Does Arizona allow a transfer-on-death designation on a vehicle title?

Yes. Arizona allows a beneficiary designation (transfer on death provision) on a vehicle title under A.R.S. 28-2055(B). It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in Arizona?

Answer a few questions about how your vehicle is titled to see whether a transfer-on-death designation applies for avoiding probate on a vehicle.

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This tool provides general information about vehicle transfer-on-death designations and is not legal advice. Availability and requirements vary by state. Consult your state titling agency or a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Arizona allows a beneficiary designation (transfer on death provision) on a vehicle title. It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Arizona allows a beneficiary designation (transfer on death provision) on motor vehicle. Designation is available only to a sole owner of a vehicle titled in Arizona. Vehicles held by joint owners or tenants in common are not eligible.

Add the designation through the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) using Beneficiary Designation - For Vehicle Title Transfer Upon Death (Form 96-0561). Notarization is not required.

You file the completed designation with the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) by mail to Motor Vehicle Division, PO Box 2100, MD 555M, Phoenix, AZ 85001 or in person. Adding a vehicle TOD beneficiary is a title transaction: per A.R.S. 28-2055(B) the provision is added "by attachment" to the certificate of title (form 96-0561). If the title is electronic, the form may be submitted alone (by mail to MD 555M or in person at an MVD/Authorized Third Party office); if the title is paper, the form is stapled to it and the two are surrendered together at transfer. There is no online path — the eTitle Transfer service covers seller-to-buyer ownership transfers, not beneficiary designations.

Yes. Arizona allows more than one beneficiary on a vehicle beneficiary designation (transfer on death provision).

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In Arizona: Submit a new MVD Beneficiary Designation (form 96-0561) naming a different beneficiary., Transfer or retitle the vehicle, which removes the existing beneficiary designation..

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) by submitting: Certificate of title (with the attached Beneficiary Designation form 96-0561, stapled and surrendered if the title is paper), Completed Title and Registration Application (form 96-0236), Lien release or lienholder letter of permission if the vehicle has an outstanding loan, Payment of title and registration fees ($4.00 title processing fee plus variable registration fees). A vehicle designation covers only that vehicle — to keep a home, accounts, and everything else out of probate in one document, SimplyTrust sets up a revocable trust online.

Vehicle TOD in Arizona

Arizona 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 Arizona, the designation is made through the Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) using Beneficiary Designation - For Vehicle Title Transfer Upon Death (Form 96-0561). Notarization is not required. A new certificate of title is issued showing the beneficiary.

In Arizona, the designation covers motor vehicle. Designation is available only to a sole owner of a vehicle titled in Arizona. Vehicles held by joint owners or tenants in common are not eligible.

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

A.R.S. 28-2055(B)

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

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