Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in Delaware?
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. Delaware allows a transfer-on-death beneficiary designation (certificate of title in transfer-on-death form) on a vehicle title.21 Del. C. § 2304Verified Aug 25, 2026View source It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.
Delaware allows a transfer-on-death beneficiary designation (certificate of title in transfer-on-death form) on motor vehicle.21 Del. C. § 2304Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
Add the designation through the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Transportation) using Transfer on Death Application (Form MV2025). Notarization is not required.21 Del. C. § 2304Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
You file the completed designation with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Transportation) by mail to State of Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 698, Dover, DE 19903 or in person.Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Transportation) filing processVerified Aug 25, 2026View source Adding a vehicle TOD beneficiary is a paper title transaction: form MV2025 must accompany the certificate of title and be filed in person at a DMV facility or by mail to the Division of Motor Vehicles (PO Box 698, Dover; FedEx/courier deliveries go to 303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19901). No consumer online path exists to add a TOD beneficiary to a Delaware title. All documents must be originals.
Yes. Delaware allows more than one beneficiary on a vehicle transfer-on-death beneficiary designation (certificate of title in transfer-on-death form).21 Del. C. § 2304Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In Delaware: File an application for a subsequent certificate of title changing or removing the beneficiary designation (no beneficiary consent required)..21 Del. C. § 2304Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Transportation) by submitting: Existing Delaware certificate of title for the vehicle, Certified copy of the owner's death certificate, Application for a Delaware certificate of title in the beneficiary's name, Payment of the standard certificate-of-title fee. 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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