle tax refund - If the vehicle tax is cancelled, the DVLA will automatically refund any complete months remaining. The refund is sent by cheque to the registered keeper.

5Car insurance - Notify the car insurance company separately. The policy may need to be cancelled, transferred, or the named driver updated.

6Blue badge - If the deceased had a Blue Badge, return it to the issuing local council. It cannot be used by anyone else.

What to ask for

–Confirmation that the driving licence has been cancelled
–A vehicle tax refund for any remaining complete months
–Guidance on transferring or selling the vehicle if you do not have the V5C

Watch out

If you cannot find the V5C (logbook), you can apply for a replacement using form V62 from the Post Office or online. Do not drive the vehicle unless it is taxed and insured - even moving it a short distance on a public road requires valid tax and insurance.

DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB. Online services: gov.uk/tell-dvla-about-bereavement

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How to Notify the DVLA When Someone Dies

What to have ready

Step-by-step guide

What to ask for

Frequently asked questions

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