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

Yes. Minnesota allows a transfer-on-death title to motor vehicle on a vehicle title under Minn. Stat. 168A.125. It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

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

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.

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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. Minnesota allows a transfer-on-death title to motor vehicle on a vehicle title. It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Minnesota allows a transfer-on-death title to motor vehicle on motor vehicle. 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) using Application to Title and Register a Vehicle (Form PS2000A). Notarization is not required.

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. Minnesota allows more than one beneficiary on a vehicle transfer-on-death title to motor vehicle.

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. 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..

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Department of Public Safety (applications made at deputy registrar offices) 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). 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 Minnesota

Minnesota 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 Minnesota, the designation is made through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Department of Public Safety (applications made at deputy registrar offices) using Application to Title and Register a Vehicle (Form PS2000A). Notarization is not required. A new certificate of title is issued showing the beneficiary.

In Minnesota, the designation covers motor vehicle. 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.

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

Minn. Stat. 168A.125

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

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