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

Yes. Arkansas allows a certificate of title with beneficiary on a vehicle title under Ark. Code Ann. 27-14-727. It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

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.

State where the vehicle is titled

Find out if a vehicle TOD fits your situation

Select your state to see whether you can name a beneficiary on your vehicle title and what vehicles qualify.

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. Arkansas allows a certificate of title with beneficiary on a vehicle title. 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)).

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.

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. 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))..

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.

Vehicle TOD in Arkansas

Arkansas 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 Arkansas, the designation is made 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. A new certificate of title is issued showing the beneficiary.

Arkansas extends the designation beyond cars: it covers 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)).

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

Ark. Code Ann. 27-14-727

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

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