What to do with the vehicle and number plates after a death?

Deadlines to respect after a death

After a death, you generally have 14 days to inform the Vehicle Registration Office (SAN or OCV depending on the canton) if the deceased owned a registered vehicle. This deadline runs from receipt of the official death certificate.

Failure to comply with this obligation may result in administrative fines and complications with third-party liability insurance. Indeed, as long as the vehicle registration certificate remains active, third-party liability insurance must be maintained, even if the vehicle is no longer in use.

Warning: some cantons apply slightly different deadlines (10 or 15 days). Check with your cantonal Vehicle Registration Office to find out the specific rules.

This procedure is one of the urgent administrative formalities to be completed, in the same way as declaring the death to the civil registry office and insurance companies.

Who can carry out the procedures?

Only certain people are authorised to carry out procedures with the Vehicle Registration Office after a death:

• Legal heirs (spouse, children, parents according to the order of succession)
• The executor designated in the will
• The notary in charge of the estate

Important: any power of attorney established during the deceased's lifetime automatically ends upon death. An agent can therefore no longer act, even if they had a general power of attorney.

Prepare the following documents before presenting yourself:

• Official death certificate
• Certificate of inheritance (sometimes required depending on the canton)
• Your identity document
• The original vehicle registration certificate

Transfer of the vehicle to the surviving spouse

Transfer to the surviving spouse benefits from a simplified procedure, particularly under the community property regime.

In this case, the spouse can generally keep the existing number plates without change, which avoids additional costs and simplifies the procedures.

Documents required for transfer:

• Official death certificate
• Original vehicle registration certificate
• Up-to-date third-party liability insurance certificate in the name of the surviving spouse
• Spouse's identity document

The procedure is carried out directly with the Vehicle Registration Office of your canton. Some cantons allow part of the procedure online, others require physical presence.

Practical advice: first contact your insurer to transfer the insurance policy to your name before going to the Vehicle Registration Office.

Transfer to another heir or sale to a third party

When the vehicle is intended for another heir (child, brother, sister) or a third-party purchaser, the procedure is more complex than a simple transfer to the spouse.

This situation requires specific procedures with the Vehicle Registration Office and generally involves obtaining a certificate of inheritance to prove the heir status of the transferor.

The process comprises two main stages: the administrative transfer procedures and the management of number plates, which are generally not transferable from one holder to another.

Procedures for transfer

To transfer a vehicle to an heir or purchaser, follow these steps:

1. Obtain the certificate of inheritance from the notary or guardianship authority
2. Complete the transfer form from the cantonal Vehicle Registration Office
3. Present the death certificate and the original vehicle registration certificate

Crucial point: the new holder must take out their own third-party liability insurance before the actual transfer. Without this insurance, the Vehicle Registration Office will refuse to register the vehicle in their name.

The transfer involves variable cantonal taxes (generally between 50 and 150 CHF depending on the canton). Contact your Vehicle Registration Office to find out the exact rates.

Return of current plates

Personalised number plates are generally not transferable to a new holder, except in special cases provided for by certain cantons.

In the majority of situations, the new owner will receive new plates with a new registration number.

Return procedure:

• Return the old plates to the Vehicle Registration Office within the legal deadline (14 days)
• The new holder will receive their own plates after payment of taxes
• Variable costs depending on the canton (50-100 CHF for new plates)

Some cantons allow personalised plates to be kept through a specific procedure and additional fees. Contact your cantonal service directly for information.

Cancellation of the vehicle registration certificate and return of plates

If the vehicle is neither transferred nor sold immediately (prolonged parking, later sale, scrapping), you must cancel the vehicle registration certificate.

This procedure is carried out with the Vehicle Registration Office of your canton. The return of number plates is mandatory within the legal deadline of 14 days following the death.

Advantages of cancellation:

• Pro-rata refund of the annual tax (depending on the canton)
• Cessation of third-party liability insurance costs
• Legal compliance

Do not forget to cancel the motor third-party liability insurance simultaneously. As long as the vehicle remains registered, third-party liability insurance remains compulsory and premiums continue to accrue.

The vehicle can then be stored without plates whilst awaiting a final decision on its future.

Coordination with motor third-party liability insurance

Contact your insurer quickly after the death to avoid unsuitable cover or unnecessary premiums. Motor third-party liability insurance is compulsory as long as the vehicle remains registered.

Three main options are available to you:

• Policy transfer to the name of the new heir or purchaser
• Cancellation in the event of final sale or scrapping
• Temporary suspension (depending on insurers) if the vehicle is deregistered

Cancellation deadlines vary according to contracts, but most insurers accept immediate cancellation in the event of the holder's death, with pro-rata refund of the premium.

If the deceased's bank accounts are frozen, inform the insurer to find a temporary payment solution.

Resources and forms by canton

Each Swiss canton has its own Vehicle Registration Office with specific procedures and forms:

• Vaud (SAN): www.vd.ch/automobile
• Geneva (OCV): www.ge.ch/vehicules
• Zurich: www.zh.ch/strassenverkehrsamt
• Bern: www.be.ch/stva
• Valais: www.vs.ch/automobiles

Cantonal variations mainly concern deadlines (10 to 15 days), costs (50-150 CHF) and required documents. Some cantons accept online applications, others require physical presence.

For a comprehensive overview of administrative procedures after a death, consult our guide on administrative formalities and essential documents.

Managing the vehicle and number plates after a death requires rigour, but the procedures remain accessible. Respect cantonal deadlines to avoid fines, coordinate with motor third-party liability insurance and gather the necessary documents before going to the vehicle registration office. Whether you transfer the vehicle to the surviving spouse, to an heir or sell it, the procedures are clearly defined.

Do not forget to return the current plates and cancel the vehicle registration certificate if the vehicle is not immediately reused. This step helps avoid unnecessary insurance costs and properly close this administrative file.

Wolky supports families during difficult times by simplifying essential procedures. If you need to inform those around you of the death of a loved one, publish an obituary online in a few minutes for 180 CHF. A dignified, accessible solution that is easy to share with your loved ones.