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

Yes. Connecticut allows a designation of motor vehicle beneficiary on a vehicle title under Conn. Gen. Stat. 14-16(b). It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

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

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. Connecticut allows a designation of motor vehicle beneficiary on a vehicle title. It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Connecticut allows a designation of motor vehicle beneficiary on motor vehicle. Owner must be a single natural person (not a firm or corporation) with no specified co-owner.

Add the designation through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using Beneficiary Designation for a Motor Vehicle. Notarization is not required.

You file the completed designation with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by mail to Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, Specialized Registry Services, Room 305, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161 or in person. The CT beneficiary designation attaches to the certificate of registration; the at-death retitling is a title transaction filed by mail to Specialized Registry Services (Room 305, 60 State Street, Wethersfield) or in person by appointment at a DMV hub/branch. No online path for adding a beneficiary or changing a title.

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In Connecticut: Submit a new DMV beneficiary designation certificate naming a different beneficiary (or no beneficiary)., Transfer ownership of the vehicle during the owner's lifetime, which expires the registration and the designation under Conn. Gen. Stat. 14-16(a)-(b)..

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by submitting: The certificate of registration, properly completed and naming the individual as beneficiary, A certificate of death of the owner, Proof of the beneficiary's identity as the commissioner may require, The current certificate of title for the vehicle, A properly completed application for registration and title, with the transfer fee and applicable registration, title and number-plate fees, Application must be made to the commissioner not later than sixty (60) days after the owner's death. 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 Connecticut

Connecticut 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 Connecticut, the designation is made through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using Beneficiary Designation for a Motor Vehicle. Notarization is not required.

In Connecticut, the designation covers motor vehicle. Owner must be a single natural person (not a firm or corporation) with no specified co-owner.

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

Conn. Gen. Stat. 14-16(b)

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

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