Understanding Transfer on Death (TOD) Vehicle Designation

Transfer on Death (TOD) is a unique feature that allows vehicle owners in Nevada to add or remove beneficiaries on the title of their motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers. It simplifies the process of transferring ownership to beneficiaries upon the death of all legal owners. Here's what you need to know:

Key Points:

1. Eligibility: TOD is available to natural persons, not businesses. Ownership transfer to beneficiaries occurs upon the death of all legal owners.
2. Nevada Laws Apply: TOD designations are applicable only to vehicles titled in Nevada. Vehicles titled in other states are subject to their respective state laws.
3. Claiming a Vehicle: If a vehicle owner has already passed away, and there is no probate case or trust, heirs may potentially claim the vehicle using specific procedures.

Adding or Removing a Beneficiary:

• TOD designations cannot be added to vehicles with lienholders, lessors, or those titled as Tenants in Common.
• A maximum of three vehicle owners and one beneficiary can be listed on a Certificate of Title.
• Owners can add or remove beneficiaries at any time, even during other transactions like applying for duplicate titles.
• The owner must submit the Certificate of Title, a Transfer on Death Application (VP 239), and a $20 Title Fee. The new title with the beneficiary's name will be mailed in approximately eight weeks.
• All owners may need to sign the Transfer on Death Application (VP 239) depending on how they are listed on the title.
• If the existing Certificate of Title is unavailable, an Application for Duplicate Title is required.
• The application, along with the necessary documents and fees, can be submitted in person at a DMV office or by mail.
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Removing or Changing a Beneficiary:

• Procedures for changing or removing a beneficiary are similar. Check the appropriate box on the Transfer on Death Application.
• The beneficiary will be removed if a lienholder or lessor is later added to the title (e.g., a loan is taken out on the vehicle).

Transferring a Vehicle to a Beneficiary:

• Beneficiaries have no ownership interest in the vehicle until all owners have passed away.
• To claim ownership, the beneficiary must have a certified copy of the Death Certificate(s) of the owner(s).
• The beneficiary must surrender the license plates and the deceased person's Driver License to the DMV.
• Submit the Death Certificate(s) along with the existing Certificate of Title and a $20 Title Fee. If the title is unavailable, use the Transfer On Death - Beneficiary’s Affidavit For Title (VP 241) form.

Title-Only Transfers:

• For title-only transfers, you can submit the title or VP-241, Death Certificate(s), and Title Fee by mail or at a DMV office.
• The new title will be mailed in approximately four to six weeks.

Vehicle Registration:

• The beneficiary must obtain insurance, a movement permit, or vehicle registration to drive the vehicle on public streets.
• Vehicle registration requires an in-person visit to a DMV office and the following documents: Title or VP 241, Death Certificate(s), Deceased Person's Driver's License or ID card (if available), Nevada Evidence of Insurance in the new owner's name, Emission Inspection, Current Odometer Reading, and old license plates for surrender.
• Fee credits from the deceased person's registration do not transfer to the beneficiary.

Living Will Lockbox:

• The Living Will Lockbox is an official Secretary of State website where you can file Advance Directives and Guardianship Nominations for access by designated healthcare professionals and family members.

Note: The information provided is based on regulations as of the publication date and may be subject to change. Always refer to the official Nevada DMV website or relevant authorities for the latest updates.