How does a vehicle TOD beneficiary work in Ohio?

A vehicle transfer-on-death designation in Ohio names a beneficiary who receives your vehicle directly at your death, without probate (Ohio Rev. Code 2131.13). You keep full ownership and control during your lifetime and can change or cancel the designation at any time.

Free Ohio Vehicle Transfer on Death

Free Ohio vehicle transfer on death form. Name a beneficiary to inherit your vehicle without probate. Notarization required. PDF download.

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Owner Information

Enter your information as the registered owner. If the vehicle is jointly owned, you can add the second owner below.

How is the vehicle titled?*

Choose "Jointly owned" if two people are on the title. Joint owners must hold title with right of survivorship to jointly designate.

I am the sole ownerJointly owned with one other person

First Name*

Middle Name

Last Name*

Driver License / ID Number

Most state titling forms ask for the owner’s driver license or ID number.

Street Address*

City*

State*

ZIP Code*

State Where the Vehicle Is Titled*

County Where You Live

Ohio files vehicle titles at a county office rather than a central DMV.

Email Address*

Phone Number*

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Vehicle Transfer on Death Designations

A vehicle transfer-on-death designation in Ohio names a beneficiary who receives your vehicle directly at your death, without probate. You keep full ownership and control during your lifetime, and can change or cancel the designation at any time.

In Ohio, you make the designation through the County Clerk of Courts Title Office (Ohio BMV oversees motor vehicle records) using Transfer on Death Beneficiary Designation / Removal Affidavit (Form BMV 3811). The designation must be notarized. See all Ohio signing requirements.

If no designated beneficiary survives you in Ohio, if no designated beneficiary survives the owner, the motor vehicle, watercraft, or outboard motor is included in the owner's probate estate.

Yes. Ohio allows more than one beneficiary on a vehicle TOD designation. If more than one survives you, they take title as the certificate of title specifies; state law does not set a default form of co-ownership among them.

Yes. A vehicle TOD designation in Ohio is revocable during your lifetime at any time. Ohio recognizes: File a new BMV 3811 affidavit marking the "Removal" box to remove the beneficiary.; Apply for a new certificate of title changing or removing the beneficiary designation..

No. A vehicle TOD designation only transfers the vehicle named on the title. Bank accounts, your home, and other property pass through whatever else you have in place — a will (probate) or a trust. A revocable living trust covers everything in one document. Set up a revocable trust if you want a single instrument for the whole estate.

Ohio Vehicle Transfer on Death

Ohio allows a transfer-on-death beneficiary designation on a vehicle title: Yes. It names someone to receive the vehicle directly at your death, without probate. You keep full ownership and control during your lifetime — you can sell the vehicle, or change or cancel the designation, at any time.

In Ohio, the designation is made through the County Clerk of Courts Title Office (Ohio BMV oversees motor vehicle records) using Transfer on Death Beneficiary Designation / Removal Affidavit (Form BMV 3811). It must be notarized before submission. A new certificate of title is issued showing the beneficiary.

Ohio extends the designation beyond cars: it covers motor vehicle, watercraft, outboard motor, all-purpose vehicle, and off-highway motorcycle.

A vehicle TOD designation covers only the vehicle on the title — not your home, accounts, or other property. A revocable living trust covers all of your assets in a single document and avoids probate for everything it holds. Compare the approaches with the trust vs. will tool.

SimplyTrust Editorial

Legal Sources

Ohio Rev. Code 2131.13

Data sourced from Ohio statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Vehicle Transfer on Death Designations

If no designated beneficiary survives you in Ohio, if no designated beneficiary survives the owner, the motor vehicle, watercraft, or outboard motor is included in the owner's probate estate.

Ohio Vehicle Transfer on Death

Ohio extends the designation beyond cars: it covers motor vehicle, watercraft, outboard motor, all-purpose vehicle, and off-highway motorcycle.

Free Ohio Vehicle Transfer on Death

Owner Information

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Vehicle Transfer on Death Designations