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

Minnesota allows a transfer-on-death title to motor vehicle on motor vehicleMinn. Stat. 168A.125Verified Aug 25, 2026View source. The statute by its terms applies to a "motor vehicle" titled under Minn. Stat. ch. 168A; the owner making the designation must be a natural person.

Add the designation through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Department of Public Safety (applications made at deputy registrar offices)Minn. Stat. 168A.125View source using Application to Title and Register a Vehicle (Form PS2000A)Minn. Stat. 168A.125View source. Notarization is not requiredMinn. Stat. 168A.125View source. You file the completed designation with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Department of Public Safety (applications made at deputy registrar offices) by mail to Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), 445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101-5187 or in person. In person, the TOD designation is filed through Minnesota's deputy registrar network (a local, non-county agent system; use the DVS office locator) on the title application (PS2000A); alternatively the completed application and fees may be mailed to central DVS in St. Paul. Adding a TOD beneficiary is a title transaction and is not available through DVS online services.

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during the owner's life; in Minnesota: File an application for a new certificate of title to change or remove the beneficiary designation (by the owner, or by all joint owners with rights of survivorship), without the beneficiary's consent. Minnesota allows more than one beneficiaryMinn. Stat. 168A.125Verified Aug 25, 2026View source.

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Department of Public Safety (applications made at deputy registrar offices)Minn. Stat. 168A.125View source by submitting: The existing certificate of title (if the title is missing, apply for a duplicate title first); Application for a new certificate of title (Application to Title and Register a Vehicle, PS2000A); Proof of death of the owner — the statute requires a certified death record; DVS accepts a copy of the death certificate, obituary notice, or memorial card; Payment of applicable title fees; Lien release, if applicable (ownership vests subject to the rights of secured parties). The designation covers that vehicle alone; a revocable trust set up with SimplyTrust keeps the home, the accounts and everything else out of probate in one document.