How to Cancel a Driver's License in Nova Scotia After a Death

Losing a loved one is undoubtedly a challenging experience, and amidst the grieving process, there are numerous practical matters that need to be addressed. One crucial responsibility is the cancellation of their driver's license. In Nova Scotia, cancelling the driver's license of a deceased individual is not only a legal requirement but also essential for preventing identity theft and ensuring compliance with regulations.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of cancelling a driver's license in Nova Scotia after a death.

The Importance of Cancelling a Driver's License

Cancelling a driver's license after the death of an individual serves several important purposes:

Preventing Identity Theft: Cancelling the driver's license helps prevent misuse of the deceased's identity for various purposes, including driving infractions and fraudulent activities.

Legal Compliance: It is a legal requirement to cancel the driver's license of a deceased individual to ensure compliance with provincial regulations.

Closure of Accounts: Cancelling the driver's license is a necessary step in finalizing the deceased's affairs and closing their accounts with relevant agencies.

Steps to Cancel a Driver's License in Nova Scotia

1. Gather Necessary Documents

Before initiating the cancellation process, ensure you have the following documents on hand:

Proof of Death: This can be a death certificate issued by the province, a Medical Certificate of Death, or a funeral director's statement of death.

Driver's License: The deceased's driver's license or a copy of it, if available.

Your Identification: Valid identification proving your relationship to the deceased, such as a driver's license or passport.

2. Notify Nova Scotia Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)

The Nova Scotia Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is responsible for managing driver's licenses in the province. You can notify them of the death through various methods:

By Mail

Sending a letter by mail is a common method to initiate the cancellation process. Here's what you need to do:

Write a letter to the Nova Scotia RMV, explaining the request to cancel the driver's license. Include the deceased's full name, driver's license number (if available), and date of death.

Enclose a photocopy of the proof of death and your identification.

Mail the letter and documents to:

Registry of Motor Vehicles
300 Horseshoe Lake Drive
Bayers Lake Business Park
Halifax, NS B3S 0B7

By Phone

You can also contact the Nova Scotia RMV by phone to notify them of the death:

Call the RMV's toll-free number at 1-800-898-7668 (within Nova Scotia) or 902-424-5851 (outside Nova Scotia).

Provide the necessary information over the phone, including the deceased's details and date of death.

In Person

Visit a Nova Scotia RMV office in person to initiate the cancellation process:

Locate the nearest RMV office. You can find the locations and hours of operation on the Nova Scotia RMV website.

Bring the required documents: proof of death, your identification, and the deceased's driver's license.

Inform the representative of the death and request the cancellation of the driver's license.

3. Return the Driver's License

If you have the physical driver's license in your possession, it is important to return it to the Nova Scotia RMV. You can do this by mail or in person at an RMV office.

4. Inform Other Relevant Agencies

In addition to cancelling the driver's license, you should also notify other relevant agencies and organizations:

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): For tax purposes, ensure the CRA is informed of the death. You can contact them at 1-800-959-8281.

Financial Institutions: Notify banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions of the death to prevent identity theft and misuse of accounts.

Tips for a Smooth Process

Double-Check Documentation

Ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submitting them to the Nova Scotia RMV. Any missing or incorrect information may cause delays.

Keep Records

Make copies of all documents for your records, including the letter sent to the RMV, proof of death, and your identification.

Follow Up

If you haven't received confirmation of the cancellation within a reasonable timeframe, follow up with the Nova Scotia RMV to ensure your request has been processed.

Cancelling a driver's license in Nova Scotia after a death is a necessary step to prevent identity theft and ensure compliance with provincial regulations. By following the proper procedures outlined in this guide and providing the required documentation to the Nova Scotia Registry of Motor Vehicles, you can complete this process efficiently and effectively. Remember to also notify other relevant agencies and organizations of the death to prevent any potential issues or complications.

If you have any questions or require assistance, don't hesitate to contact the Nova Scotia RMV for further guidance and support.