I want to buy a car following the owner's death - can I buy it if the V5 is still in his name? | Ask Honest John

I want to buy a car following the owner's death - can I buy it if the V5 is still in his name?

I'm interested in a car that's being sold following the owner's death, however the V5 is still in his name. Can you advise on the legal position should I purchase it?

Asked on 21 July 2017 by Andrew Bradshaw

Answered by Honest John

A motor vehicle is a chattel and you do not have to wait until a grant of probate or letters of administration have been issued to be able to transfer a car to another owner or to sell it. See: www.gov.uk/tell-dvla-about-bereavement/selling-the.../

Tags: buying a used car consumer advice v5 dvsa

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