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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Arkansas allows a certificate of title with beneficiary on a vehicle title.Ark. Code Ann. 27-14-727Verified Aug 25, 2026View source It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Arkansas allows a certificate of title with beneficiary on motor vehicle and watercraft / motorboat. A beneficiary may not be added while the vehicle or watercraft is subject to a lien (27-14-727(d)(1)(A)). If a lien request is made for a beneficiary title, the beneficiary is removed and the lien added (27-14-727(d)(2)).Ark. Code Ann. 27-14-727Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

Add the designation through the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle using Request for Title or Watercraft Registration with Beneficiary (Form 108). Notarization is not required.Ark. Code Ann. 27-14-727Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

You file the completed designation with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle by mail to Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Special License Unit, P.O. Box 1272, Little Rock, AR 72203 or in person.Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle filing processVerified Aug 25, 2026View source Adding a vehicle TOD beneficiary is a title transaction (DFA form 108 plus surrender of the existing title): file by mail to the DFA Special License Unit or in person at a state revenue office. The myDMV online portal does not support adding a beneficiary to a title.

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In Arkansas: Sell the vehicle with proper assignment and delivery of the certificate of title to another person (27-14-727(f)(2)(A))., File a transfer-on-death application (DFA form 108) with the Office of Motor Vehicle to remove or change the beneficiary (27-14-727(f)(2)(B) referencing subsection (c))..Ark. Code Ann. 27-14-727Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Motor Vehicle by submitting: Proof of death of the owner, including a death certificate issued by the state or a political subdivision of the state (27-14-727(i)(1)(A)(i)), Surrender of the outstanding certificate of title with beneficiary (27-14-727(i)(1)(A)(ii)), Application for a new certificate of title and payment of the title application fee and title fee (27-14-727(i)(1)(A)(iii)). 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.

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