Registering a Vehicle from a Succession (Estate)

Have you lost a loved one and inherited that person’s vehicle? The SAAQ is here to help you through the process of transferring the vehicle’s registration.

NOTE: While “estate” is the more common term, “succession” is used in this text, as it is the term used in Québec legislation.

The SAAQ and all our staff offer you our sincerest condolences. Rest assured that we will do everything possible to help you through this process at this trying time.

What you should know

In order to declare the death, you will need a copy of one of the following documents:

  • death certificate issued by the Directeur de l’état civil
  • obituary
  • coroner’s report
  • burial certificate

If you wish to operate the vehicle of a person who has passed, you must comply with the following conditions:

  • Have the registration certificate modified in the name of the succession of the deceased person while waiting for the vehicle to be sold or transferred to a successor by filling out the form Declaration by the Liquidator of the Succession (PDF, 323.5 ko).
  • If necessary, change the address on file to that of the liquidator.
  • Inform the insurance company.
  • Pay the registration fees.

However, if you wish to transfer ownership of the vehicle of a deceased person to a successor or acquirer, the liquidator must fill out the form Declaration by the Liquidator of the Succession (PDF, 323.5 ko) and go to one of our service outlets with the new owner.

Note that registration fees for unused months may be reimbursed to the succession upon a request to put the vehicle into storage or the transfer of the vehicle’s registration.

Leased registered vehicle

If the deceased person’s vehicle is leased, you must contact the rental company or automobile dealer to find out what steps to follow.

If the deceased’s driver’s licence was cancelled prior to dealing with the deceased’s vehicle, no proof of death is required. In this case, the death is considered to already be on file.

To find out more about the process to cancel a licence, visit the section Cancelling a Driver's Licence or Relinquishing a Class of Licence on our website.

Last update: December 20, 2022