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

Because Maine does not offer a vehicle TOD designation, the vehicle transfers through: Surviving spouse transfer: on the death of a married Maine resident owner, ownership passes to the surviving spouse if no will provides otherwise and the lienholder (if any) consents; registration and title transfer to the spouse at no fee and exempt from purchase and use tax (29-A MRSA sec. 663). The spouse files Affidavit of Surviving Spouse or Personal Representative (Form MVT-22)., Small estate collection by affidavit: a successor may collect the decedent's personal property (including a vehicle) by affidavit if the entire estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $40,000 (adjusted for inflation) and 30 days have elapsed since death (18-C MRSA sec. 3-1201; summary administration under sec. 3-1203)., Joint ownership: a vehicle titled to joint owners with right of survivorship passes to the surviving owner, who retitles using the Joint Owner / Surviving Common Owner instructions and Form MVT-22., Personal representative transfer: once a personal representative is appointed by the probate court, the representative transfers the vehicle as part of estate distribution using Form MVT-22 (Maine BMV does not accept a copy of the will for title transfer)., Heir transfer (Maine residents): an heir may claim the decedent's interest in the vehicle following the Maine BMV Heir instructions when no personal representative is appointed.. To keep other assets out of probate, SimplyTrust sets up a revocable trust online.

Without a vehicle TOD option, a Maine vehicle typically passes through the estate unless it is jointly titled or held in a trust, or qualifies for a small-estate transfer. Compare your options with the trust vs. will comparison.