How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership of a Deceased in Singapore

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, and amidst the grief, there are often practical matters that need to be addressed, such as transferring ownership of their assets, including vehicles. In Singapore, failing to properly transfer vehicle ownership after the owner’s passing can lead to legal complications and potential fines related to the deceased’s estate.

This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition of vehicle ownership, while also highlighting the importance of proper estate planning with WillCraft.

Step 1: Obtain Necessary Documents

Before you can initiate the transfer process, you’ll need to gather a few essential documents:

• The deceased’s death certificate.
• The vehicle’s ownership documents (log book, registration card).
• The vehicle’s registration number.
• A copy of the deceased’s Will (if one exists).

1. If there is a valid Will

   You’ll need to obtain the Grant of Probate from the court. This legally appoints you as the executor with authority over the deceased’s estate.

2. If there is no Will

   You’ll need to apply for the Grant of Letters of Administration. This grants you the authority as the administrator to handle the deceased’s assets.

For more information on the Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration, you can read all about it in our article here.

Step 2: Determine the Beneficiary or Next-of-Kin

The next step is to identify who should rightfully inherit the vehicle. If the deceased had a valid Will, check if there are any specific instructions regarding the distribution of their vehicle. For example, the Will may state that the deceased’s car should be given to a particular family member or friend, who will then become the new car owner.

If there is no Will, the vehicle will be distributed according to Singapore’s intestate succession laws, which outline the order of priority for inheritance among the deceased’s next-of-kin.

Step 3: Obtain Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration for the Deceased’s Estate

If the deceased had a valid Will, you’ll need to obtain a Grant of Probate from the court. The Grant of Probate confirms the Will’s validity and gives the named executor(s) in the Will the legal authority to administer the deceased’s estate and assets like vehicles.

To get a Grant of Probate:

1. File an Ex Parte Originating Summons (Form 48) at the Family Justice Courts
2. Provide a certified true copy of the Will
3. Submit supporting documents like the death certificate, list of assets/liabilities
4. Pay the applicable filing fees

If there was no Will, you’ll need to apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration instead. This grants authority to an administrator (usually the next-of-kin based on intestacy laws) to handle the deceased’s assets.

To get Letters of Administration:

1. File an Ex Parte Originating Summons (Form 48) at the Family Justice Courts
2. Provide the deceased’s death certificate
3. Submit a list of assets/liabilities
4. Pay the filing fees
5. Potentially provide sureties/bond if required by the court

Once the court is satisfied with your application, they will issue either the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, legally empowering you to act as executor or administrator over the deceased’s estate.

If you already have the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, you can proceed to initiating the vehicle transfer process.

If you have applied for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administrator but are still awaiting the outcome, the filed Ex Parte Summons shows you are seeking appointment to handle the deceased’s assets like their vehicle.

What is an Ex Parte Originating Summons?

An Ex Parte Originating Summons is a document filed by the applicant seeking appointment as the executor (if there is a Will) or administrator (if no Will) of the deceased’s estate. It initiates the court process to obtain a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration.

Before receiving the full grant, the Ex Parte Originating Summons serves as preliminary proof that the applicant is seeking legal authority over the deceased’s assets, like their vehicle. This allows the applicant to begin handling matters such as transferring vehicle ownership, even before the final grant is issued by the court.

Alternatively, you may seek assistance for managing vehicle ownership during the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration application process by contacting the LTA. They can aid in transferring vehicle ownership or deregistering a vehicle on behalf of the deceased.

To understand more about Ex Parte Originating Summons, you can read more about it in our article here.

Step 4: Transfer Vehicle Ownership

For vehicles registered to a deceased owner, the process of transferring car ownership can now be done fully online through the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) OneMotoring website using your Singpass account with 2-Factor Authentication.

The Administrator or Executor of the Estate of the deceased vehicle owner can initiate the transfer car ownership by logging into the OneMotoring website with the following documents:

• Singpass account with 2-Factor Authentication (2FA).

• Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

  If you have not obtained the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, you would need to provide the following:

1. An undertaking letter from your solicitor stating a copy of the Grant/Letters will be provided.
2. The Administrator or Executor’s undertaking that he or she would indemnify LTA against any claims that may arise from or in connection to the transfer of the vehicle.
3. A certified copy of the Ex Parte Originating Summons filed with the court seeking appointment as Executor/Administrator.

• Vehicle’s registration number and details.
• Next intended owner’s identification (NRIC/FIN/Company Registration Number) and contact details.

Once logged in, follow these steps:

1. Enter the vehicle’s registration number
2. Provide the next owner’s identification details
3. Enter the next owner’s name and contact information

Before the transfer can be completed, a vehicle inspection is required to ensure the vehicle meets all regulatory standards.

The new owner will then receive an SMS notification about the transfer request. They have 5 days to login and confirm the transfer of ownership by paying the S$25 transfer fee online.

The new owners will receive a final SMS once the transfer is successfully completed.

This new online process eliminates the need to visit the LTA Customer Service Centre in person or obtain a Transfer PIN, streamlining the vehicle ownership transfer for the deceased’s assets. However, certain exceptions still require an in-person appointment, such as for diplomatic vehicles or light goods vehicles for hawkers/farmers.

For more information on the transferring of ownership of a vehicle registered to a deceased owner, you can visit the LTA website here.

Step 5: Decide What to do With the Vehicle

Once the vehicle is registered under the executor’s or administrator’s name, they must adhere to the deceased’s Will or the Intestate Succession Act regarding its management. There are 3 options that beneficiaries of the vehicle may opt for:

Option 1: Retain the Vehicle

Option 2: Sell the Vehicle

Option 3: Deregister and Dispose of the Vehicle

Step 6: Update Vehicle Registration and Insurance

Once the ownership transfer is complete and if the beneficiary decides to retain the vehicle, the next step is to register the vehicle under the new owner’s name. This process can be completed at both the LTA website and the LTA Customer Service Centre in person. It is important to settle any outstanding car loan before updating the vehicle registration.

If you are personally going down to the LTA Customer Service Centre in person, you can fill up this application form for the transfer of vehicle and bring it along with you. Please note that this form is only for applicants who are not eligible for Singpass and have to carry out the transaction at LTA Customer Service Centre.

Additionally, you’ll need to update the vehicle insurance policy to reflect the new ownership. Most insurance providers will require you to provide the updated vehicle registration details and may adjust the premium accordingly. Ensure that any road tax arrears are cleared before the transfer can be approved.

After completing the transfer of ownership through LTA’s OneMotoring website, the new owner must update the vehicle insurance policy to reflect the change in ownership. It is mandatory to have a valid motor insurance under the new owner’s name that covers the full period of the vehicle’s valid road tax for the transferred vehicle.

• Most insurance providers will require the new owner to provide the updated vehicle registration details showing them as the new registered owner
• The insurance provider may adjust the premium amount based on the new owner’s profile and risk factors
• It is mandatory to have a valid motor insurance under the new owner’s name that covers the full period of the valid road tax for the transferred vehicle

In summary, once the vehicle ownership transfer is completed at LTA, the new owner is required to contact their insurance provider, submit the updated registration showing the ownership change, and get a new insurance policy issued in their name for that vehicle. The insurance premium may be adjusted accordingly by the provider based on the new owner’s details. Having valid insurance is a requirement before the LTA will approve the ownership transfer.

Conclusion

Transferring vehicle ownership after a loved one’s passing can be a daunting task, but following the proper legal procedures is crucial to avoid potential complications. By understanding the necessary steps and gathering the required documents, you can ensure a smooth transition of ownership.

However, the process of transferring assets after death can often be simplified by proper estate planning, including drafting a comprehensive Will. This is where WillCraft comes in – an online platform that makes it easy for you to create a legally valid Will that addresses the distribution of your assets, including vehicles.

Visit WillCraft’s website today and start drafting your Will. With our user-friendly platform, you can ensure that your wishes are clearly documented and that your loved ones are spared the hassle of navigating complex legal processes after your passing.

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